In response to supporting nurses in their pay battle to protect patients and staff

THERE is no doubt about the vital role the NHS plays in all our lives. It is hard to imagine life without this bedrock of our nation to care for us when we are at our most vulnerable.

Nursing staff make up more than half of the NHS workforce, but they’ve been pushed beyond their limits. Patient care is at risk.

There are a record number of nursing vacancies and 25,000 nurses left the profession last year alone in the UK.

At the end of June, NHS figures show 6,645 nursing vacancies across the South East of England.

For the first time in our history, Royal College of Nursing members working for the NHS in every part of the UK are considering strike action.

Our patients are our priority – and we must advocate for them.

This year is worse than ever, and the UK government has no plan to improve things. Patients deserve better.

They deserve safe and effective care. They deserve dignity.

They should not have to fear that when they need them, nursing staff won’t be there. Without fair pay, we will never solve the problem of staffing shortages.

I will be urging our members to use their voice and vote for change. On behalf of the nursing profession, I ask you to support nursing staff as we take these steps to protect nursing and protect patients.

To add your name to our petition go to: www.rcn.org.uk/pay Jeremy Benton RCN South East Council Member