<?xml version="1.0" encoding="iso-8859-1"?><rss version="2.0"><channel><title>Royal College of Nursing - Press releases - UK</title><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/media</link><description>UK wide - Press from the RCN</description><pubDate>Thu, 1 Jan 1970 01:00:00 +0100</pubDate><webMaster>webteam@rcn.org.uk</webMaster><category>UK press</category><ttl>10</ttl><image><title>Royal College of Nursing - Press releases - UK</title><url>http://www.rcn.org.uk/images/rss/RCN_.gif</url><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/media</link></image><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/press_releases/uk/gap_in_community_services_sees_uk_facing_longest_hospital_stays_-_rcn</link><description>The Royal College of Nursing (RCN) today expressed concern that patients in the UK, who could be cared for at home, face longer stays in hospital due to under-resourced community services.</description><pubDate>Thu, 23 May 2013 12:44:45 +0100</pubDate><title>Gap in community services sees UK facing longest hospital stays - RCN</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/press_releases/uk/health_and_social_care_integration_a_step_in_the_right_direction_-_rcn</link><description>The Royal College of Nursing (RCN) today responded to the announcement of plans to integrate health and social care by 2018.</description><pubDate>Tue, 14 May 2013 16:08:42 +0100</pubDate><title>Health and social care integration ‘a step in the right direction’ - RCN</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/press_releases/uk/rcn_achieves_full_implementation_of_regulations_to_protect_nurses</link><description>The Royal College of Nursing (RCN) today welcomed the implementation of regulations coming into force from Saturday 11 May to protect staff from needlestick injuries, which can result in serious infections such as HIV and Hepatitis.</description><pubDate>Thu, 09 May 2013 11:00:00 +0100</pubDate><title>RCN achieves full implementation of regulations to protect nurses</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/press_releases/uk/rcn_responds_to_queens_speech2</link><description>Commenting on the proposals for health reforms outlined by Her Majesty the Queen in Parliament</description><pubDate>Wed, 08 May 2013 16:17:29 +0100</pubDate><title>RCN responds to Queen’s Speech</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/press_releases/uk/cries_unheard_-_nurses_still_told_not_to_raise_concerns2</link><description>Around a quarter (24 per cent) of nurses have been discouraged or warned off raising concerns about patient care, in spite of the high profile Inquiry into Mid Staffordshire hospital.</description><pubDate>Thu, 25 Apr 2013 11:49:08 +0100</pubDate><title>Cries unheard - nurses still told not to raise concerns</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/press_releases/uk/cries_unheard_-_nurses_still_told_not_to_raise_concerns</link><description>Nurses are being prevented from caring for their patients because they are drowning in a sea of paperwork, an ICM survey  for the Royal College of Nursing (RCN) revealed today (21 April).</description><pubDate>Thu, 25 Apr 2013 11:39:50 +0100</pubDate><title>Nurses spend 2.5 million hours a week on paperwork - RCN survey</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/press_releases/uk/rcn_condemns_chaos_surrounding_nhs_111</link><description>The Royal College of Nursing (RCN) today responded to news that almost 50 per cent of Clinical Commissioning Groups have asked for help in running the new NHS 111 service from NHS Direct.</description><pubDate>Mon, 25 Mar 2013 13:19:03 +0000</pubDate><title>RCN condemns ‘chaos’ surrounding NHS 111</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/press_releases/uk/rcn_responds_to_public_accounts_committee_report</link><description>The Royal College of Nursing (RCN) today responded to a report published by the Public Accounts Committee into NHS efficiency savings.</description><pubDate>Fri, 22 Mar 2013 14:44:34 +0000</pubDate><title>RCN responds to Public Accounts Committee report</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/press_releases/uk/rcn_responds_to_nuffield_report_on_hospital_inspections</link><description>The Royal College of Nursing (RCN) today responded to a review published by the Nuffield Trust into potential rating systems for health and social care.</description><pubDate>Fri, 22 Mar 2013 14:40:17 +0000</pubDate><title>RCN responds to Nuffield report on hospital inspections</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/press_releases/uk/2013_budget_-_rcn_response</link><description>The Royal College of Nursing (RCN) today (20 March) commented on the Chancellor George Osborne’s 2013 budget.</description><pubDate>Wed, 20 Mar 2013 17:23:22 +0000</pubDate><title>2013 Budget - RCN response</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/press_releases/uk/rcn_responds_to_cqc_market_report</link><description>The Royal College of Nursing (RCN) today responded to the new market report issued by the Care Quality Commission.</description><pubDate>Tue, 12 Mar 2013 10:48:58 +0000</pubDate><title>RCN responds to CQC market report</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/press_releases/uk/rcn_responds_to_chief_medical_officers_report</link><description>The Royal College of Nursing (RCN) today responded to Volume Two of the Chief Medical Officer's report which calls for action to tackle the threat of infectious diseases.</description><pubDate>Mon, 11 Mar 2013 09:50:25 +0000</pubDate><title>RCN responds to Chief Medical Officer's report</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/press_releases/uk/rcn_comments_on_childrens_cardiac_services_in_leeds</link><description>The Royal College of Nursing (RCN) today responded to news that the High Court has accepted a challenge to the review of children’s cardiac services in Leeds.</description><pubDate>Thu, 07 Mar 2013 16:34:34 +0000</pubDate><title>RCN comments on children's cardiac services in Leeds</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/press_releases/uk/rcn_responds_to_castlebeck_administration</link><description>The Royal College of Nursing (RCN) today responded to the news that care home provider Castlebeck has gone into administration.</description><pubDate>Wed, 06 Mar 2013 12:12:20 +0000</pubDate><title>RCN responds to Castlebeck administration</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/press_releases/uk/rcn_responds_to_withdrawal_of_section_75_of_health_and_social_act</link><description>The Royal College of Nursing (RCN) today responded to the announcement by Norman Lamb that the section 75 regulations to the Health and Social Care Act will be withdrawn and amended.</description><pubDate>Wed, 06 Mar 2013 12:09:55 +0000</pubDate><title>RCN responds to withdrawal of Section 75 of Health and Social Act</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/press_releases/uk/rcn_responds_to_health_select_committee_report_into_the_nmc</link><description>The Royal College of Nursing (RCN) today responded to the publication of a report which scrutinised the nursing regulator, the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC). The report is published by the Health Select Committee of the House of Commons</description><pubDate>Wed, 06 Mar 2013 09:47:10 +0000</pubDate><title>RCN responds to Health Select Committee report into the NMC</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/press_releases/uk/rcn_response_to_nuffield_trust_report_into_nhs_productivity</link><description>The Royal College of Nursing (RCN) today responded to the publication of the Nuffield Trust report The Anatomy of Health Spending 2011-12.</description><pubDate>Tue, 05 Mar 2013 10:33:19 +0000</pubDate><title>RCN response to Nuffield Trust report into NHS productivity</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/press_releases/uk/staff_survey_shows_a_health_service_on_the_edge_rcn</link><description>The Royal College of Nursing (RCN) today responded to the publication of the 2012 NHS staff survey for England.</description><pubDate>Thu, 28 Feb 2013 17:20:41 +0000</pubDate><title>Staff survey shows a health service on the edge – RCN</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/press_releases/uk/rcn_comment_on_nhs_check_report</link><description>The Royal College of Nursing (RCN) today commented on Labour’s latest NHS Check report, which reveals that 213 nursing posts a month have been cut since the last election.</description><pubDate>Thu, 28 Feb 2013 17:08:13 +0000</pubDate><title>RCN comment on NHS Check report</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/press_releases/uk/rcn_comment_on_alzheimers_societys_care_home_report</link><description>The Royal College of Nursing (RCN) today commented on an Alzheimer’s Society report on dementia and care homes.</description><pubDate>Thu, 28 Feb 2013 17:02:55 +0000</pubDate><title>RCN comment on Alzheimer’s Society’s care home report</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/press_releases/uk/rcn_comment_on_hospital_nutrition_report2</link><description>The Royal College of Nursing (RCN) today commented on a report into the quality of hospital food by the pressure group Sustain, which called for compulsory nutritional standards.</description><pubDate>Thu, 28 Feb 2013 16:42:12 +0000</pubDate><title>RCN comment on hospital nutrition report</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/press_releases/uk/rcn_comments_on_camilla_cavendishs_review_of_hca_training</link><description>The Royal College of Nursing (RCN) today commented on the review of training and support for Health Care Support Workers, to be conducted by journalist Camilla Cavendish.</description><pubDate>Wed, 20 Feb 2013 12:32:55 +0000</pubDate><title>RCN comments on Camilla Cavendish’s review of HCA training</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/press_releases/uk/rcn_comments_on_cqc_inspections_of_home_care</link><description>Responding to a report issued today (13 February) by the CQC, which identified a number of problems and concerns about the delivery of care to people in their own homes</description><pubDate>Wed, 13 Feb 2013 12:13:48 +0000</pubDate><title>RCN comments on CQC inspections of home care</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/press_releases/uk/rcn_comments_on_review_of_nhs_paperwork</link><description>The Royal College of Nursing (RCN) has today (12 February) welcomed the review of paperwork to be carried out by Mike Farrar, Chief Executive of the NHS Confederation. Secretary of State for Health Jeremy Hunt announced the review in a speech to the Reform event “The New NHS”.</description><pubDate>Wed, 13 Feb 2013 10:41:41 +0000</pubDate><title>RCN comments on review of NHS paperwork</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/press_releases/uk/rcn_responds_to_the_francis_report</link><description>The Royal College of Nursing today (06 February) commented on the publication of the report on the Mid-Staffordshire NHS trust.</description><pubDate>Wed, 06 Feb 2013 13:15:57 +0000</pubDate><title>RCN responds to the Francis report</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/press_releases/uk/rcn_response_to_report_on_future_nhs_spending</link><description>The Royal College of Nursing (RCN) today (31 January) responded to The King’s Fund’s report into future health and social care spending. The report highlighted that health and social care could account for half of all government spending in 50 years and called for a debate around what services should be paid for with public money.</description><pubDate>Wed, 30 Jan 2013 17:03:55 +0000</pubDate><title>RCN response to report on future NHS spending</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/press_releases/uk/rcn_response_to_mental_health_act_annual_report</link><description>The Royal College of Nursing (RCN) today (30 January) responded to the ‘Monitoring the Mental Health Act’ annual report published by the Care Quality Commission (CQC).</description><pubDate>Wed, 30 Jan 2013 16:22:28 +0000</pubDate><title>RCN response to Mental Health Act annual report</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/press_releases/uk/rcn_comments_on_nhs_confederation_report</link><description>The Royal College of Nursing (RCN) has today (24 January) commented on the new paper Information Overload: Tackling Bureaucracy in the NHS,  published by the NHS Confederation. The paper warns that the administrative burden faced by NHS organisations could take clinical staff away from direct patient care.</description><pubDate>Thu, 24 Jan 2013 16:49:41 +0000</pubDate><title>RCN comments on NHS Confederation report</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/press_releases/uk/rcn_comments_on_staffing_levels_research</link><description>The Royal College of Nursing (RCN) today commented on a new analysis published in the International Journal of Nursing Studies, which showed a significant association between nurse staffing levels and the failure to rescue a deteriorating patient.</description><pubDate>Thu, 24 Jan 2013 16:46:30 +0000</pubDate><title>RCN comments on staffing levels research</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/press_releases/uk/rcn_welcomes_more_rigorous_standards_for_european_nurses</link><description>For immediate release: 23 January 2013
RCN welcomes more rigorous standards for European nurses
The RCN today (23 January) welcomed a vote in European Parliament which recommended improvements to the regulation of nurses working throughout the EU by introducing language checks and more rigorous competency requirements.
