Royal College of Nursing General Secretary Dr Peter Carter


A survey of 10,000 staff by the Royal College of Nursing (RCN) found that 62% had thought about leaving over the last year because they are under so much stress in their job. A further 61% felt unable to give patients the care they wanted because they were too busy, while 83% believed their workload had increased in the last 12 months.




Rachael McIlroy, from the RCN, said: "Salaries have remained static while household bills are rising, and people are finding it really hard. Extra unpaid hours is an issue because there are too few staff, and job security is an acute concern."

Dr Peter Carter, the chief executive of the Royal College of Nursing, told the Mirror: "At a time when patients are so dependent on the nursing workforce, the idea that so many are contemplating leaving just doesn't bear thinking about. The reality is that nurses are caring for more patients, with fewer staff having less time. This just can't continue."

Jamie Reed, shadow health minister, said: "David Cameron's mismanagement of the NHS is putting it under huge strain. More than 5,000 nursing jobs have been lost since the election and waiting lists have reached a five-year high.
