Alliance Health spokesperson Paula Bradshaw MLA has welcomed the Royal College of Nursing’s (RCN) new campaign on safe nursing levels in NHS England, and warned many of the same issues apply to Northern Ireland.

Speaking on World Patient Safety Day, the South Belfast MLA stated: “I welcome the RCN’s ongoing work on safe staffing levels which has already borne fruit in Scotland and Wales.

“I would like to see a re-established Assembly in Northern Ireland making it a legal responsibility for the Executive to ensure safe staffing levels in health and social care. Most people will agree it is remarkable there is no existing statutory requirement in either Northern Ireland or England.

“Ultimately, this is about ensuring patient safety, as well as the well-being of nurses who are already underpaid.

“I will continue to work with the RCN and maintain contact with the Department of Health to ensure safe staffing is central to planning in and transformation of our health and social care services.”