Royal College of Nursing: Survey results 'no surprise'

This survey will sadly come as no surprise to nurses. Our members tell us that they are working extra hours just to get the essentials done but the NHS can't function on goodwill and commitment alone.

Nurses want to come to work and make a difference. It is hugely demoralising, not to mention potentially unsafe, if staff can't deliver for all their patients.

There is evidence of hospitals heeding the warnings of the Francis report and taking on more staff, but this is from a very low base at a time when demands are rising fast.