Responding to the latest NHS England figures today (Thursday) showing another record rise in waiting times, UNISON head of health Sara Gorton said:
“Surging numbers awaiting treatment underline the intense pressure on the NHS and its staff.
“Health workers know this means months, if not years, of short staffing, overrunning shifts and worries about the quality of care they can provide.
“Ministers must produce concrete plans urgently to deal with these demands and protect the staff looking after the nation’s health.
“That means ensuring minimum staffing numbers, enforcing proper breaks and encouraging staff to stay in their posts with fair and decent pay.”
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:
Anthony Barnes M: 07834 864794 E: a.barnes@unison.co.uk
Siobhan Cooley M: 07432 549183 E: s.cooley@unison.co.uk