RCN responds to latest NHS performance statistics
Responding to the latest NHS performance statistics, Royal College of Nursing Director in England, Patricia Marquis said:
“A new Prime Minister will have no alternative but to get a grip on this situation. Today’s statistics show that whether it’s a hospital treatment, a cancer diagnosis or care or a simple GP appointment, patients are having to wait longer and longer.
“The number of people waiting for planned treatment in hospital reached its highest number ever in May, with 4.4 million patients on the list. This is no surprise when NHS England themselves attribute the delays highlighted in the monthly waiting time statistics to ‘continued staffing and bed pressures’.
“For cancer referral and treatment targets are still being missed. With evidence showing that shorter waiting times lead to earlier diagnosis and improved outcomes, we need action to drive improvement in this vital area.
“With one in ten nursing posts currently vacant in England alone - the situation will not change unless the NHS manages to recruit more staff."
ENDS
