Responding to the Spending Review RCN General Secretary and Chief Executive Professor Nicola Ranger said:

“Against a backdrop of other cuts, nursing staff will see the NHS being protected but not transformed by today’s spending plans. The Chancellor acknowledged the contribution of nursing staff, but the reality is patient demand is rising and the nurse workforce crisis is deepening. Ambition and the funding to match is required from government if its flagship reforms are to be successful.

“Shifting care from hospitals into the community will require significant investment to not just stabilise the profession but grow nursing roles. When the government lays out its vision for the future of the NHS and its workforce, it must say how it intends to reverse collapsing student recruitment, boost retention and deliver urgent, structural reform to nursing pay. 

“Following the Chancellor’s speech, our members will give their verdict on whether the government is doing enough for the NHS in our live vote on the pay award.”

Ends