Political parties are being called on to promise investment in the NHS as the date is set for a snap general election.
On 18 April, Prime Minister Theresa May announced her cabinet’s decision to hold an election on 8 June – in six weeks’ time. The decision must be voted through by Parliament and Labour opposition has pledged to support the government’s decision.
While Brexit is the main issue to be contended in coming weeks, prominent nursing organisations have now called on all parties to lay out policies in their manifesto which will see investment and improvement in health services.
Chief executive of the Royal College of Nursing (RCN) Janet Davies said: ‘Brexit is not the only issue the country faces - we will make sure that NHS and social care are on the ballot paper this June.
‘The RCN will challenge all parties to give health and care services the funding and staff they need for safe patient care. We will be consulting our members on the RCN’s manifesto and the commitments they want to see from election candidates.’
The Royal College of Midwives (RCM) echoed the RCN’s calls for focus on NHS services in campaign promises.
RCM director of policy Jon Skewes said: ‘We want to see the next government invest in the NHS, invest in maternity services and invest in the welfare and pay of NHS staff so that they can provide safe and high quality services for the people they care for.’