Invest in nursing for good health in every postcode

The new Prime Minister, Andy Burnham, has pledged to put more power in people's hands and drive growth in every postcode.

Good economic growth starts with good health. That's why this new Westminster government must invest in nursing to put patients and communities first.

Help us put nursing at the front of the new government's political agenda. 

Fill in your details to add your name to the Royal College of Nursing's open letter. 

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Dear Prime Minister,

You’ve promised to do things differently and deliver good growth in every postcode. Nursing staff stand ready to play a leading role, but they need your backing, too.

We are here to tell you that the full potential of nursing is not being realised due to years of cuts to pay, barriers to progression and underinvestment that have caused a workforce crisis.

Good growth in every postcode starts with good health in every postcode and a strong and fairly paid nursing workforce to make it happen. It's crucial the incoming administration recognises the value of nursing and the links between social care and NHS performance.

To help build a country that works for all people and all places, we urge you to act on five key priorities in your first 100 days

• Restore trust and dignity to the NHS

• Break the cycle of nursing pay inequity 

• Strengthen nursing to strengthen the nation 

• Fix adult social care 

• Value and retain internationally educated nursing staff

By backing nursing, your government can show that national renewal starts with the people who care for the nation.