NURSING shortages in the NHS look set to deepen after new research revealed an average age of the profession is now 40.
It seems that fewer nurses are coming into the profession, but if you look at nurses pay scales, many reach the top of their earning potential within five to six years. As there are fewer promotions nurses can't increase their pay as in other professions.
Three quarters of hospitals are having severe problems recruiting and keeping qualified staff. The NHS is short of over 8,000 full time nurses. So better pay and conditions are needed, not just for recruits but also for the present agency workforce if this Labour Government plans to recruit an extra 15,000 nurses in the next three years.
Walter Hall
Chairman Bradshaw Conservative Association
Sandown Road, Harwood
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