RCN comment on waiting times figures

Published: 02 January 2013

Commenting on new figures regarding waiting times in A&E, Tom Sandford, Director of RCN England, said:

"These figures are symptomatic of the huge strain the NHS is under. We know that despite a growing demand for A&E services, both hospital beds and staffing levels are being cut. This is resulting in a hospital system struggling to provide high quality services. Forcing patients to wait up to 12 hours before being admitted or discharged is not only unacceptable from a patient point of view, but can cause great distress to families, carers and nursing staff.

"It is vital that hospitals have enough hospital beds and the right number of staff with the right skills to ensure patients receive the quality of care they deserve. Equally, we would like to see a much greater investment in community services. This would help to reduce some of the pressures currently facing hospitals."
Ends

Notes for Editors

1. For further information, interviews or illustrations please contact the RCN Media Office on 02076473633, press.office@rcn.org.uk or visit http://www.rcn.org.uk/ newsevents/media

2. The Royal College of Nursing (RCN) is the voice of nursing across the UK and is the largest professional union of nursing staff in the world. The RCN promotes the interest of nurses and patients on a wide range of issues and helps shape healthcare policy by working closely with the UK Government and other national and international institutions, trade unions, professional bodies and voluntary organisations