Dr Peter Carter, Chief Executive &amp; General Secretary of the RCN said: “There is much to be pleased about in today’s vote. A number of the measures echo what the RCN has called for and will improve patient safety across the EU.
“We are encouraged by the recommendation to allow regulators to introduce language checks on EU health professionals. This will ensure that health care staff can communicate with their colleagues and patients. Another positive is the alert system, which will prevent health professionals prohibited from practicing in one member state from working in another.
“However, we’re disappointed to not see greater support for a minimum 12 years’ general education requirement before commencing nursing studies. This would have brought member countries in line with the UK. 
“We fully support the right for nurses to use their skills around the world, but patient safety must be the top priority. We hope today’s vote will be a good starting point to ensure all patients receive the same high quality care.”
Ends
Notes for Editors
1.	For further information, please contact the RCN Media Office on 020 7647 3633, press.office@rcn.org.uk or visit  http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/media
2.	The Royal College of Nursing (RCN) is the voice of nursing across the UK and is the largest professional union of nursing staff in the world. The RCN promotes the interest of nurses and patients on a wide range of issues and helps shape healthcare policy by working closely with the UK Government and other national and international institutions, trade unions, professional bodies and voluntary organizations.</description><pubDate>Thu, 24 Jan 2013 10:36:27 +0000</pubDate><title>RCN welcomes more rigorous standards for European nurses</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/press_releases/uk/rcn_response_to_prime_ministers_speech_on_europe</link><description>The Royal College of Nursing (RCN) today responded to Prime Minister David Cameron’s speech regarding the European Union.</description><pubDate>Wed, 23 Jan 2013 10:00:00 +0000</pubDate><title>RCN response to Prime Minister’s speech on Europe</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/press_releases/uk/rcn_response_to_review_of_emergency_services_in_england</link><description>The Royal College of Nursing today (18 January) responded to the announcement of a review into emergency services in England.</description><pubDate>Fri, 18 Jan 2013 15:18:14 +0000</pubDate><title>RCN response to review of emergency services in England</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/press_releases/uk/health_visitor_roadshows_to_showcase_the_profession</link><description>The Royal College of Nursing and the Department of Health are staging a series of roadshows with the aim of encouraging nurses to become health visitors.</description><pubDate>Fri, 18 Jan 2013 13:27:58 +0000</pubDate><title>Health visitor roadshows to showcase the profession</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/press_releases/uk/rcn_response_to_plans_for_a_paperless_nhs</link><description>The Royal College of Nursing today (16 January) responded to the Health Secretary’s plans for a ‘paperless NHS’.</description><pubDate>Wed, 16 Jan 2013 14:12:53 +0000</pubDate><title>RCN response to plans for a ‘paperless’ NHS</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/press_releases/uk/rcn_response_to_the_governments_mid_term_review_update</link><description>The Royal College of Nursing (RCN) today (January 9) responded to the Government’s mid term review.</description><pubDate>Wed, 09 Jan 2013 17:13:02 +0000</pubDate><title>RCN response to the Government's mid term review update</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/press_releases/uk/rcn_response_to_health_select_committees_report_on_the_care_quality_commission</link><description>The Royal College of Nursing (RCN) today (January 9) responded to the Health Select Committee’s report on the Care Quality Commission.</description><pubDate>Wed, 09 Jan 2013 09:29:06 +0000</pubDate><title>RCN response to Health Select Committee’s report on the Care Quality Commission</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/press_releases/uk/rcn_response_to_government_proposals_on_social_care_costs</link><description>The Royal College of Nursing (RCN) today (January 7) responded to the Government’s announcement of plans to cap care costs for older people.</description><pubDate>Mon, 07 Jan 2013 16:29:04 +0000</pubDate><title>RCN response to Government proposals on social care costs</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/press_releases/uk/rcn_responds_to_prime_ministers_announcement_on_nhs_care</link><description>The Royal College of Nursing (RCN) today welcomed the Prime Minister’s announcement regarding extra support and training for nursing.</description><pubDate>Fri, 04 Jan 2013 09:01:34 +0000</pubDate><title>RCN responds to Prime Minister’s announcement on NHS care</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/press_releases/uk/rcn_welcomes_new_system_to_help_protect_vulnerable_children</link><description>The Royal College of Nursing today (27 December) welcomed the announcement of a new system to help nurses and doctors spot children suffering from abuse and neglect.</description><pubDate>Wed, 02 Jan 2013 14:45:34 +0000</pubDate><title>RCN welcomes new system to help protect vulnerable children</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/press_releases/uk/rcn_comment_on_waiting_times_figures</link><description>The RCN has commented on new figures regarding waiting times in A&amp;E.</description><pubDate>Wed, 02 Jan 2013 14:40:40 +0000</pubDate><title>RCN comment on waiting times figures</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/press_releases/uk/no_decision_about_me_without_me_rcn_response</link><description>The Royal College of Nursing (RCN) today commented on the Department of Health’s response to Liberating the NHS: No decision about me, without me.</description><pubDate>Thu, 13 Dec 2012 16:40:43 +0000</pubDate><title>No decision about me without me – RCN response</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/press_releases/uk/rcn_responds_to_first_wave_of_ccgs</link><description>The Royal College of Nursing (RCN) has today (11 December) responded to the authorisation of the first wave of Clinical Commissioning Groups (CCGs).</description><pubDate>Tue, 11 Dec 2012 11:51:52 +0000</pubDate><title>RCN responds to first wave of CCGs</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/press_releases/uk/rcn_response_to_winterbourne_view_report</link><description>The Royal College of Nursing (RCN) today (10 December) responded to the publication of the Winterbourne View Review.</description><pubDate>Tue, 11 Dec 2012 09:38:19 +0000</pubDate><title>RCN response to Winterbourne View report</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/press_releases/uk/rcn_concerned_by_loss_of_clinical_networks</link><description>The Royal College of Nursing (RCN) today commented on new figures showing the financial pressures and staff cuts facing clinical networks for conditions such as cancer and strokes.</description><pubDate>Mon, 10 Dec 2012 12:31:55 +0000</pubDate><title>RCN concerned by loss of clinical networks</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/press_releases/uk/school_children_with_health_needs_at_risk</link><description>UNISON and the Royal College of Nursing (RCN) are calling for urgent action to protect children and young people with health needs in schools.</description><pubDate>Thu, 06 Dec 2012 10:10:05 +0000</pubDate><title>School children with health needs at risk</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/press_releases/uk/rcn_response_to_autumn_statement</link><description>The Royal College of Nursing today (4 December) responded to Chancellor George Osborne’s Autumn Statement.</description><pubDate>Wed, 05 Dec 2012 14:46:54 +0000</pubDate><title>RCN response to Autumn statement</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/press_releases/uk/rcn_response_to_dr_foster_annual_hospital_guide</link><description>The Royal College of Nursing today (3 December) responded to the Dr Foster Annual Hospital Guide.</description><pubDate>Mon, 03 Dec 2012 11:08:50 +0000</pubDate><title>RCN response to Dr Foster Annual Hospital Guide</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/press_releases/uk/rcn_response_to_nuffield_trust_report_on_nhs_finances</link><description>The Royal College of Nursing today (3 December) responded to the Nuffield Trust report on NHS finances.</description><pubDate>Mon, 03 Dec 2012 10:47:20 +0000</pubDate><title>RCN response to Nuffield Trust report on NHS finances</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/press_releases/uk/rcn_response_to_dh_announcement_on_care_providers</link><description>The Royal College of Nursing today (1 December) responded to the Department of Health announcement regarding regulation of care providers.</description><pubDate>Mon, 03 Dec 2012 10:43:38 +0000</pubDate><title>RCN response to DH announcement on care providers</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/press_releases/uk/rcn_condemns_attacks_on_staff</link><description>The Royal College of Nursing (RCN) today commented on new figures showing that attacks on NHS staff have risen in the past year.</description><pubDate>Fri, 30 Nov 2012 10:30:47 +0000</pubDate><title>RCN condemns attacks on staff</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/press_releases/uk/rcn_comments_on_personal_health_budgets_announcement</link><description>The Royal College of Nursing (RCN) today commented on the Secretary of State for Health’s announcement on Personal Health Budgets.</description><pubDate>Fri, 30 Nov 2012 10:27:08 +0000</pubDate><title>RCN comments on Personal Health Budgets announcement</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/press_releases/uk/rcn_comments_on_voices_survey_on_end_of_life_care</link><description>RCN comments on VOICES survey on end of life care</description><pubDate>Thu, 29 Nov 2012 12:14:13 +0000</pubDate><title>RCN comments on VOICES survey on end of life care</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/press_releases/uk/rcn_response_to_kings_funds_mid-term_assessment_of_the_nhs</link><description>The Royal College of Nursing today (Wednesday 28 November) responded to The King’s Fund’s mid-term assessment of the NHS.</description><pubDate>Wed, 28 Nov 2012 10:38:28 +0000</pubDate><title>RCN response to Kings Fund’s mid-term assessment of the NHS</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/press_releases/uk/rcn_response_to_review_into_ofsted_style_ratings_for_nhs_and_care_homes</link><description>The Royal College of Nursing today commented on the announcement of a review into Ofsted style ratings for the NHS and social care.</description><pubDate>Wed, 28 Nov 2012 10:13:54 +0000</pubDate><title>RCN response to review into Ofsted style ratings for NHS and care homes</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/press_releases/uk/rcn_comments_on_mind_research</link><description>The Royal College of Nursing (RCN) today commented on new research by the charity Mind which has identified failings and cutbacks in crisis teams.</description><pubDate>Wed, 28 Nov 2012 10:05:23 +0000</pubDate><title>RCN comments on Mind research</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/press_releases/uk/rcn_response_to_chief_medical_officers_annual_report</link><description>The Royal College of Nursing (RCN) has today (21 November) responded to the Chief Medical Officer’s (CMO) annual report.