Dr Beverly Malone, Royal College of Nursing general secretary, welcomed the emphasis on giving ward sisters and charge nurses the authority to decide the staffing levels on wards.

BBC: Nurses to run more hospitals

Dr Beverly Malone, General Secretary, Royal College of Nursing said the government's announcement could have serious long term implications.

BBC: Foreign doctors to bolster NHS

Beverly Malone, general secretary of the Royal College of Nursing, warned that the ratings could do more damage than good.

BBC: NHS star ratings spark row