Dr Peter Carter, head of the Royal College of Nursing, has called for visiting hours in hospitals to be extended.
In his opinion, help from friends and relatives leads to a better hospital experience for patients.
Christine Beasley, Chief Nursing Officer, said in response:
“Carers and relatives do amazing work and we welcome and value their help but this must be in addition to NHS care, not instead of it.
“Nurses should spend their time caring for patients and it’s important to look at the way wards are run to help ensure this happens. I expect all hospitals to ensure that they are providing safe, high quality nursing care because this must be at the heart of the NHS.”
