Crisis in nursing unresolved after today's Budget, Royal College of Nursing says

Responding to today's Budget, RCN General Secretary and Chief Executive Professor Nicola Ranger, said: 

“The Chancellor's task was difficult, but the crisis in nursing remains unresolved after today's Budget. Thousands of staff continue to leave the profession, whilst new nurse numbers have collapsed in every English region. We are a safety-critical profession, worthy of infrastructure-style investment. This would make the NHS safer, local communities healthier and boost the economy.

“New funding for upgrading NHS facilities is long-overdue. But it's also true that new scanners, more beds and extra appointments need staff. A depleted, worn-out and undervalued profession can't bring down waiting lists and transform care.

“Nursing is ready to help deliver the government's shift from hospital to community, but that will be impossible without investing in the profession, including in social care. Further delay and deterioration is against the national interest. Nursing is crying out for change and will become increasingly restless without it.”