Health service under increasing pressure

Published: 28 February 2013

Results of a new survey show that NHS staff in England are under increasing pressure, with patients experiencing frustration and delays, the Royal College of Nursing has said.

The comments were made in response to the 2012 NHS staff survey for England.

Dr Peter Carter, RCN Chief Executive & General Secretary, said the NHS is facing one of its most challenging periods, with demand rising, an ageing population and unprecedented financial constraints. “Now more than ever, it needs staff who are empowered and supported to give the high quality care their patients deserve,” he said.

The survey findings show that more than four in 10 nurses said they had suffered from work-related stress in the last 12 months and 81 per cent are working extra hours just to get the job done.

Dr Carter added: “Shockingly, almost a quarter of nurses also said that they have experienced physical violence from patients, relatives or members of the public in the past year. We are also concerned that only 55 per cent of nurses felt that something would be done if they raised their concerns with managers.”

The RCN said the NHS as a whole, and individual employers, need to listen to their staff, understand why problems are occurring and take action to ensure safe care.