District nurse cuts crisis a false economy

“Slashing the number of district nurses needed to care for the elderly and people with long-term health conditions in their home is a false economy, that is storing up problems for future generations” is the warning from UNISON Head of Health, Christina McAnea, today (17 June). The union is calling for a nationwide programme to deliver enough training places to ensure that health care can be provided at home for those in need of medical support.
 
New figures showing that the number of district nurses who provide this vital  service have been almost cut in half in the past 10 years are a “disgrace” said the union.
 
Christina McAnea, went on to say:
 
“Without providing decent medical support for the growing elderly population, for patients with long-term medical conditions and those just leaving hospital after surgery, we see ping pong readmissions into hospital. This is putting more pressure on precious hospital beds and costing the country and patients dear. District nurses and healthcare assistants are essential to stop this happening.
 
“The Coalition Government has been responsible for a massive drop in the number of training posts for this vital role and those cuts need to be reversed as a matter of urgency.  Together with the age profile of the current workforce district nursing is already in crisis and it is set to get a whole lot worse.”
 
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