Public concern over nurse staffing levels

A YouGov poll for the Royal College of Nursing has revealed that 74% of 1,600 UK adults surveyed were concerned about staffing levels in the NHS. With the latest figures in England showing that one in 9 nursing posts are vacant, the RCN has branded the situation dangerous.
Unions point to a pay freeze since 2010 and a lack of training opportunities as the main reasons why growing number of nurses are leaving the profession.
General Secretary of the RCN, Janet Davies, will speak at the RCN’s annual conference in Belfast this year and will say: “This is a failure of politicians and policymakers – with an inability to recognise the value of nursing, an unwillingness to listen to those of you who are working in the service and a lack of political will to address it. The current shortages are not only dangerous, but a vicious circle too. Poor staffing levels are the number-one reason for working-age nurses leaving the register. Good nurses do not want to do a bad job”
A Department of Health and Social Care spokeswoman said more nurses are being recruited, and added “the NHS would collapse without our wonderful nurses”. She also pointed out there will be a 25% increase in student training places this year and more flexible working opportunities.