Nurses say hospitals already stretched to the limit

Eight out of ten nurses say patient care is already suffering because of a lack of staff on NHS wards.

The survey was conducted by the Royal College of Nursing, suggesting the figures need to be seen in context – many nurses are worried about their jobs and are therefore unlikely to say their organisation is over-staffed – but still gives an insight into the struggle the NHS will have to make 4% annual efficiency savings.

The RCN is among the most activist of health unions, with its leadership fully signed up to the TUC anti-cuts rally in London on March 26. Its website says: “The RCN believes it is vital that public sector workers and unions stand together in the face of threats to livelihoods and services. The march will give thousands of people who work in the public sector and those who value these services the opportunity to question the Government’s claims that there is no alternative to the cuts.”

RCN chief executive Dr Peter Carter said: “ The results of our survey act as a reality check for those saying that cuts aren’t biting in the NHS. It is deeply worrying that some nurses are telling us that they do not have enough staff to deliver quality care and that safety could be compromised.”

The RCN says that at the last count, 27,000 posts have been earmarked for cuts – though many will be through unfilled vacancies and a recruitment freeze.