RCN Wales Responds to First Minister's comments about lack of funding for fair pay rise for nursing

Responding to the First Minister’s comments about the lack of funding for a fair pay rise for nursing staff in Wales, Helen Whyley, Director of the Royal College of Nursing in Wales, said:

‘NHS Wales pay is a Welsh Government decision. Health care services are devolved. The First Minister has said in the past he believes in devolution because it allows Welsh solutions to Welsh problems. This is Mark Drakeford government’s opportunity to do just that.

I am calling on the Welsh Government to make a genuine commitment to improving the current pay award and to meet with the Royal College of Nursing to resolve this dispute. The Welsh Government must find a way forward with or without additional funding from the UK Government.

Nursing staff have endured years of real term pay cuts which has led to frightening levels of understaffing. This has a significant impact on patient care and why this dispute is about pay and safe nurse staffing levels. The nursing workforce is fundamental to the provision of NHS services to the people of Wales. Hospitals, beds, and equipment are nothing without qualified and skilled staff to care for patients.
 
As we approach the end of 2022 and a New Year it is bitterly disappointing that the Royal College of Nursing  is being forced to consider announcing further strike dates. I urge the First Minister to respond to positively to my letter inviting talks.” 

ENDS

Notes to Editors 
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 interests of nurses 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. 

Day 2 of RCN strikes will take place on Tuesday, 20 December. Details of RCN picket locations and timings can be found here.

For more information, please contact the RCN Wales Communications Hub on 02920680769 or communicationswales@rcn.org.uk