NHS are better off with a ‘fresh’ government, says Royal College of Nursing

The Royal College of Nursing (RCN) is balloting all of its UK members to strike for the first time in its 106-year history, but the institution has stated a fresh election can move the industry forward.

Nursing staff across England are currently voting on whether to strike over deteriorating pay and conditions, with results set to be revealed in November.

However, following the resignation of Prime Minister Liz Truss, the NHS is now facing a fourth Health Secretary which could help change the way the health sector is treated.

Founded in 1916, the RCN have never called for strike action amongst nurses until now, due to low wages and staffing diffculties, resulting in record-breaking NHS wait times. 

Pat Cullen, General Secretary and Chief Executive of RCN has said: ‘This government collapsed because it pursued a narrow agenda for the rich — giving most to those who have the most.

‘Working people — our half a million-nursing staff chief amongst them — deserve better than that raw deal.

‘A reshuffling of faces, if not met by a radical shift in outlook, will not inspire confidence. In the eyes of our members, perhaps only a fresh election can move the country forward.

‘We are halfway through our historic ballot. Nursing staff are voting yes to striking but also yes to a much bigger call for fairness and justice. A new prime minister and government — of any party — must be ready for that result in November.’

The current government has continuously upset nursing staff since rising to power, as no real solutions have come to the fore and further cuts have taken place, with Liz Truss’ deciding to distribute NHS funding into other health care sectors. 

Health Secretary Therese Coffey also announced last week that she has ‘no plans’ to increase the pay of nurses and said staff can leave the UK ‘if they want to’ amid staffing and pay complaints.

Ms Coffey could soon hold the record for the shortest Health Secretary in history, followed by Steve Barclay who held the position for 63 days over the summer. 

Photo by Ehimetalor Akhere Unuabona