Responding to the Freedom of Information data obtained by the Liberal Democrats, Professor Nicola Ranger, RCN Chief Nursing Officer and Deputy Chief Executive, said:
“Behind these figures are people’s parents and grandparents, some of society’s most vulnerable who we’d expect to be treated with the upmost dignity. The bleak reality is that those who should be given the greatest care are deteriorating whilst left on chairs and trolleys in corridors, cupboards and side rooms for hours on end.
“This is becoming normalised across hospitals and it’s simply not acceptable. In efforts to clear pressures at the front door patients are moved around, treated in inappropriate areas, which are often public spaces. It’s unsafe and undignified.
“Staff are increasingly stressed, suffering moral injury from being forced to work in these circumstances. The shocking truth is that the full scale of the problem and its impact remains hidden as data is not collected and published by NHS England.
“This is a whole system issue. Demand on services is increasing but GPs, community and social care are not resourced to support an ageing population with complex needs. Patients waiting to be discharged home from hospital adds to the problem. Ahead of the election, politicians need to demonstrate they understand that investment in services and the staff that deliver them are vital to supporting a healthy nation.”
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