Anonymous nurse: 'I have never known morale so low'

A ward sister who's been a nurse for nearly 30 years has told 5 live that "heart-breaking" levels of low morale are driving staff out of the profession.

The Welsh NHS nurse, whose comments are voiced by an actor, says an erosion of trust has led to greater verbal abuse from patients' relatives. She says the pressures change along with 'different managers and politicians...you never hear what happened beyond the front line".

"I can't remember the last time I went home on time...I spend at least the equivalent of a shift a week in free overtime".

Thousands of health workers in England and Northern Ireland recently went on strike over pay, the first for more than 30 years.

A Welsh Government spokesperson said:

"While we can't comment on anonymous criticism, we value the essential work nurses do everyday providing patient care and they are the backbone of the Welsh NHS.

"That is why last year we announced an extra £10 million every year to help improve nurse staffing levels to ensure patients' experiences of care are of the highest standards.

"While it is generally recognised by the public that there are pressures on our health services, patient experience feedback continues to indicate high levels of satisfaction and appreciation of the care provided by nurses."

This clip is from Afternoon Edition 20 October 2014.