Responding to the latest bed occupancy data from NHS England, RCN Director for England, Patricia Marquis, said:
“The latest figures show there has been no let up on the intense pressures that hospitals are facing. Bed occupancy at 90% is what you would expect at the height of winter, not the start of summer.
"When hospitals are at bursting point, the impacts echo through every stage of a health and care system that is already in crisis. A&E waits grow, waiting lists hit new records, and social care buckles. Patient care is at risk.
“Just a week ago ministers announced plans to boost capacity ahead of winter but without the people to care for patients the NHS will be in never-ending winter.
“A simple way to find and keep people working in the NHS is to pay them fairly – but nursing staff are leaving the profession in their droves because many simply cannot afford to be a nurse.
“The government’s failure to listen has forced us to ballot members on industrial strike action.
“It must be now, or these figures will continue to get worse and patient care and the recovery of the health and care services will last for a generation.”
Ends
Notes to Editors
NHS England data released today shows General and Acute beds occupancy was 89.6% for April - June 2022 (Quarter 1 2022/23).