</description><pubDate>Wed, 21 Nov 2012 10:52:12 +0000</pubDate><title>RCN response to Chief Medical Officer’s annual report</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/press_releases/uk/nhs_sleepwalking_into_crisis_-_rcn</link><description>The Royal College of Nursing today (13 November) warned that the NHS in England is sleepwalking into a crisis, as the number of nurses continues to be slashed, despite Government promises to protect the frontline and the growing health demands of the public. The RCN is calling on the Government to take immediate action to stop Trusts cutting vital posts and services for financial reasons.</description><pubDate>Fri, 16 Nov 2012 15:56:40 +0000</pubDate><title>NHS sleepwalking into crisis - RCN</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/press_releases/uk/rcn_comments_on_nuffield_trust_survey_on_end_of_life_care</link><description>The RCN today (November 14) responded to the Nuffield Trust study which showed home nursing improved end of life care, and reduced the likelihood of emergency admissions to hospital.</description><pubDate>Wed, 14 Nov 2012 16:46:22 +0000</pubDate><title>RCN comments on Nuffield Trust survey on end of life care</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/press_releases/uk/rcn_responds_to_schizophrenia_commission_report</link><description>The RCN today responded to the report by the Schizophrenia Commission</description><pubDate>Wed, 14 Nov 2012 10:25:40 +0000</pubDate><title>RCN responds to Schizophrenia Commission report</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/press_releases/uk/rcn_comments_on_new_nhs_mandate</link><description>The Royal College of Nursing (RCN) today commented on the launch of the mandate on the NHS Commissioning Board.</description><pubDate>Tue, 13 Nov 2012 15:36:53 +0000</pubDate><title>RCN comments on new NHS mandate</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/press_releases/uk/rcn_comments_on_ombudsman_report_on_nhs_complaints</link><description>The Royal College of Nursing (RCN) today commented on a report by the Parliamentary and Health Ombudsman. The report concluded that many patients and families experience poor communication from the NHS and that further work is needed to improve the NHS’s handling of complaints.</description><pubDate>Fri, 09 Nov 2012 10:04:30 +0000</pubDate><title>RCN comments on Ombudsman report on NHS complaints</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/press_releases/uk/rcn_comment_on_report_into_hinchingbrooke_hospital</link><description>The Royal College of Nursing (RCN) today commented on a report by the National Audit Office which looked at the financial situation of Hinchingbrooke hospital.</description><pubDate>Thu, 08 Nov 2012 15:21:13 +0000</pubDate><title>RCN comment on report into Hinchingbrooke Hospital</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/press_releases/uk/mps_urged_to_speak_out_against_regional_pay_in_westminster_debates</link><description>The Royal College of Nursing (RCN) is calling on MPs to fight for the NHS on Wednesday (7 November) and speak out against regional pay. The call comes as MPs prepare for two debates on regional pay in Parliament.</description><pubDate>Tue, 06 Nov 2012 13:45:11 +0000</pubDate><title>MPs urged to speak out against regional pay in Westminster debates</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/press_releases/uk/living_wage_week_november_4_10</link><description>The Royal College of Nursing (RCN) is this week highlighting the crucial work of healthcare assistants on poor pay as part of Living Wage Week.</description><pubDate>Mon, 05 Nov 2012 11:17:57 +0000</pubDate><title>Living Wage Week (November 4 – 10)</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/press_releases/uk/rcn_comment_on_unison_survey_into_quality_of_care</link><description>THE RCN today (31 October) responded to a Unison survey of nurses which showed that one in three nurses believed that quality of patient care had declined over the past year.</description><pubDate>Wed, 31 Oct 2012 15:27:19 +0000</pubDate><title>RCN comment on Unison survey into quality of care</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/press_releases/uk/rcn_welcomes_new_guide_on_home_care</link><description>THE RCN today (26 October) welcomed the launch of a new cross sector guide which highlights the important role of housing in supporting an independent and healthy later life. The pack was unveiled by Minister of State for Care and Support, Norman Lamb MP, at the National Children and Adult Services Conference in Eastbourne.</description><pubDate>Fri, 26 Oct 2012 13:58:49 +0100</pubDate><title>RCN Welcomes new guide on home care</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/press_releases/uk/rcn_condemns_nmc_fee_decision</link><description>The Royal College of Nursing today (25 October) commented on the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC)’s decision to accept the Government’s offer of a £20m grant to assist them with their financial difficulties. The RCN also condemned the NMC’s decision to continue with raising its fees paid by ordinary nurses.</description><pubDate>Thu, 25 Oct 2012 14:18:18 +0100</pubDate><title>RCN condemns NMC fee decision</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/press_releases/uk/nhs_staff_side_evidence_to_the_nhs_pay_review_body</link><description>NHS staff are struggling under the burden of increased workloads and stress, with a third very seriously considering leaving their job, a joint report warns today.</description><pubDate>Mon, 22 Oct 2012 11:56:32 +0100</pubDate><title>NHS Staff side evidence to the NHS Pay Review Body</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/press_releases/uk/rcn_calls_for_improved_pay_award_for_nhs_staff</link><description>The Royal College of Nursing (RCN) today (22 October) warned that staff cuts and NHS reforms are leading to mounting concerns about the quality of patient care as well as damaging staff morale and motivation.</description><pubDate>Mon, 22 Oct 2012 11:54:19 +0100</pubDate><title>RCN calls for improved pay award for NHS staff</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/press_releases/uk/rcn_welcomes_draft_care_and_support_bill_but_urges_further_action</link><description>The Royal College of Nursing (RCN) today (19 October) welcomed the Draft Care and Support Bill as a long overdue step forward, but warned its success depended on other, yet to be addressed, critical factors such as funding.</description><pubDate>Fri, 19 Oct 2012 14:16:33 +0100</pubDate><title>RCN welcomes Draft Care and Support Bill but urges further action</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/press_releases/uk/rcn_comment_on_increasing_cost_of_health_and_social_care_bill</link><description>Dr Peter Carter, Chief Executive and General Secretary of the RCN today commented on the news that the Health and Social Care bill will cost £300 million more than expected.</description><pubDate>Fri, 19 Oct 2012 14:32:02 +0100</pubDate><title>RCN Comment on increasing cost of Health and Social Care bill</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/press_releases/uk/exceptional_nurses_and_midwives_recognised_at_the_2012_mary_seacole_awards</link><description>Six nurses, midwives and health visitors were recognised on Tuesday (16 October) for their contribution to black and ethnic minority (BME) communities in an awards ceremony hosted by the Royal College of Nursing (RCN) and others.</description><pubDate>Fri, 19 Oct 2012 14:25:25 +0100</pubDate><title>Exceptional nurses and midwives recognised at the 2012 Mary Seacole Awards</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/press_releases/uk/rcn_comment_on_nuffield_report_on_social_care</link><description>The Royal College of Nursing today (16 October) commented on the Nuffield Trust’s report on social care.</description><pubDate>Fri, 19 Oct 2012 14:21:32 +0100</pubDate><title>RCN comment on Nuffield Report on social care</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/press_releases/uk/rcn_launches_new_guide_to_improve_care_for_people_with_dementia</link><description>The Royal College of Nursing has today (15 October) launched a new film and practical guide to support and improve dementia care in general hospitals.</description><pubDate>Mon, 15 Oct 2012 10:20:49 +0100</pubDate><title>RCN launches new guide to improve care for people with dementia</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/press_releases/uk/tough_new_standards_setting_out_what_patients_should_expect_from_nhs_hospital_food_was_announced_today_by_health_secretary_jeremy_hunt.</link><description>Tough new standards setting out what patients should expect from NHS hospital food was announced today by Health Secretary Jeremy Hunt.</description><pubDate>Thu, 18 Oct 2012 13:52:27 +0100</pubDate><title>Tougher approach on hospital food </title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/press_releases/uk/rcn_comment_on_world_mental_health_day</link><description>Royal College of Nursing Chief Executive &amp; General Secretary Dr Peter Carter today commented on World Mental Health Day.</description><pubDate>Wed, 10 Oct 2012 15:14:20 +0100</pubDate><title>RCN comment on World Mental Health Day</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/press_releases/uk/rcn_comment_on_jeremy_hunt_speech</link><description>The Royal College of Nursing today commented on Health Secretary Jeremy Hunt’s speech to the Conservative Party Conference.</description><pubDate>Wed, 10 Oct 2012 12:09:14 +0100</pubDate><title>RCN comment on Jeremy Hunt speech</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/press_releases/uk/rcn_comment_on_nmc_appointment_of_jackie_smith</link><description>The Royal College of Nursing today (9 October) commented on the appointment of Jackie Smith as NMC Chief Executive for a one year period.</description><pubDate>Tue, 09 Oct 2012 14:39:06 +0100</pubDate><title>RCN comment on NMC appointment of Jackie Smith</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/press_releases/uk/nurses_to_march_against_cuts_on_the_streets_of_london2</link><description>Nurses and healthcare assistants are set to join colleagues from other trade unions to take part in the TUC’s 'A future that works' march on 20 October.</description><pubDate>Thu, 27 Sep 2012 09:34:19 +0100</pubDate><title>Nurses to march against cuts on the streets of London</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/press_releases/uk/local_pay_is_a_recipe_for_disaster_-_rcn</link><description>The Royal College of Nursing today (25 September) welcomed the vote taken at the Liberal Democrat conference calling for the Government to rule out any further expansion in regional or local pay.</description><pubDate>Tue, 25 Sep 2012 16:34:15 +0100</pubDate><title>Local pay is a 'recipe for disaster' - RCN</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/press_releases/uk/rcn_nursing_posts_on_the_slide</link><description>The Royal College of Nursing (RCN) today responded to the NHS Information Centre workforce statistics, revealing that the number of qualified nursing, midwifery and health visiting staff has fallen by 5780 since April 2010, with 840 lost in June alone, the most recent month for which figures are available.</description><pubDate>Tue, 25 Sep 2012 15:01:16 +0100</pubDate><title>RCN – Nursing posts on the slide</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/press_releases/uk/rcn_urges_investment_in_specialist_nurses_for_children_with_epilepsy</link><description>Commenting on today’s (24 September) first national audit of epilepsy care for children and young people, The Royal College of Nursing (RCN) expressed ‘profound concern’ that fewer than half of children with epilepsy had access to a specialist nurse.