There are around 40,000 unfilled registered nursing vacancies across the NHS in England alone.
The NHS recovery plan is pointless without more staff to tackle waiting lists, nurses are warning.
Announced earlier this week, the government has unveiled its plan to tackle record NHS waiting lists.
Nearly six million patients in England were waiting to start routine hospital treatment in November, the highest since records began in August 2007.
The health secretary has also suggested that a massive 10 million people are estimated to have stayed away from the NHS during the pandemic – meaning the actual figure could be much higher.
However, 40,000 unfilled registered nursing vacancies across the NHS in England alone is likely to impact the government’s plan for recovery significantly.
Nursing staff are now calling upon the ministers to develop a sustainable plan not only to train more nursing staff but also to retain current staff.
Late last year, a NursingNotes workforce survey suggested that around half of all nurses are currently considering leaving the profession.
Where will the staff come from?
The Royal College of Nursing (RCN) has questioned the plan’s credibility if a workforce plan isn’t established.
Pat Cullen, General Secretary and Chief Executive of the RCN, said: “Nursing staff will look at this plan and ask where the staff will credibly come from to deliver it in good time.
“Hospital care improvement is not possible in isolation – social care and community services too, each operating with high levels of unfilled nurse jobs, require equal attention.
“Every response today – from health and care leaders and across the political divide – asks this government to get a grip of workforce planning. It is critical to the safety of patients.
“The staffing crisis is heavily of their making and they must be accountable for fixing it. Too many of our members are considering their career choice this year and measures to keep them in post, including fairer pay, must be announced at speed.”
The British Medical Association (BMA) has also echoed the RCNs statement.
