A new RCN report has revealed there are now 2,717 registered nurse vacancies in the NHS in Wales. This is up from 1,719 in 2021. There are further shortages in the independent and social care sectors.
The RCN Wales Nursing in Numbers report highlights a reliance on agency nursing, with a 21% increase in spending on nursing and midwifery staff since 2021-2022. The report shows nursing staff are working 69,877 additional hours every week. This is the equivalent of an extra 1,863 full-time posts.
The effect pressures are having on staff wellbeing is also clear with fewer nursing staff now saying they feel enthusiastic about their job. The number who feel they’re too busy to provide the level of care they would like to give has grown by 9%.
RCN Wales Director Helen Whyley said:
“The Welsh Government needs to up its investment in this essential profession which makes up 40% of the NHS Wales workforce.
“Nursing staff are exhausted, and recruitment hasn’t kept pace with patient need. I’m calling on Eluned Morgan, Minister for Health and Social Services, not to take nursing for granted. Listen to nursing staff, safeguard patients and make sure there is an NHS able to deliver care for future generations”.
Yesterday (26 September), RCN members from across Wales met with politicians at the Senedd to discuss the issues highlighted in the report.
