Letter: Nurses need respect

CATHERINE PEPINSTER rightly emphasises the unacceptability of dirty bathrooms and poor food in hospital. Nutrition, cleanliness, dignity and comfortable surroundings are at the heart of nursing. Given that we're facing the worst crisis in nurse shortages for 25 years, the detrimental impact on patient care is as inevitable as it is distressing.

Conveying to nurses a sense of their value is vital if we are to address this shortage. One way of achieving this is by recognising expertise. But, as Ms Pepinster recognises, a hike of pay is essential to keeping nurses in a profession upon which high-quality patient care relies.

CHRISTINE HANCOCK

Royal college of Nursing, London W