Two-thirds of NHS nurses believe lack of staff is putting patients at risk, survey finds

Union to urge ministers to bring in mandatory minimum staffing, as ageing population increases demand for care

Almost two-thirds of nurses believe there are too few of them working in the NHS to keep patients safe and give them proper care, a survey has revealed.

Understaffing and the increasingly complex medical needs posed by an ageing population are creating a “deadly mix” for patients, the Royal College of Nursing warned on Monday.

64% expected to cut services this year.

83% feared financial constraints will impact planned patient care and 78% worry it will affect emergency care.

57% expected to cut their clinical staffing this year to save money.