NHS Confederation responds to the outcome of the RCN's industrial action ballot

Responding to the outcome of the RCN's ballot of members on industrial action, Matthew Taylor, chief executive of the NHS Confederation, said:

“Leaders will be grateful for the certainty that the result of the RCN ballot brings and will be pleased to have a full cohort of nursing staff available as we head into winter. 

“However, while the vote has resulted in no more strikes, we must not overlook the concerns and conditions nurses are working in. With 112,000 vacancies in the NHS and large numbers of nurses continuing to leave the service, the government must do all it in can to address workforce shortages by implementing a fully funded and long overdue workforce plan, so nurses and other health staff can feel supported in delivering essential care to their patients.”