Commenting on government plans to boost funding for nurse training, Deputy head of health Helga Pile said:
“Annual funding for training has been slashed by £120 million over the past four years so this increase is welcome.
“Yet three fifths of direct patient care comes from support staff who only receive minimal training funds – much more is needed to help them give the best care and develop those with the potential to become nurses or other health professionals.
“The government needs to invest in improving working conditions and developing all employees to make the most of their potential – in an NHS desperate to hang on to staff – rather than offering up eye-catching, short-term tidbits.”
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 both the public and private sectors.
Media contacts:
Anthony Barnes T: 0207 121 5255 M: 07834 864794E: a.barnes@unison.co.uk
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