Wales votes in 2026
Our members are the backbone of patient care in Wales, caring for people at every life stage.
In May 2026, people across Wales voted to elect a new Welsh Government. This government's decisions will shape the future of health, social care, education and more.
Our members know what needs to change. Every day, they see the reality of corridor care, the pressures facing services, and the risks to patient safety. They also know what works: how to protect safe care, how to support people to be treated closer to home, how to ensure timely and safe discharge from hospital, and how to retain our expert nursing workforce here in Wales.
Whether in the NHS or independent sector, nursing must be at the heart of the new Welsh Government's plans for health and care services. We will continue to work hard to ensure that MSs from all parties in the new Senedd understand what it's going to take.
Our 2026 manifesto set out the changes we need to see - in this government's first 50 days, its first 6 months, and by the next election in 2030.
This is what we'll continue to campaign for now that the election is over. To discover how you can get involved, read on.
Our manifesto
If you are injured or ill, you are vulnerable. Receiving care should help you, not harm you.
Yet across Wales, corridor care has become widespread and entrenched. Nursing staff need the time to care. Nothing demoralises our members more than being forced to work in environments that make it impossible to deliver the best possible care, with employers not doing enough to protect patient safety.
Find out what we're calling on the next Welsh Government to do to tackle the biggest crises facing health and care in Wales - drawn from the experience and expertise of RCN Wales members.
Email your Members of the Senedd
You have six MSs (Members of the Senedd) who represent you. Our handy tool finds them all, gives you a template to edit in Welsh or English, and emails them at the touch of a button.
More than half of those elected this May have never been elected to the Senedd before. Introduce yourself and let them know what matters to you.
Get informed
Curiosity piqued?
Discover more about the actions we're calling for – and the evidence behind them.
Fair pay for nursing
It's high time nursing staff were valued for the safety-critical and highly skilled profession they trained for. Join us as we demand pay justice for every nursing professional.
Safe staffing
From ending corridor care to setting safety critical ratios, we won't stop until every workplace is safely staffed. Help us protect nursing staff and the public.
Page last updated - 19/05/2026
