RCN Wales calls on Welsh Government to Take Responsibility for Nurses Pay Admist Ballot for Strike Action
RCN Wales is challenging the government to "find Welsh solutions to the problems that affect the Welsh people" and bring forward solutions that protect NHS services.
The Royal College of Nursing Wales, in a letter, told the Health Minister Eluned Morgan MS, that RCN Wales is ready and waiting to open discussions as soon as the Welsh Government wants to make a genuine commitment to improve the current NHS Wales pay award. The organisation is currently balloting members on possible strike action because of the insufficient pay award and lack of meaningful dialogue with the Welsh Government.
There are currently 3000 registered nurse vacancies in NHS Wales, up from 1,719 in 2021. These vacancy numbers are shocking and demonstrate that nurses are leaving the NHS and the nursing profession as they are concerned about patient safety and can’t afford to live.
Helen Whyley, Director RCN Wales said: “As we head into winter, we know that the situation within NHS Wales is deeply concerning with risks to patients from insufficient nursing staff and a struggling exhausted workforce. The RCN believes that the public deserves better and the way to retain and attract nursing staff is to reward them appropriately for their knowledge, skills, and commitment. This must start with an above-inflation pay rise.
“RCN Wales believes strike action is a last resort but one that has been reached due to the Welsh Governments continual denial, and inaction on addressing the issues facing nursing staff which are compromising patient care. NHS Wales spent £133.4m on nursing and midwifery agencies in 2021/2022, this was an increase of 41% compared to the previous year. This over reliance on agency nursing is a stark fact that demonstrates how this government must act immediately to attract and retain nurses.
Helen Whyley added: “In my letter, I have urged the Health Minister to consider her responsibilities for the nursing workforce in NHS Wales. A recent YouGov Poll in Wales showed that 85% of the public support a pay rise for nurses – all those people are potential NHS Wales patients.
“The Welsh Government must find local solutions to the problems that impact the people of Wales and find ways to protect our NHS services. RCN Wales is ready and waiting to open discussions with the Minister if she has a genuine commitment to improving the current pay award.”
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Notes to Editors:
• RCN members working in the NHS in Wales now have the chance to vote on whether to take historic strike action. The ballot is open from 6 October and all ballots must be received back by 2 November 2022.
• NHS Wales vacancy rates and agency nursing fees can be found in the RCN Wales annual report on the state of the nursing workforce Nursing in Numbers 2022
• Only one in five nurses in Wales say they have enough time to provide the level of care to patients that they would like to -RCN Wales Last Shift Survey. Nursing Under Unsustainable Pressure
• 85% of the public in Wales support a pay rise for nursing staff in the UK, according to data gathered by YouGov. The total sample size was 1,004 adults.
• RCN Scotland has recently met with Cabinet Secretary for Health and Social Care in Scotland but with no sign of an increased offer that is in line with members expectations.
For more information, please contact the RCN Wales Communications Hub on 02920680769.
Page last updated - 27/03/2023
