UNISON, the UK’s largest health union, said the results of the NHS staff survey showed health workers facing an uphill battle to care for patients in the face of job cuts, mounting pressure and stress.
The union is calling for comparisons to the Francis report to be made, and for the important lessons in both to be learnt. Staff must be listened to in order to ensure that patients receive the best possible care.
The survey again highlights the continuing problem of violence against staff in the NHS, with ambulance crews the worst affected (33%). And the continuing pay freeze is taking its toll, with two thirds of staff dissatisfied with their levels of pay.
Sara Gorton, UNISON Deputy Head of Health, said:
“The staff survey gives a snapshot of the pressures that staff are facing in the NHS.
“It is extremely worrying that a third feel that there are not enough staff to be able to do their jobs properly. This must ring alarm bells in the light of the tragic events at Mid Staffordshire. The staff shortages across the NHS are a result of Government pressure to cut costs. This cost-cutting must not be allowed to recreate the serious problems at Mid Staffordshire Hospital.
“Despite 70% of staff working extra hours it is sad to see that so many feel undervalued by their trust. More worrying still is that only 35% believe communications between staff and senior managers is effective.
“Much more work needs to be done to ensure that staff are listened to and their concerns acted on quickly.”
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