Responding to the analysis by the Nuffield Trust, Executive Director for RCN England, Patricia Marquis, said:
“A decade of missed targets isn’t just a numbers game – behind every single statistic are anxious patients, desperate to be seen. An honest conversation needs to be had with the public at this general election about what is truly needed to solve the crisis in our health and care system.
“Nursing staff go to work every day to deliver high-quality care but rising demand and a decade of underinvestment have left them with an almost impossible job. If waiting list targets are going to be met, it starts by investing in the nursing workforce across health and social care.
“Whoever walks into Downing Street in two weeks needs to take the bold action that will turn services around and get patients the timely care they deserve. This includes investing in community care and drastically improving preventative services to ensure people are being treated before they end up on waiting lists for long-term conditions.”
Ends
