RCN: unprecedented demand in Wales

Published: 07 September 2012

Acute hospital emergency departments in Wales are dealing with unprecedented demands, the Royal College of Nursing has said.

The comments were made as officials in Wales revealed continuing overspends in the NHS. Cuts are being made to overtime and agency staff spending, and all health boards are struggling to meet savings targets.

Tina Donnelly, Director of the RCN in Wales, said: “Unfortunately for the NHS and the local health boards, they have seen an unprecedented demand in emergency care services continuing.

“If that demand is not resourced then there will have to be changes again later in the year if the health boards are to come in on budget."

More capacity is needed in GP surgeries and other areas in the community, where nursing staff could assess patients, the RCN said.