</description><pubDate>Mon, 24 Sep 2012 11:41:52 +0100</pubDate><title>RCN urges investment in specialist nurses for children with epilepsy</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/press_releases/uk/rcn_comments_on_6_cs_announcement_by_the_chief_nursing_officer</link><description>RCN comments on ‘6 C’s’ announcement by the Chief Nursing Officer</description><pubDate>Mon, 24 Sep 2012 11:38:57 +0100</pubDate><title>RCN comments on ‘6 C’s’ announcement by the Chief Nursing Officer</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/press_releases/uk/rcn_elects_new_council_members</link><description>The Royal College of Nursing (RCN) today announced the election of four new members of its governing body, RCN Council. As well as electing two members to represent students, this election included the first two Health Practitioner Council members to represent HCAs and assistant practitioners.</description><pubDate>Thu, 20 Sep 2012 10:39:56 +0100</pubDate><title>RCN elects new Council members</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/press_releases/uk/rcn_comments_on_the_audit_commission_report_on_the_nhs_financial_year</link><description>RCN comments on the Audit Commission report on the NHS Financial year</description><pubDate>Thu, 20 Sep 2012 00:00:16 +0100</pubDate><title>RCN comments on the Audit Commission report on the NHS Financial year</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/press_releases/uk/hard_hitting_adverts_show_demanding_side_of_nursing_-_rcn</link><description>Nursing is a demanding profession needing both clinical skills and compassion, the RCN said today (17 September), as it launched a hard-hitting advertisement campaign across the UK.</description><pubDate>Mon, 17 Sep 2012 07:59:59 +0100</pubDate><title>Hard hitting adverts show demanding side of nursing - RCN</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/press_releases/uk/rcn_comment_on_public_services_pensions_bill</link><description>Commenting on the publication of the first stage of the Public Services Pensions Bill</description><pubDate>Thu, 13 Sep 2012 16:12:14 +0100</pubDate><title>RCN comment on Public Services Pensions Bill</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/press_releases/uk/nurses_leader_warns_draconian_cuts_huge_threat_to_nhs_care</link><description>Proposals to make draconian cuts to staff pay risk harming patient care, the leader of the Royal College of Nursing (RCN), warned today (7 September).</description><pubDate>Fri, 07 Sep 2012 10:06:58 +0100</pubDate><title>Nurses’ leader warns ‘draconian’ cuts huge threat to NHS care</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/press_releases/uk/rcn_responds_to_kings_fund_report_on_transforming_health_and_social_care</link><description>The Royal College of Nursing (RCN) today responded to Transforming the delivery of health and social care: the case for fundamental change, published by the King's Fund.</description><pubDate>Thu, 06 Sep 2012 09:58:37 +0100</pubDate><title>RCN responds to King's Fund report on transforming health and social care</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/press_releases/uk/royal_college_of_nursing_welcomes_new_health_secretary</link><description>The Royal College of Nursing (RCN) today commented on the Cabinet reshuffle and said that it looked forward to working with incoming Secretary of State Rt. Hon Jeremy Hunt MP.</description><pubDate>Tue, 04 Sep 2012 12:23:38 +0100</pubDate><title>Royal College of Nursing welcomes new Health Secretary</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/press_releases/uk/rcn_comment_on_nhs_complaints</link><description>Commenting on today’s (29 August) publication of figures showing a rise in written complaints about NHS care</description><pubDate>Wed, 29 Aug 2012 17:25:24 +0100</pubDate><title>RCN comment on NHS complaints</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/press_releases/uk/rcn_members_overwhelmingly_opposed_to_nmc_fee_hike</link><description>Royal College of Nursing (RCN) members have given a resounding ‘no’ to proposals from the regulator, the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) to increase fees by 58 per cent.  More than 85,000 responses were received to the RCN’s recent survey, of which 99.3 per cent were opposed to the increase.</description><pubDate>Fri, 24 Aug 2012 14:47:01 +0100</pubDate><title>RCN members ‘overwhelmingly opposed’ to NMC fee hike</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/press_releases/uk/nhs_unions_respond_to_south_west_pay_cartel_discussion_document</link><description>Following a meeting of NHS Trades Unions today (22 August), on potential proposals to cut pay, terms and conditions for NHS staff in the South West</description><pubDate>Thu, 23 Aug 2012 15:00:24 +0100</pubDate><title>NHS Unions respond to South West Pay Cartel Discussion Document</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/press_releases/uk/rcn_nursing_jobs_being_cut,_despite_assurances</link><description>The Royal College of Nursing (RCN) today responded to the NHS Information Centre workforce statistics, revealing that the number of qualified nursing, midwifery and health visiting staff has fallen by over 4800 since April 2010, with 247 lost in May, the most recent month for which figures are available.</description><pubDate>Tue, 21 Aug 2012 18:02:06 +0100</pubDate><title>RCN – Nursing jobs being cut, despite assurances</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/press_releases/uk/rcn_praises_staff_for_improvements_in_cancer_care</link><description>The Royal College of Nursing (RCN) today welcomed the results of the second national cancer patient experience survey, published by the Department of Health. The survey found that 88 per cent of patients rated their care as excellent or very good, with 98 Trusts improving on the results of the previous survey.</description><pubDate>Fri, 17 Aug 2012 10:31:00 +0100</pubDate><title>RCN praises staff for improvements in cancer care</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/press_releases/uk/rcn_urges_swift_implementation_of_regulations_to_protect_staff_from_sharps_injuries</link><description>The Royal College of Nursing (RCN) today welcomed the start of a consultation by the Health &amp; Safety Executive on proposals to introduce regulations on medical sharps injuries. The regulations are needed to protect staff from sharps injuries, which can result in life-threatening infections such HIV and Hepatitis.</description><pubDate>Thu, 09 Aug 2012 10:31:25 +0100</pubDate><title>RCN urges swift implementation of regulations to protect staff from sharps injuries</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/press_releases/uk/unions_join_forces_to_urge_improvements_at_the_nmc</link><description>The Royal College of Nursing (RCN), Royal College of Midwives (RCM) and UNISON today joined forces to urge swift and comprehensive improvements at the nursing and midwifery regulator the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC).</description><pubDate>Mon, 06 Aug 2012 11:48:25 +0100</pubDate><title>Unions join forces to urge improvements at the NMC</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/press_releases/uk/rcn_comment_on_new_nmc_chair</link><description>The Royal College of Nursing today (31 July) commented on the appointment of Mark Addison as the chair of the Nursing and Midwifery Council.</description><pubDate>Tue, 31 Jul 2012 10:07:06 +0100</pubDate><title>RCN comment on new NMC chair</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/press_releases/uk/rcn_cuts_to_nursing_numbers_damaging_patient_care</link><description>The Royal College of Nursing (RCN) today responded to the NHS Information Centre workforce statistics, revealing that the number of qualified nursing, midwifery and health visiting staff has fallen by 4,661 from April 2010 to April 2012.</description><pubDate>Tue, 24 Jul 2012 15:35:36 +0100</pubDate><title>RCN – cuts to nursing numbers damaging patient care</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/press_releases/uk/rcn_comment_on_southwest_pay_cartel</link><description>The Royal College of Nursing (RCN) today commented on the proposed southwest pay cartel</description><pubDate>Mon, 16 Jul 2012 14:24:57 +0100</pubDate><title>RCN comment on Southwest pay cartel</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/press_releases/uk/rcn_comments_on_national_confidential_inquiry_annual_report</link><description>The Royal College of Nursing (RCN) today responded to the National Confidential Inquiry into Homicide and Suicide by People with Mental Illness annual report. The report found that suicide rates among people on mental health wards have continued to fall, though it raised concerns about suicides among people treated at home.</description><pubDate>Thu, 12 Jul 2012 00:00:16 +0100</pubDate><title>RCN comments on National Confidential Inquiry annual report</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/press_releases/uk/social_care_proposals_only_a_start_-_royal_college_of_nursing</link><description>Royal College of Nursing Chief Executive &amp; General Secretary, Dr Peter Carter,  today commenting on the publication of the Social Care White Paper, the draft ‘Care and Support’ bill and the progress report on social care funding.</description><pubDate>Wed, 11 Jul 2012 14:26:17 +0100</pubDate><title>Social care proposals only a start - Royal College of Nursing</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/press_releases/uk/rcn_to_accredit_undergraduate_nursing_at_northumbria_university</link><description>The Royal College of Nursing (RCN) has today announced that its Centre for Professional Accreditation has approved professional accreditation for pre-registration nursing courses at Northumbria University, the first such accreditation ever offered by the RCN.</description><pubDate>Wed, 11 Jul 2012 10:17:40 +0100</pubDate><title>RCN to accredit undergraduate nursing at Northumbria University</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/press_releases/uk/rcn_comments_on_ons_survey_on_end_of_life_care</link><description>The Royal College of Nursing (RCN) today responded to the National Bereavement Survey 2011, commissioned by ministers in the Department of Health and carried out by the Office for National Statistics (ONS).</description><pubDate>Tue, 03 Jul 2012 14:16:18 +0100</pubDate><title>RCN comments on ONS survey on end of life care</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/press_releases/uk/royal_college_of_nursing_comment_on_chre_review_of_the_nmc</link><description>The Royal College of Nursing commented on today’s review of the NMC by the CHRE.</description><pubDate>Tue, 03 Jul 2012 09:20:28 +0100</pubDate><title>Royal College of Nursing comment on CHRE review of the NMC</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/press_releases/uk/rcn_comment_cqc_market_report</link><description>Commenting on the CQC Market report published today (28 June), Dr Peter Carter, Royal College of Nursing (RCN) Chief Executive &amp; General Secretary, said:</description><pubDate>Thu, 28 Jun 2012 00:15:15 +0100</pubDate><title>RCN comment CQC Market Report</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/press_releases/uk/rcn_comment_on_south_london_healthcare_trust</link><description>Commenting on the situation at South London Healthcare Trust, Dr Peter Carter, RCN Chief Executive &amp; General Secretary, said:

“The current situation presents a worrying state of affairs for both patients and staff at South London Healthcare Trust. The Trust has been facing financial challenges for quite some time under the burden of PFI contracts. Despite this, staff have continued to do their best for patients, providing high levels of care.

