Responding to the Welsh government statement on the acceptance of the Doctors and Dentists Review Body, Helen Whyley, Executive Director RCN Wales said:
“It was clear that nursing staff were being failed on pay when the NHS Wales pay award of 3.3% was announced last month and today, that remains the case. Our safety critical profession deserves a fair award negotiated directly, not one that sees them fall further behind colleagues they work closest with to provide care.
Nursing staff are facing unreasonable pressure and are holding up the health service yet we are constantly being overloaded and disregarded. Confidence in the future of the NHS services in Wales has not only hit an all-time low but is rapidly falling behind the UK. Nurses are essential to improve patients experiences and health services.
We cannot keep going round in circles like this. The formal talks on reforming the NHS pay structure need a loud Welsh voice and must start immediately.
The next Welsh government needs to prioritise nursing urgently and at least match the commitments made to nursing in England.
ENDS
