Justin Madders MP, Labour’s Shadow Health Minister, commenting on figures showing nine in ten hospitals have a shortage of nurses, said:
“These figures illustrate the scale of the nurse staffing crisis now engulfing the NHS.
“The Government’s cuts to nurse training places have left hospital wards dangerously understaffed, forcing NHS bosses to waste huge amounts of money on expensive agency staff. This is impacting on patient care and leaving important tasks being left undone.
“We cannot allow this situation to be tolerated any longer. Ministers need to urgently ensure there are enough staff on hospital wards to deliver safe care. Nurses are the lifeblood of a successful NHS.”