“Nevertheless, the current issues must be addressed as a matter of urgency as the Trust simply cannot continue to run at such a large deficit. If alternative methods of service delivery are to be considered, it is essential that patients, staff and the public are closely involved in the consultation process and that high levels of care continue to be maintained. Equally, the Government should now go back to the PFI contractors involved and look at how the current debts could be managed more effectively.”

Ends
Notes to editors

1.	For further information, interviews or illustrations please contact the RCN Media Office on 0207 647 3633, press.office@rcn.org.uk or visit  http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/media 

2.       The Royal College of Nursing (RCN) is the voice of nursing across the UK and is the largest professional union of nursing staff in the world. The RCN promotes the interest of nurses and patients on a wide range of issues and helps shape healthcare policy by working closely with the UK Government and other national and international institutions, trade unions, professional bodies and voluntary organisations</description><pubDate>Tue, 26 Jun 2012 11:18:21 +0100</pubDate><title>RCN comment on South London Healthcare Trust</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/press_releases/uk/rcn_responds_to_consultation_on_public_health_workforce_strategy</link><description>Commenting on the RCN’s response to Health Lives, Healthy People: Towards a workforce strategy for the public health system, Chief Executive &amp; General Secretary, Dr Peter Carter, said:</description><pubDate>Mon, 25 Jun 2012 16:24:36 +0100</pubDate><title>RCN responds to consultation on public health workforce strategy</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/press_releases/uk/rcn_responds_to_department_of_health_annual_report</link><description>Responding to the Department of Health’s annual report, Dr Peter Carter, RCN Chief Executive &amp; General Secretary, said:</description><pubDate>Fri, 22 Jun 2012 17:12:30 +0100</pubDate><title>RCN responds to Department of Health annual report</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/press_releases/uk/nurses_to_march_for_a_future_that_works</link><description>Nurses and healthcare assistants from all corners of the UK are once again set to stand shoulder to shoulder alongside colleagues from across the public services against continuing Government cuts.</description><pubDate>Fri, 22 Jun 2012 11:46:59 +0100</pubDate><title>Nurses to march for ‘A Future that Works’</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/press_releases/uk/nhs_rationing_hitting_patient_care</link><description>Commenting on a new report published by The Labour Party showing procedures and treatments which are being rationed in the NHS</description><pubDate>Wed, 20 Jun 2012 17:06:57 +0100</pubDate><title>NHS rationing hitting patient care</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/press_releases/uk/professor_kath_mccourt_awarded_cbe_in_queens_birthday_honours_list_2012</link><description>The Royal College of Nursing (RCN) has congratulated its Chair of Council Professor Kath McCourt on being awarded a CBE in the Queen’s Birthday Honours List.</description><pubDate>Mon, 18 Jun 2012 09:36:26 +0100</pubDate><title>Professor Kath McCourt awarded CBE in Queen’s Birthday Honours List 2012</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/press_releases/uk/rcn_comments_on_delivering_dignity</link><description>Commenting on the report from the Commission on Improving Dignity in Care for Older people, Delivering Dignity, Royal College of Nursing Chief Executive &amp; General Secretary, Dr Peter Carter, said:</description><pubDate>Mon, 18 Jun 2012 00:15:15 +0100</pubDate><title>RCN comments on Delivering Dignity</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/press_releases/uk/rcn_seeks_members_views_over_nmc_fee_hike</link><description>The Royal College of Nursing is committed to making the ‘strongest possible’ representation against the new NMC fee proposals, it announced today (15 June). The College, via its Frontline First campaign, is now officially gathering the views of its members on the proposed fee increase.</description><pubDate>Fri, 15 Jun 2012 12:32:53 +0100</pubDate><title>RCN seeks members’ views over NMC fee hike</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/press_releases/uk/health_unions_condemn_registration_fee_rise_plans</link><description>Health trade unions have condemned proposals by the Nursing and Midwifery Council to increase the annual registration fee for nurses and midwives by more than 58%.</description><pubDate>Fri, 01 Jun 2012 11:59:37 +0100</pubDate><title>Health unions condemn registration fee rise plans</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/press_releases/uk/rcn_comment_on_kings_fund_study_of_a_and_e_waiting_times</link><description>Royal College of Nursing Chief Executive &amp; General Secretary, Dr Peter Carter, today commented on the King’s Fund study of A&amp;E waiting times.</description><pubDate>Thu, 31 May 2012 10:49:36 +0100</pubDate><title>RCN comment on King’s Fund study of A&amp;amp;E waiting times</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/press_releases/uk/nursing_and_care_quality_forum_highlights_importance_of_empowering_nurses_-_rcn</link><description>The Royal College of Nursing (RCN) today (23 May) welcomed the publication of the Nursing and Care Quality Forum’s initial report, saying that it recognises the importance of empowering nurses to provide the highest standards of care across the board.</description><pubDate>Fri, 25 May 2012 10:00:58 +0100</pubDate><title>Nursing and Care Quality Forum highlights importance of empowering nurses - RCN</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/press_releases/uk/rcn_response_to_national_audit_office_report_on_diabetes_services</link><description>The Royal College of Nursing (RCN) today (23 May) responded to the National Audit Office report into the management of adult diabetes services in the NHS. Dr Peter Carter, RCN Chief Executive &amp; General Secretary, said:</description><pubDate>Wed, 23 May 2012 11:37:12 +0100</pubDate><title>RCN response to National Audit Office report on diabetes services</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/press_releases/uk/rcn_response_to_health_select_committee_report_on_training,_education_and_workforce_planning</link><description>Responding to the Health Select Committee’s report on training, education and workforce planning, Royal College of Nursing Chief Executive &amp; General Secretary, Dr Peter Carter, said:</description><pubDate>Wed, 23 May 2012 00:15:20 +0100</pubDate><title>RCN response to Health Select Committee report on training, education and workforce planning</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/press_releases/uk/rcn_response_to_nhs_information_strategy</link><description>Responding to the Department of Health’s newly published information strategy, “the Power of Information: Putting all of us in control of the health and care information we need”, Royal College of Nursing Chief Executive &amp; General Secretary, Dr Peter Carter, said:</description><pubDate>Mon, 21 May 2012 12:57:35 +0100</pubDate><title>RCN response to NHS Information Strategy</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/press_releases/uk/rcn_response_to_nmc_review_of_fees</link><description>Commenting on the review of fees announced today by the NMC</description><pubDate>Thu, 17 May 2012 14:20:23 +0100</pubDate><title>RCN response to NMC review of fees</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/press_releases/uk/cuts_to_services_hitting_the_most_vulnerable_in_society</link><description>Cuts to services are hitting some of the most vulnerable members in society according to a new survey published today by the Royal College of Nursing (RCN).</description><pubDate>Wed, 16 May 2012 00:15:19 +0100</pubDate><title>Cuts to services hitting the most vulnerable in society</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/press_releases/uk/nowhere_to_turn_for_patients_as_cuts_hit_the_community</link><description>Ambitious government plans to move care from acute hospitals to community settings have been branded a ‘facade’ by the Royal College of Nursing (RCN) today, as a survey of community nurses showed that many are facing cutbacks and spending less time with patients.</description><pubDate>Mon, 14 May 2012 00:15:24 +0100</pubDate><title>‘Nowhere to turn’ for patients as cuts hit the community</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/press_releases/uk/patients_treated_on_corridors_and_waiting_hours_for_treatment_-_rcn</link><description>Patients are being placed on hospital trolleys for hours on end and treated in corridors not appropriate for care, the Royal College of Nursing warned today (May 13), as it published results from a new ICM Research survey revealing the current state of the NHS frontline.</description><pubDate>Sun, 13 May 2012 00:15:15 +0100</pubDate><title>Patients treated on corridors and waiting hours for treatment - RCN</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/press_releases/uk/rcn_responds_to_queens_speech</link><description>Commenting on proposals for pension changes and social care reforms outlined by Her Majesty the Queen in Parliament</description><pubDate>Wed, 09 May 2012 16:44:09 +0100</pubDate><title>RCN responds to Queen’s Speech</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/press_releases/uk/rcn_comment_on_cqc_inpatient_survey</link><description>The Royal College of Nursing today (25 April) commented on the CQC’s annual inpatient survey.</description><pubDate>Wed, 25 Apr 2012 14:34:12 +0100</pubDate><title>RCN comment on CQC inpatient survey</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/press_releases/uk/rcn_comments_on_staffing_levels_survey</link><description>The Royal College of Nursing (RCN) today commented on a survey published by UNISON showing that staff are being forced to work extra hours unpaid.</description><pubDate>Wed, 25 Apr 2012 09:32:58 +0100</pubDate><title>RCN comments on staffing levels survey</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/press_releases/uk/lord_willis_of_knaresborough_to_chair_education_commission</link><description>A UK-wide commission looking at the pre-registration education of nurses is to be independently chaired by Lord Willis of Knaresborough, the Royal College of Nursing (RCN), announced today (25 April).</description><pubDate>Wed, 25 Apr 2012 00:15:22 +0100</pubDate><title>Lord Willis of Knaresborough to chair Education Commission</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/press_releases/uk/rcn_comment_on_childrens_cardiac_services_review2</link><description>The RCN today responding to the decision by the Court of Appeal  regarding children’s cardiac services.</description><pubDate>Thu, 19 Apr 2012 16:24:21 +0100</pubDate><title>RCN comment on children’s cardiac services review</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/press_releases/uk/rcn_response_to_the_first_nursing_care_quality_forum</link><description>RCN response to the first Nursing Care Quality Forum</description><pubDate>Tue, 17 Apr 2012 10:59:25 +0100</pubDate><title>RCN response to the first Nursing Care Quality Forum</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/press_releases/uk/rcn_response_to_the_dh_evidence_to_the_pay_review_body</link><description>The RCN today commented on the Department of Health’s submission to the NHS Pay Review Body.