Let’s talk and find common ground to end nurses’ strikes

Health minister and nurse Maria Caulfield says accepting RCN pay demands would cost the taxpayer and urges talks to continue on nurses' pay, conditions and workload

I know firsthand the challenges faced by our hardworking nurses.

We are currently in the middle of an extremely difficult winter with a surge in flu, COVID and strep A cases on the back of an unprecedented pandemic that is putting a huge strain on NHS staff.

I also appreciate the impact high inflation is having on pay packets – it is a tough period for the whole country, and voting on the question of industrial action was a difficult decision for many RCN members.