Responding to the Royal College of Nursing’s (RCN) survey showing that around a third of shifts had enough nurses Dr Layla McCay, director of policy at the NHS Confederation, said:

“The nursing shortages highlighted in this analysis are deeply worrying but unfortunately not surprising given the record levels of demand our members are facing amid ongoing financial and workforce pressures.

“The NHS Long-Term Workforce Plan sets out ambitious goals to boost staffing levels and the next government must commit to fully funding and delivering this, with an equivalent workforce plan for social care.

“But health systems are grappling with severe financial pressures, with leaders warning us they will have to freeze or cut clinical staffing levels to balance their books and meet efficiency targets. Without an urgent funding boost there could be substantial job losses and services closures.

“The next government must also prioritise ending pay disputes so that the NHS can concentrate on improving performance.”