Commenting on the Nursing and Midwifery Council’s annual registration report published today (Thursday), UNISON national nursing officer Stuart Tuckwood said:
“Overseas nurses have been on the front line providing vital care throughout the pandemic. Ministers must make them feel welcome and treat them fairly by keeping promises to drop the health surcharge and provide refunds for fees already incurred.
“Although staffing numbers are heading in the right direction, there’s a long way to go before the 100,000 vacancies across the NHS are filled.
“Health workers are facing burnout from the colossal pressures of the past few months. It’s time for proper investment in the NHS with better pay, safe staffing levels and increased emotional support.
“And building the dwindling number of community nurses is more vital than ever to support and care for people in their own homes.”
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
Liz Chinchen M: 07778 158175 E: l.chinchen@unison.co.uk