Make minimum staffing levels a legal requirement by introducing national nurse-to-patient ratios that can help guarantee patient safety and protect staff wellbeing.
We believe recent government cuts have worsened understaffing issues, pushing services to a tipping point. Patients can be left waiting, care can be rushed, and harm can occur. There are reports of nurses burning out and leaving in record numbers. We feel unsafe care has become normal and is endangering both patients and staff. We think action is urgently needed to protect lives and sustain the NHS.
Government response
There are no plans to make nurse-to-patient ratios a legal requirement in England. Staffing levels are determined locally, supported by national guidance and regulated by the Care Quality Commission.