ON March 5, I was delighted to receive support from Assembly Members from all parties to allow my Minimum Nurse Staffing Levels Bill proceed to the next stage.

All too often we hear stories of nurses constantly firefighting at the frontline, struggling with increasing workload and pressure, frustrated at being unable to provide the quality of care they want to deliver and are trained to deliver. This law has the potential to change that, to improve the quality of care for patients in Wales and improve working conditions for our nurses.

But the challenge of making it law is far from over. The Welsh Government is not convinced on the need for it, so my job over the coming months is to make the case for the benefits that a nurse to patient ratio will offer.

Over the next eight months or so my idea will be turned into a concrete proposal, consulted on and scrutinised. It’s a long road from where we are today to the finishing line. As this happens, I will be seeking your input and your support, to ensure that we develop the best law possible.

Thanks to everyone who has helped with this campaign so far. If you haven’t done so already, please add your support at www.morenurses.org.uk.

Kirsty Williams AM

Leader of the Welsh Liberal Democrats