Government must end NHS despair by fixing workforce problems

New record NHS waiting times in England show worsening situation

Commenting on new figures from NHS England published today (Thursday) showing record waiting times for ambulance responses and in A&E departments, UNISON deputy head of health Helga Pile said:

“The problems affecting the NHS go from bad to worse. It’s no wonder its staff are in such a state of deep despair.

“The government must stop watching from the side lines as too few health workers struggle to deliver for patients in the face of unprecedented demand.

“A solution to the staffing crisis, which lies at the heart of the worsening statistics, is long overdue. That must start with a rethink on pay so the many staff on the brink of quitting are persuaded to stay. If they don’t, the consequences for care are unthinkable.”

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.