NMC response to NHS funding announcement

Responding to today’s announcement of increased funding for the NHS, Andrea Sutcliffe, Chief Executive and Registrar of the Nursing and Midwifery Council, said:

“I welcome the focus in this announcement on upgrading facilities and equipment which should improve the experience of people using services and the thousands of nurses, midwives, nursing associates and other staff who care for them.

“But better facilities need to be matched by enough of the right people with time to care. We hear from professionals on our register worried about the pressures they face, particularly where there are high levels of vacancies. Investing in recruiting and retaining nurses, midwives and nursing associates, including supporting their ongoing training and development, must also be a priority to ensure the safest, best care is provided for everyone who needs it.

“While these commitments for the NHS are appreciated, we ignore social care at our peril. I hope the recent promises from Government that their plans for social care reform will be unveiled soon are delivered on and reflect the important role of nurses and nursing associates in sustaining quality care for all.”

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