Report finds 2900 nurse vacancies in Welsh NHS
The RCN says healthcare in Wales is in crisis
A new report is highlighted the urgent need for more nurses in Wales.
An annual review by The Royal College of Nursing says the Welsh NHS has vacancies for 2,900 nurses.
Senedd Members will debate safe nurse staffing levels today after an RCN public petition was signed by more than ten and a half thousand people.
Helen Whyley, RCN Wales Director, said: “Health care in Wales is in crisis and unfortunately patients are paying the price.
"Nurses are exhausted and under pressure to deliver the high standard of care their patients deserve, while being conscious that the number of people waiting for treatment is rising.
"There are 2,900 registered nurse vacancies in the NHS alone, a rise of nearly 1,200 from the previous year. This is deeply troubling and shows that nurses are being pushed to the exit and are leaving the NHS.
"The Welsh Government needs to act now to safeguard patients and support the nursing workforce. The Welsh Government must address nurse staffing levels to ensure environments where patients receive care are safe.
"We are calling on Eluned Morgan MS, Minister for Health and Social Services, to listen to nursing staff, safeguard patients and make sure there is an NHS able to deliver care for future generations”.
Richard Jones MBE, RCN Wales Board Chair, said: ‘Today, Members of the Senedd will debate safe nurse staffing levels as a result of our successful public petition.
"10,572 people signed our petition to protect patients by extending Section 25B of Wales’s safe nurse staffing law. I am hugely thankful to the people of Wales for their overwhelming support.
"The public understands the importance of having enough nursing staff to give safe and effective care to all our loved ones.”