Constituents have contacted me about the pay and conditions of nurses.
I would like to start by saying that I am extremely grateful for the dedication of nursing staff in very difficult circumstances over the last three years. In particular, I appreciate that the challenge of working in the NHS during the pandemic, and through the current period when the demand for patient care is very high, has taken a significant toll on nurses.
I note concerns about the Government's proposals around minimum service levels for hospitals during industrial action. However, the last 12 months have seen significant disruption to patient care from industrial action, with more than 1 million appointments being rescheduled since December 2022.
The Government's proposals would require hospitals to provide the same level of care for patients requiring urgent or emergency treatment during a period of industrial action as on a non-strike day. For further context, this would mean that patients requiring urgent cancer treatment, requiring dialysis, or patients requiring a transplant where a potential donor match is identified can receive the treatment they need without being delayed by industrial action.
The Department of Health and Social Care recently concluded a consultation on these measures, inviting views from patients, trade unions and other stakeholders. The Department is currently evaluating the responses to the consultation, and will publish next steps in due course.
Fiona Bruce MP
January 2024
