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Royal College of Nursing responds to ONS data on COVID-19 deaths of nursing staff

Press Release 25/01/2021

Royal College of Nursing responds to ONS data on COVID-19 deaths of nursing staff

Responding to ONS data on COVID-19 deaths in nursing staff, Dame Donna Kinnair, Chief Executive and General Secretary of the Royal College of Nursing, said:

"The loss of life of healthcare workers is heart-breaking and is felt profoundly by every member of the nursing community. Our thoughts are with the family and friends of all of them.

“The fact the rate of death amongst nursing staff is significantly higher than the general population highlights the absolute need to properly investigate why this is happening and give them the protection they need.

“We also need to see real-time information on the demographics including ethnicity of those who have lost their lives. We have repeatedly called for those from BAME background to be given greater protection.

“Only with quality information and proper reporting can we have confidence that the full loss of life is known, and no family feels their loved one has been forgotten. Nursing staff are fearful, angry, and too many are mourning the loss of colleagues”

Ends

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