Responding to the ‘NMC Spotlight on Nursing and Midwifery’ report RCN Chief Nursing Officer Lynn Woolsey said:
“Nursing staff take pride in doing their best for patients but this report shows the dashboard is flashing red for a workforce drowning under unmanageable workloads, unsafe staffing levels within toxic environments. When almost a third say patient safety is being compromised and almost a quarter feel at risk of burnout, it is little wonder so few would now recommend nursing as a career. This is a perfect storm for patient care now and in the future.
“It is extremely troubling to see so many staff reporting bullying and harassment as well as discrimination at work, with so much of it directed at those from a minority ethnic background. We have repeatedly raised the alarm on this appalling treatment and this report shows we need leadership and action from politicians and service leaders now.
“Turning around health and social care requires governments to listen to their largest workforce. Investment to boost nurse numbers, alongside strategies to improve retention are crucial to easing workload pressures and freeing up staff to deliver care they are proud of.”
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Notes to editors