</description><pubDate>Thu, 12 Apr 2012 16:09:06 +0100</pubDate><title>RCN response to the DH evidence to the Pay Review Body</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/press_releases/uk/rcn_announces_congress_2012_keynote_speakers</link><description>The Royal College of Nursing today (2 April 2012) announced the keynote speakers at this year’s annual Congress.</description><pubDate>Tue, 03 Apr 2012 11:52:50 +0100</pubDate><title>RCN announces Congress 2012 keynote speakers</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/press_releases/uk/rcn_welcomes_greater_scope_for_nurse_prescribers</link><description>Following Home Office legislation which means that nurse prescribers are able to prescribe a greater variety of controlled drugs</description><pubDate>Tue, 03 Apr 2012 09:39:13 +0100</pubDate><title>RCN welcomes greater scope for nurse prescribers</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/press_releases/uk/rcn_calls_for_nhs_111_pause</link><description>The RCN today commented on the publicationof the Department of Health Statistics: NHS 111 Minimum Data Set - February.</description><pubDate>Fri, 30 Mar 2012 14:05:20 +0100</pubDate><title>RCN calls for NHS 111 pause</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/press_releases/uk/dementia_is_one_of_the_most_serious_challenges_we_face_-_rcn</link><description>Commenting on the Prime Minister’s Challenge on Dementia, Royal College of Nursing England Director, Tom Sandford,  said:</description><pubDate>Mon, 26 Mar 2012 14:57:28 +0100</pubDate><title>Dementia is one of the most serious challenges we face - RCN</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/press_releases/uk/evidence_of_links_between_staffing_levels_and_patient_care_growing_-_rcn</link><description>Commenting on the international RN4CAST study looking at the nursing workforce and patient outcomes published in the BMJ today, RCN Chief Executive &amp; General Secretary, Dr Peter Carter said:</description><pubDate>Wed, 21 Mar 2012 16:49:33 +0000</pubDate><title>Evidence of links between staffing levels and patient care growing - RCN</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/press_releases/uk/2012_budget_rcn_response</link><description>Speaking in response to Chancellor George Osborne’s 2012 Budget, RCN Chief Executive &amp; General Secretary, Dr Peter Carter, said:</description><pubDate>Wed, 21 Mar 2012 16:47:39 +0000</pubDate><title>2012 Budget – RCN response</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/press_releases/uk/nhs_workforce_census_incredibly_worrying_says_rcn</link><description>Commenting on the NHS workforce census figures released today (21 March), Royal College of Nursing (RCN) Chief Executive &amp; General Secretary, Dr Peter Carter said:</description><pubDate>Wed, 21 Mar 2012 12:59:10 +0000</pubDate><title>NHS workforce census incredibly worrying says RCN</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/press_releases/uk/health_and_social_care_bill_deeply_flawed_-_rcn</link><description>The RCN today (20 March) commented on the Health and Social Care Bill which is moving towards receiving Royal Assent. RCN Chief Executive &amp; General Secretary, Dr Peter Carter, said:</description><pubDate>Wed, 21 Mar 2012 12:57:04 +0000</pubDate><title>Health and Social Care Bill ‘deeply flawed’ - RCN</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/press_releases/uk/care_of_older_people_let_down_by_low_staffing_levels_rcn</link><description>Older people are being let down by low staffing levels in many UK hospitals, the Royal College of Nursing (RCN) warned today (20 March) as it called for a ‘patient guarantee’ setting out the number of nurses needed on older people’s wards.</description><pubDate>Tue, 20 Mar 2012 07:54:35 +0000</pubDate><title>Care of older people let down by low staffing levels – RCN</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/press_releases/uk/rcn_comment_on_departure_of_professor_tony_hazell_from_the_nmc</link><description>Commenting on the changes announced today at the NMC, Royal College of Nursing Chief Executive &amp; General Secretary, Dr Peter Carter, said:</description><pubDate>Mon, 19 Mar 2012 18:02:19 +0000</pubDate><title>RCN comment on NMC changes</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/press_releases/uk/rcn_welcomes_new_chief_nursing_officer</link><description>Commenting on the appointment of Jane Cummings as Chief Nursing Officer on the NHS Commissioning Board, Royal College of Nursing (RCN) Chief Executive &amp; General Secretary, Dr Peter Carter, said:</description><pubDate>Mon, 19 Mar 2012 14:50:03 +0000</pubDate><title>RCN welcomes new Chief Nursing Officer</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/press_releases/uk/care_homes_lack_resources_to_provide_quality_care_-_rcn</link><description>Care homes are increasingly struggling to provide high quality care for residents with complex medical conditions, amid a backdrop of a severe lack of funding, equipment and staff, the Royal College of Nursing warned today (14 March).</description><pubDate>Wed, 14 Mar 2012 09:21:46 +0000</pubDate><title>Care homes lack resources to provide quality care - RCN</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/press_releases/uk/rcn_continues_to_call_for_mandatory_regulation_for_healthcare_support_workers</link><description>Responding to the debate around mandatory healthcare support regulation being included within the Health and Social Care bill, Royal College of Nursing (RCN) Chief Executive &amp; General Secretary, Dr Peter Carter said:</description><pubDate>Tue, 13 Mar 2012 15:53:31 +0000</pubDate><title>RCN continues to call for mandatory regulation for healthcare support workers</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/press_releases/uk/rcn_response_to_nhs_pay_review_body_report2</link><description>Commenting on today’s publication of the NHS Pay Review Body report, Royal College of Nursing Chief Executive &amp; General Secretary, Dr Peter Carter, said:</description><pubDate>Tue, 13 Mar 2012 15:46:31 +0000</pubDate><title>RCN response to NHS Pay Review Body report</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/press_releases/uk/rcn_response_to_nhs_pay_review_body_report</link><description>The RCN today commented on the publication of the NHS Pay Review Body report.</description><pubDate>Tue, 13 Mar 2012 14:02:37 +0000</pubDate><title>RCN response to NHS Pay Review Body report</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/press_releases/uk/rcn_judged_one_of_sunday_times_best_companies_to_work_for</link><description>For the second year running, the Royal College of Nursing (RCN) has been judged as one of the best companies to work for in the UK.</description><pubDate>Mon, 12 Mar 2012 11:05:01 +0000</pubDate><title>RCN judged one of Sunday Times 'best companies to work for'</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/press_releases/uk/rcn_comment_on_governments_pension_proposals</link><description>The RCN today (9 March) commented on the Government’s announcement of the final public sector pension proposals.</description><pubDate>Fri, 09 Mar 2012 15:25:45 +0000</pubDate><title>RCN comment on Government’s pension proposals</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/press_releases/uk/rcn_comment_on_risk_register_decision</link><description>The RCN today commented on today’s Information Rights tribunal decision to uphold the commissioner’s decision to publish the “transition risk register” on NHS reforms.</description><pubDate>Fri, 09 Mar 2012 15:22:06 +0000</pubDate><title>RCN comment on risk register decision</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/press_releases/uk/rcn_response_to_hsc_report_on_annual_accountability_hearings</link><description>The RCN today responded to the Health Select Committee report on the annual accountability hearings.</description><pubDate>Wed, 07 Mar 2012 10:02:19 +0000</pubDate><title>RCN response to HSC report on annual accountability hearings</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/press_releases/uk/rcn_statement_on_newsnight_programme_29_february</link><description>The Royal College of Nursing (RCN) today moved to clarify remarks made by Secretary of State for Health on BBC Newsnight, regarding the Health and Social Care Bill and the RCN’s view over Foundation Trusts.</description><pubDate>Thu, 01 Mar 2012 11:18:34 +0000</pubDate><title>RCN Statement on Newsnight Programme 29 February</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/press_releases/uk/results_of_rcn_member_vote_on_pensions</link><description>The Royal College of Nursing (RCN) governing Council met today to discuss the next steps on NHS pensions following a vote of members.  The vote closed on Monday 27th February and 65,759 votes were cast, a turnout of 16.17%. 41,009 members, (62.36%), voted to reject the government’s proposals, whilst 24,533 members, (37.30%), voted to accept the proposals.</description><pubDate>Thu, 01 Mar 2012 09:46:40 +0000</pubDate><title>Results of RCN member vote on pensions</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/press_releases/uk/rcn_response_to_the_report_by_the_commission_on_dignity_in_care_for_older_people</link><description>The Royal College of Nursing (RCN) today (29 Feb) responded to the report for consultation by the Commission on Dignity in Care for Older People. RCN Chief Executive &amp; General Secretary, Dr Peter Carter said:</description><pubDate>Wed, 29 Feb 2012 15:34:18 +0000</pubDate><title>RCN response to the report by the Commission on Dignity in Care for Older People</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/press_releases/uk/rcn_comment_on_eu_directive_on_professional_qualifications2</link><description>Commenting ahead of a debate in which members of the European Parliament will consider legislation around the free movement of health professionals in Europe, Royal College of Nursing (RCN) Chief Executive &amp; General Secretary, Dr Peter Carter, said:</description><pubDate>Thu, 23 Feb 2012 15:08:08 +0000</pubDate><title>RCN comment on EU Directive on professional qualifications</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/press_releases/uk/rcn_wins_vital_test_case_over_nhs_pay</link><description>The Royal College of Nursing today (February 23) called for all NHS employers to uphold agreed terms and conditions for staff after winning an important test case at an employment tribunal.