Nurse numbers are falling because of the Government’s disregard for NHS staff – Jonathan Ashworth

Jonathan Ashworth MP,
Labour’s Shadow Health Secretary, commenting on the latest
NHS Digital workforce figures which show a fall of 1071 in nurse numbers in the
past year, said:

“The Government has totally failed
in their planning of the NHS workforce. Cuts to training places and the
disastrous pay cap have pushed staff to the brink and now nurse numbers are
falling year on year because of the Government’s disregard for NHS staff.

"Just yesterday Jeremy Hunt said
mental health would be a priority for the Government but even mental health
nurse numbers are falling.

"It is essential that the NHS can
get enough staff in place to deliver safe services for patients. The Government
should immediately end the pay cap and give NHS staff the pay they
deserve.”