Record waiting lists call for proper investment in NHS workforce, says UNISON

Comprehensive action needed to tackle understaffing and shorten wait times

Commenting on new figures from NHS England published today (Thursday) showing waiting lists for treatment are at an all-time high, UNISON deputy head of health Helga Pile said:

“The NHS is facing a double whammy of record demand and record waiting lists. That means the already exhausted and demoralised workforce is staggering up a mountain that just keeps getting higher.

“The government must invest now to retain existing staff and attract sufficient new recruits over the next few years. That means improving pay and funding more support for staff well-being.

“Without comprehensive action to deal with understaffing, waiting lists will continue to spiral.”

Notes to editors:
– UNISON is the UK’s largest union with more than 1.3 million members providing public services in education, local government, the NHS, police service and energy. They are employed in the public, voluntary and private sectors.

Media contacts:
Siobhan Cooley M: 07432 549183 E: s.cooley@unison.co.uk
Anthony Barnes M: 07834 864794 E: a.barnes@unison.co.uk