Responding to the annual staff survey released today (Tuesday) by the NHS, UNISON says that health staff provide the sticking plaster that keeps the service together.
The survey highlights the work ethic of staff under pressure, turning up when sick, dealing with harassment and coping without adequate supplies or equipment.
UNISON General Secretary Dave Prentis said: “This survey spells out what NHS staff tell us all the time, that they love their jobs and want to do the best they can for patients.
“When nine in ten staff say they go to work when they are ill because they think they should, and 73 per cent work unpaid overtime, there can be no doubting the commitment of our health service staff.
“However it also reveals that 70 per cent say there are not enough staff to provide that care. A recent King’s Fund report showed that half of NHS finance officers believe budget cuts have hit quality of care this past year.
“With demand for NHS services rising, and with ever shrinking resources, our dedicated NHS workforce is under incredible stress trying to cope.
“The NHS staff survey shows it makes no sense to cut NHS funding and put even more pressure on staff.”
Notes to editors:
- The NHS staff survey is available on the NHS website.
- The Kings Fund report can be found here.
- All UNISON press release can be found at https://www.unison.org.uk/news/media-centre/