</description><pubDate>Thu, 23 Feb 2012 13:39:25 +0000</pubDate><title>RCN wins vital test case over NHS pay</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/press_releases/uk/rcn_comment_on_no.10_meeting_on_nhs_reforms</link><description>Responding to the news that the Government plans to hold a meeting on the NHS reforms on Monday without all the relevant groups, Royal College of Nursing (RCN) Chief Executive &amp; General Secretary, Dr Peter Carter, said:</description><pubDate>Sat, 18 Feb 2012 19:15:25 +0000</pubDate><title>RCN comment on No.10 meeting on NHS reforms</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/press_releases/uk/rcn_calls_for_end_to_shady_dh_payment_deals</link><description>Shady tax avoidance schemes at the Department of Health must end, the Royal College of Nursing (RCN), said today (17 February). Responding to revelations that 25 senior staff across the Department of Health were paid salaries direct to limited companies , the RCN said serious questions need to be asked about opaque pay dealings across the top of the Department of Health.</description><pubDate>Fri, 17 Feb 2012 11:47:26 +0000</pubDate><title>RCN calls for end to ‘shady’ DH payment deals</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/press_releases/uk/rcn_calls_for_sustained_investment_in_school_nursing</link><description>The Royal College of Nursing (RCN) has today called for a sustained investment in school nursing, highlighting the difference school nurses can make to the lives of children and young people.</description><pubDate>Fri, 17 Feb 2012 11:41:50 +0000</pubDate><title>RCN calls for sustained investment in school nursing</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/press_releases/uk/rcn_comment_on_the_prime_ministers_statement_on_alcohol_abuse</link><description>Commenting on the Prime Minister’s scheduled announcement about how the Government plans to tackle harmful drinking, Tom Sandford, Director of the Royal College of Nursing in England, said:</description><pubDate>Wed, 15 Feb 2012 15:22:27 +0000</pubDate><title>RCN comment on the Prime Minister's statement on alcohol abuse</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/press_releases/uk/rcn_response_to_select_committee_report_on_social_care</link><description>The Royal College of Nursing today responded to the Health Select Committee report on social care. RCN Chief Executive &amp; General Secretary, Dr Peter Carter, said:</description><pubDate>Wed, 15 Feb 2012 15:19:44 +0000</pubDate><title>RCN response to Select Committee report on social care</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/press_releases/uk/rcn_response_to_amendments_to_the_health_and_social_care_bill</link><description>The Royal College of Nursing today responded to the amendments laid down in the Health and Social Care Bill. RCN Chief Executive &amp; General Secretary, Dr Peter Carter, said:</description><pubDate>Wed, 15 Feb 2012 15:17:25 +0000</pubDate><title>RCN response to amendments to the Health and Social Care Bill</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/press_releases/uk/rcn_calls_on_members_to_vote_as_voting_papers_go_out</link><description>The Royal College of Nursing today (30 January) urged members to take part in the upcoming vote on the Government’s pensions proposals as they begin receiving their voting papers.</description><pubDate>Mon, 30 Jan 2012 14:53:07 +0000</pubDate><title>RCN calls on members to vote as voting papers go out</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/press_releases/uk/rcn_warns_over_jobs_at_risk_at_nhs_direct</link><description>The Royal College of Nursing (RCN) today warned that as many as 300 frontline staff at NHS Direct could lose their jobs. NHS Direct plans to introduce new roster arrangements for staff in order to cut costs as they begin  moving towards the new NHS 111 services, due to be rolled out through 2012-13.</description><pubDate>Fri, 27 Jan 2012 10:33:24 +0000</pubDate><title>RCN warns over jobs at risk at NHS Direct</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/press_releases/uk/rcn_response_to_childrens_and_young_peoples_outcomes_strategy</link><description>The RCN today responded to the announcement of the ‘Children’s and Young People’s outcomes strategy.</description><pubDate>Thu, 26 Jan 2012 16:59:11 +0000</pubDate><title>RCN response to Children’s and Young People’s outcomes strategy</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/press_releases/uk/rcn_response_to_nmc_review</link><description>The RCN today responded to the announcement of a strategic review of the NMC.</description><pubDate>Thu, 26 Jan 2012 16:50:50 +0000</pubDate><title>RCN response to NMC review</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/press_releases/uk/rcn_response_to_the_health_select_committee_report_into_public_expenditure</link><description>The RCN today responded to the Health Select Committee’s report into Public Expenditure.</description><pubDate>Tue, 24 Jan 2012 10:39:55 +0000</pubDate><title>RCN response to the Health Select Committee report into Public Expenditure</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/press_releases/uk/staff_left_behind_as_public_health_changes_forge_on</link><description>Commenting on the Public Health Outcomes Framework, published today (23 January 2012), Royal College of Nursing (RCN) Chief Executive &amp; General Secretary, Dr Peter Carter, said:</description><pubDate>Mon, 23 Jan 2012 14:52:52 +0000</pubDate><title>Staff left behind as public health changes forge on</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/press_releases/uk/rcn_announces_timetable_for_members_vote_about_nhs_pensions_proposals</link><description>The Royal College of Nursing today announced the timetable for the members’ vote in which they will decide whether they wish to accept or reject the Government’s ‘final’ pensions proposals.</description><pubDate>Tue, 17 Jan 2012 16:16:08 +0000</pubDate><title>RCN announces timetable for members' vote about NHS pensions proposals</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/press_releases/uk/nurses_call_for_care_quality_commission_to_be_strengthened</link><description>Many nurses feel the healthcare regulator, the Care Quality Commission, needs to improve to become truly effective, the Royal College of Nursing (RCN) warned today (16 January).</description><pubDate>Mon, 16 Jan 2012 09:23:46 +0000</pubDate><title>Nurses call for Care Quality Commission to be strengthened</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/press_releases/uk/rcn_comments_on_departure_of_dickon_weir-hughes</link><description>RCN comments on departure of Dickon Weir-Hughes</description><pubDate>Thu, 12 Jan 2012 12:37:12 +0000</pubDate><title>RCN comments on departure of Dickon Weir-Hughes</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/press_releases/uk/rcn_to_consult_members_on_governments_pensions_offer</link><description>The Royal College of Nursing (RCN) Council met today (10 January) to discuss the Government’s ‘final’ proposals on the NHS pension scheme and announced that all RCN members will now have the opportunity to vote on whether to accept or reject the proposals.</description><pubDate>Tue, 10 Jan 2012 15:24:23 +0000</pubDate><title>RCN to consult members on Government’s pensions offer</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/press_releases/uk/rcn_responds_to_nhs_future_forum_report</link><description>"We welcome this report and are pleased that many of our recommendations have been taken forward. The NHS Future Forum have clearly looked in detail at nurse education, public health and regulation and this is encouraging."</description><pubDate>Tue, 10 Jan 2012 09:55:58 +0000</pubDate><title>RCN responds to NHS Future Forum report</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/press_releases/uk/rcn_responds_to_prime_ministers_announcement_on_nursing</link><description>The Royal College of Nursing (RCN) today responded to the Prime Minister’s announcement on freeing up nurses to spend more time on care.</description><pubDate>Fri, 06 Jan 2012 10:19:01 +0000</pubDate><title>RCN responds to Prime Minister’s announcement on nursing</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/press_releases/uk/lone_working_nurses_continue_to_be_attacked_on_duty</link><description>Over 60 percent of nurses have been subjected to abuse in the past two years while working in the community, according to a Royal College of Nursing (RCN) survey published today (20 December 2011).</description><pubDate>Fri, 06 Jan 2012 12:24:14 +0000</pubDate><title>Lone working nurses continue to be attacked on duty</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/press_releases/uk/rcn_comment_on_the_new_public_health_system</link><description>Commenting on new information published today by the Department of Health on the new public health system Royal College of Nursing (RCN) Chief Executive &amp; General Secretary, Dr Peter Carter, said:</description><pubDate>Tue, 20 Dec 2011 15:06:12 +0000</pubDate><title>RCN comment on the new public health system</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/press_releases/uk/rcn_statement_on_nhs_pension_negotiations</link><description>Royal College of Nursing Chief Executive &amp; General Secretary, Dr Peter Carter, said: 
“The Government and the NHS Staff Council Trade Unions have now discussed a final set of proposals in respect of the NHS pension scheme, which recognises that the proposals are the best that can be achieved through negotiation.</description><pubDate>Mon, 19 Dec 2011 18:01:53 +0000</pubDate><title>RCN statement on NHS pension negotiations</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/press_releases/uk/rcn_comment_on_eu_directive_on_professional_qualifications</link><description>Commenting on the proposal by the European Commission on modernising the Professional Qualifications Directive, Royal College of Nursing (RCN) Chief Executive &amp; General Secretary, Dr Peter Carter, said:</description><pubDate>Tue, 20 Dec 2011 10:21:51 +0000</pubDate><title>RCN comment on EU Directive on professional qualifications</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/press_releases/uk/rcn_calls_for_mandatory_regulation_for_healthcare_support_workers</link><description>More than 2,500 frontline nurses and healthcare support workers have co-signed a letter to health minister, Earl Howe, asking him to accept an amendment to the Health and Social Care Bill that would ensure mandatory regulation for healthcare support workers.</description><pubDate>Mon, 19 Dec 2011 11:05:11 +0000</pubDate><title>RCN calls for mandatory regulation for healthcare support workers</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/press_releases/uk/national_audit_of_dementia_report_extremely_worrying_-_rcn</link><description>Responding to today’s National Audit of Dementia report, Royal College of Nursing Chief Executive &amp; General Secretary, Dr Peter Carter, said:</description><pubDate>Mon, 19 Dec 2011 11:02:16 +0000</pubDate><title>National Audit of Dementia report “extremely worrying” - RCN</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/press_releases/uk/comment_on_public_accounts_committee_report_on_achievement_of_foundation_trust_status_by_nhs_hospital_trusts</link><description>RCN Chief Executive &amp; General Secretary, Dr Peter Carter, said:

“Good financial management and high quality patient care should be equal partners as hospital Trusts strive to achieve foundation status.</description><pubDate>Thu, 15 Dec 2011 11:36:43 +0000</pubDate><title>Comment on Public Accounts Committee report on achievement of foundation trust status by NHS hospital trusts</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/press_releases/uk/rcn_responds_to_kings_fund_report_on_health_services_in_london</link><description>The Royal College of Nursing (RCN) Chief Executive &amp; General Secretary, Dr Peter Carter, said: 

