Staff survey shows a health service on the edge – RCN

Published: 28 February 2013

For immediate release: Thursday 28 February 2013

The Royal College of Nursing (RCN) today responded to the publication of the 2012 NHS staff survey for England. Dr Peter Carter, Chief Executive & General Secretary of the RCN 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. This survey paints a very different picture. In struggling to meet their daily demands, more than four in ten nurses said they had suffered from work related stress in the last twelve months. Meanwhile 81% are working extra hours just to get the job done. Unfortunately, the strains of doing this are showing, with more staff reporting being unwell due to stress.

“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% of nurses felt that something would be done if they raised their concerns with managers.

“Sadly, this survey shows us that things are getting worse, and a picture is being painted of staff under pressure, and patients experiencing frustration and delays. 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.”

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Notes for Editors

1. For further information, 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 nursing staff 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.