As a nurse, I am familiar with the struggle many of us face - the gap between our shift start times and the lack of available childcare services. Nursing day shifts require start times between 7:00-8:00 am, yet there are limited childcare services available before 7:30 am, leaving working parents in a bind. This situation is not unique to me, it affects countless others, and it's past time for a change.

In the modern NHS, it is high time our shifts accommodate the realities of working parents. We ask for the implementation of flexible shift patterns, such as national shift start times between 8 am-8 pm or 9 am-9 pm, thereby facilitating school drop-offs.

Alternatively, the provision of childcare within NHS trusts, supported by a transportation service to registered schools, would significantly help accommodate the needs of working parents. This proposed adjustment would not only assist us in effectively handling our family responsibilities but would also enable us to devote ourselves fully to our demanding roles, ultimately benefiting the patients we care for.

As an essential part of the national workforce, it's crucial for the NHS to set a precedent for supporting work-life balance for its employees. Hence, we are urging the NHS to negotiate with medical staff unions and present a feasible plan to implement either adjustment.

Support us in creating a better working environment for NHS working parents. Please sign this petition and spread the word. Let's harmonise the NHS workforce with modern-day parenting.