Nurses call for urgent action in new RCN manifesto
The Royal College of Nursing (RCN) in Wales has launched a new manifesto calling on political parties to prioritise nursing and patient care in the run-up to the 2026 Senedd election.
Titled “Stronger Nursing, Stronger Nation”, the document sets out four urgent priorities: safe staffing legislation across all care settings, fair and competitive pay, better access to professional development, and stronger representation in decision-making.
RCN Wales said the manifesto was shaped by the experiences of frontline nurses and member survey responses, warning that without decisive action the Welsh NHS faces worsening staff shortages, corridor care, and declining patient safety.
One nurse said: “Nurses don’t need more promises—they need action. Safe staffing, fair pay, and a voice in shaping the future of care aren’t optional; they’re the foundation of a healthy Wales.”
A senior nurse added: “We love what we do. We just want the opportunity to do it to the highest standard. But without the resources we need, we’re being asked to deliver world-class care with one hand tied behind our backs.”
The RCN said that despite recent measures, many nurses feel undervalued and overworked. Student nurses also raised concerns about inadequate financial support, with one saying: “We’re being set up to fail before we even start.”
Mental health nurses echoed the call for urgent reform, with one saying: “I want the next Welsh Government to be brave enough to put patients and staff first—even when it’s not politically easy.”
Helen Whyley, Executive Director of RCN Wales, said the next Welsh Government must act immediately after the election: “This is a defining moment for health and care in Wales. The RCN has set out detailed, evidence-based recommendations that we expect the next Welsh Government to commit to, not in some distant future, but from day one. Within the first 50 days, members of the Senedd must take urgent steps to protect nursing and safeguard patient care. Within six months, they must deliver meaningful change. And within four years, we expect a reformed and resilient health and care system that respects both the workforce and the people it serves. Anything less is a risk Wales cannot afford.”
The manifesto calls on parties to engage directly with nurses as they prepare their election platforms, warning that without action, staff retention and patient safety will deteriorate further.
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