Commenting on the leaked NICE report on staffing levels in accident and emergency departments, UNISON General Secretary Dave Prentis said:
“This comes as no surprise. UNISON has long argued the benefits for minimum staffing levels, including those in casualty departments.
“The fact that someone had to leak the information brings government transparency on these issues into question.
“We believe NICE should be able to complete and publish its guidance and the NHS should have been afforded the time and resources to implement any changes before being assessed by the Care Quality Commission.
“It is vital that there are enough nurses on duty to ensure patients get the level of care they need so staff can concentrate on delivering that care.”
Contacts:
Media enquiries:
Alan Weaver T: 020 7121 5555 M: 07939 143310 E: a.weaver@unison.co.uk
Liz Chinchen T: 020 7121 5463 M: 07778 158175 E: l.chinchen@unison.co.uk
Fatima Ayad T: 020 7121 5255 M: 07508 080383 E: f.ayad@unison.co.uk
