Responding to the latest NHS England performance data, RCN General Secretary and Chief Executive, Pat Cullen, said:
"This mounting pressure on our health system is yet more evidence of the need for drastic action and investment in the nursing workforce, which has seen so many leave and vacancies steadily grow.
“More that 6 million people on waiting lists and record numbers waiting for a bed in A&E comes just days after ministers said supporting the NHS to clear the COVID-19 backlog was a priority.
“Nursing staff will continue to raise the alarm on behalf of patients. Until there is realisation that health services need staff as well as beds, patient waiting lists will continue to grow and they will be left without the care they need for years to come.”
Ends
Notes to editors
NHS England performance data shows 6.36 million people waiting for treatment as of March 2022, this is up from 6.18 million the previous month.
The number of people waiting more than 12 hours from decision to admit to admission has increased again from the previous month - from 22,506 in March to 24,138 in April.
