As was referenced by Rhun ap Iorwerth, we do welcome the fact that the Welsh Government has increased the number of nursing student places in Wales, with the exception of 2019-20, where the number remained static. It is very much welcome. But, unfortunately, the exodus of nurses leaving the NHS shows no sign of slowing down, and clearly seems to be increasing, as many nurses are leaving the profession earlier in their careers. In fact, when I recently met with the RCN, I heard directly from staff that students are even taking the decision not to seek work with the NHS because of what they've witnessed and experienced during placements, and the stress they have been under because of what they consider to be unsafe staffing levels. 

Experiences of the pandemic only reinforced what was already known about the NHS and the nursing workforce here in Wales. It is a workforce suffering from staff shortages, low pay and low morale, and yet it is incredibly needed and valued. But the reality is that nurses are operating in an environment deprived of investment and resources, which is why it should be of no surprise that the biggest threat to the workforce is its sustainability, with far more nurses leaving the NHS than can be matched by newly-qualified nurses or internationally-recruited nurses.

Research has shown that, where there are fewer nurses, patients are 26 per cent more likely to die, and this rises to 29 per cent following complicated hospital stays. Health boards acknowledge that nursing retention is an issue, and in many reports, discussed at countless meetings, they frequently highlight the absence of a national strategy in terms of retention. We need a national solution to a national problem, yet it appears that there is no incentive or performance management scrutiny from the Welsh Government in terms of the issue of staff retention. There is clearly a staffing crisis, and the Welsh Government must take action to tackle the issue of retention if we are to see improvements.

As has already been referenced, there are various strategies to address the high vacancy rates, such as the all-Wales national approach, and there are effective procurement initiatives and support for international nurses in place. However, in terms of both retention and recruitment, we already know what would make a difference to nurses, because they have told us, and that is uplifting nurses' pay and making sure staffing levels are safe. We know that, with the coming winter pressures as well as the cost-of-living crisis, the deeply concerning situation within NHS Wales will only worsen. And the current risk posed to patients because of a shortage in nursing staff and a struggling, exhausted workforce will increase.

We believe that our nurses and the public deserve appropriate and sufficient care. The only way to attract and retain nursing staff is to reward them, and to reward them well for their skills and commitment, and this must start with an above-inflation pay rise. This isn't my solution nor Plaid Cymru's—it's what nurses have told us needs to happen. This is something I have been told when I've met with them in hospitals, and heard directly from them about the very real challenges they are facing, and why some people feel they have no option but to leave a profession that they really, truly care about.

During the pandemic, we showed our appreciation for the NHS by standing on our doorsteps and clapping, but saying 'diolch' is no longer enough, and actions do speak louder than words, and I would ask all Members of the Senedd to support our motion and support our nurses today.