Your web browser is outdated and may be insecure

The RCN recommends using an updated browser such as Microsoft Edge or Google Chrome

Royal College of Nursing responds to the latest NHS Urgent and Emergency Daily Situation Report and Sickness Absence data

Press Release 26/01/2023

Responding to the latest NHS Urgent and Emergency Daily Situation Report and Sickness Absence data, RCN Director for England, Patricia Marquis, said:

“The pressure on nursing staff and the effect on their patients is exactly why we are taking strike action. 

"With thousands of patients still stuck in hospitals in England who are medically fit to be discharged – up from this time a month ago – the pressure on nursing staff and hospitals is extremely high. The effect on staff is evident – with mental health reasons the most cited for nursing staff sickness and almost a quarter of all sick days taken for this reason. It has created a perfect storm where patient care is not safe, and staff are under intolerable stress.

"The Government cannot blame the pandemic and other winter pressures for the crisis unfolding before our eyes – this has been a long time in the making yet the Government has consistently ignored the clear signs.

"The Prime Minister and his ministers need to negotiate a fair pay rise for nursing before they push nurses out into the cold and onto picket lines once again."

Ends  

Notes to Editors 

Press Office Contacts

Nick Spears, Senior Media Officer
020 7647 3696

Claire Nelson, Senior Media Officer
029 2054 6401

Nina Romain, Media Officer
020 7647 3555

Michael Finlayson, Media Officer
020 7647 3459

Out of hours duty press officer
020 7647 3633