Responding to the news that the Royal College of Nursing (RCN) has announced a 48-hour strike from 1 to 3 March, Professor Philip Banfield, chair of BMA council, said: 

“We stand in solidarity with our nursing colleagues and support the RCN in making the decision to escalate strike action. That such a measure is necessary indicates just how little support nurses are receiving, as they work beyond their limits to provide patient care. NHS staff have shown time and time again their enormous value, yet ministers continually fail to recognise this.
 
“This Government has ignored all calls to discuss the pay and working conditions of nurses, doctors and other NHS staff, while continuing to push our health service further into decline.

“While the Welsh Government’s commitment to working towards pay restoration across the health care sector is a positive move, we need to see the same in England where ministers simply refuse to see sense. How much worse must the situation get before this government gets to grips with the crisis and shows the nurses that it genuinely values them? The ball is firmly in their court.”

Notes to editors

 
The BMA is a professional association and trade union representing and negotiating on behalf of all doctors in the UK. A leading voice advocating for outstanding health care and a healthy population. An association providing members with excellent individual services and support throughout their lives.