“This report raises some worrying questions about the future of healthcare in London, which require urgent answers.</description><pubDate>Tue, 13 Dec 2011 09:54:00 +0000</pubDate><title>RCN responds to King’s Fund report on health services in London</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/press_releases/uk/ngos_standing_together_for_the_human_rights_act</link><description>Leading organisations call on political party leaders to protect the Human Rights Act in an open letter to mark international Human Rights Day on10 December. These organisations cover a diverse range of issues. We have collectively come together to speak with one voice to express disappointment that the Human Rights Act is all too often vilified, and call for leadership from our political leaders on the Human Rights Act.</description><pubDate>Sat, 10 Dec 2011 00:15:12 +0000</pubDate><title>NGOs standing together for the Human Rights Act</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/press_releases/uk/rcn_opposes_chancellors_push_for_local_pay_deals</link><description>The Royal College of Nursing (RCN) today responded to a letter from Chancellor George Osborne to the pay review body. The letter proposes a move from a national NHS pay deal to one based on regional negotiation.</description><pubDate>Thu, 08 Dec 2011 16:04:21 +0000</pubDate><title>RCN opposes Chancellor’s push for local pay deals</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/press_releases/uk/rcn_comment_on_government_announcement_on_pension_contributions</link><description>Royal College of Nursing Chief Executive &amp; General Secretary, Dr Peter Carter, said: 
“This is yet another divisive and provocative move by the Government and means that more than two thirds of nurses will now face further increased pensions contributions.</description><pubDate>Thu, 08 Dec 2011 12:03:51 +0000</pubDate><title>RCN comment on Government announcement on pension contributions</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/press_releases/uk/rcn_response_to_andrew_lansley_speech_on_nhs_benchmarks</link><description>Commenting on this morning’s speech by the Secretary of State for Heath regarding NHS benchmarks, Royal College of Nursing Chief Executive &amp; General Secretary, Dr Peter Carter, said:</description><pubDate>Wed, 07 Dec 2011 13:04:36 +0000</pubDate><title>RCN response to Andrew Lansley speech on NHS benchmarks</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/press_releases/uk/nurses_still_afraid_to_blow_the_whistle_-_rcn</link><description>In almost half of cases where nurses have raised concerns about issues such as staffing levels and patient safety, no action was taken, according to a new survey by the Royal College of Nursing (RCN). More than 80% of nurses have raised concerns with their employers about such issues.</description><pubDate>Mon, 05 Dec 2011 09:29:17 +0000</pubDate><title>Nurses still afraid to blow the whistle - RCN</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/press_releases/uk/government_must_take_action_on_alcohol_abuse_-_rcn</link><description>Commenting on new figures from the North East on the prevalence of liver disease as a result of alcohol abuse</description><pubDate>Fri, 02 Dec 2011 12:42:56 +0000</pubDate><title>Government must take action on alcohol abuse - RCN</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/press_releases/uk/frontline_nurses_get_a_front_row_view_of_the_lords</link><description>Today (1 December), 11 nurses attended a debate in the House of Lords on frontline nursing care. The debate, tabled by Baroness Audrey Emerton, covered a variety of issues including nurse education and training, specialist nursing and safe staffing levels. The House heard from a total of 12 Peers, including Health Minister, Earl Howe.</description><pubDate>Fri, 02 Dec 2011 09:59:58 +0000</pubDate><title>Frontline nurses get a front row view of the Lords</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/press_releases/uk/rcn_comment_on_tuc_day_of_action</link><description>RCN comment on TUC Day of Action</description><pubDate>Wed, 30 Nov 2011 13:00:48 +0000</pubDate><title>RCN comment on TUC Day of Action</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/press_releases/uk/rcn_comment_on_the_chancellors_autumn_statement</link><description>Responding to today’s Autumn statement, Royal College of Nursing Chief Executive &amp; General Secretary, Dr Peter Carter</description><pubDate>Tue, 29 Nov 2011 14:16:44 +0000</pubDate><title>RCN comment on the Chancellor’s Autumn statement</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/press_releases/uk/rcn_risky_and_irresponsible_staffing_levels_on_older_peoples_wards</link><description>The Royal College of Nursing (RCN) today (28 November) branded staffing levels on some older people’s wards as risky and irresponsible as it responded to the publication of the Dr Foster Hospital Guide 2011.</description><pubDate>Mon, 28 Nov 2011 15:58:52 +0000</pubDate><title>RCN – risky and irresponsible staffing levels on older people’s wards</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/press_releases/uk/rcns_david_cooper_wins_hr_director_of_the_year</link><description>The RCN is proud to announce that its Director of Human Resources, David Cooper, has won Personnel Today’s award for HR Director of the Year.  David joined the RCN in 2007, following a career in human resources and organisational development which included 21 years in the NHS.</description><pubDate>Thu, 24 Nov 2011 16:42:27 +0000</pubDate><title>RCN’s David Cooper wins HR Director of the Year</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/press_releases/uk/rcn_council_to_meet_on_january_10th_to_discuss_action_over_pensions</link><description>The Royal College of Nursing (RCN) today confirmed that Council would meet on January 10th to discuss action over Government proposals on NHS pensions.</description><pubDate>Thu, 24 Nov 2011 10:02:37 +0000</pubDate><title>RCN Council to meet on January 10th to discuss action over pensions</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/press_releases/uk/rcn_comments_on_proposed_changes_to_employment_law</link><description>The Royal College of Nursing (RCN) today responded to comments by Business Secretary Rt Hon Vince Cable outlining proposed changes to employment law.</description><pubDate>Wed, 23 Nov 2011 17:40:18 +0000</pubDate><title>RCN comments on proposed changes to employment law</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/press_releases/uk/rcn_comment_on_equality_and_human_rights_commission_report_into_the_care_of_older_people</link><description>The RCN today responded to the report by the Equality and Human Rights Commission into older people's care.</description><pubDate>Wed, 23 Nov 2011 13:59:37 +0000</pubDate><title>RCN comment on Equality and Human Rights Commission report into the care of older people</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/press_releases/uk/rcn_calls_for_investment_in_community_nursing</link><description>The Royal College of Nursing today (21 November) called for a renewed investment in community nursing as it unveiled a new report highlighting its value, from supporting families of children with autism to enabling dignified end-of-life care.</description><pubDate>Mon, 21 Nov 2011 15:22:55 +0000</pubDate><title>RCN calls for investment in community nursing</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/press_releases/uk/nhs_heading_for_crisis_point_as_job_losses_mount_-_rcn</link><description>The Royal College of Nursing today (20 November) warned that the NHS was heading for crisis point as it revealed the soaring number of post losses, with 56,058 NHS positions now being axed across the UK.</description><pubDate>Sun, 20 Nov 2011 11:11:44 +0000</pubDate><title>NHS heading for crisis point as job losses mount - RCN</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/press_releases/uk/rcn_prepares_move_towards_ballot_for_nurses_over_pensions</link><description>The Royal College of Nursing (RCN) Council met today to discuss rising anger about Government proposals on NHS pensions.</description><pubDate>Thu, 10 Nov 2011 15:36:50 +0000</pubDate><title>RCN prepares move towards ballot for nurses over pensions</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/press_releases/uk/nhs_employers_must_protect_staff_from_violent_assaults</link><description>Responding to figures released today on physical assaults against NHS staff, Royal College of Nursing Chief Executive &amp; General Secretary, Dr Peter Carter, said:</description><pubDate>Thu, 10 Nov 2011 13:18:11 +0000</pubDate><title>NHS Employers must protect staff from violent assaults</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/press_releases/uk/rcn_response_to_the_governments_public_sector_pensions_offer</link><description>RCN Chief Executive &amp; General Secretary, Dr Peter Carter, said: 
“These changes are a welcome sign and are certainly a step in the right direction.</description><pubDate>Wed, 02 Nov 2011 15:11:44 +0000</pubDate><title>RCN response to the Government’s public sector pensions offer</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/press_releases/uk/nursing_staff_in_limbo_as_public_health_faces_change</link><description>The Royal College of Nursing (RCN), today (2 November), welcomed the Health Select Committee’s report on Public Health which recommended that uncertainty around the future structure and focus of public health in England must be resolved as quickly as possible.</description><pubDate>Wed, 02 Nov 2011 15:06:37 +0000</pubDate><title>Nursing staff in limbo as public health faces change</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/press_releases/uk/rcn_comment_on_ncepod_report_into_children_who_died_after_surgery</link><description>The Royal College of Nursing today responded to the National Confidential Enquiry into Patient Outcome and Death report into children who died after surgery.</description><pubDate>Thu, 27 Oct 2011 09:49:24 +0100</pubDate><title>RCN comment on NCEPOD report into children who died after surgery</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/press_releases/uk/rcn_agm_offers_full_membership_to_health_care_assistants</link><description>Members of the RCN have today voted overwhelmingly to make health care assistants, health care support workers and assistant practitioners full members of the RCN.</description><pubDate>Wed, 26 Oct 2011 17:27:36 +0100</pubDate><title>RCN AGM offers full membership to health care assistants</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/press_releases/uk/2011_mary_seacole_award_winners_announced</link><description>Six exceptional nurses, midwives and health visitors were today (25 October) recognised for their contribution to black and ethnic minority (BME) communities with Mary Seacole Leadership and Development Awards.</description><pubDate>Wed, 26 Oct 2011 09:37:44 +0100</pubDate><title>2011 Mary Seacole Award winners announced</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/press_releases/uk/rcn_comment_regarding_treasury_letter_on_pensions</link><description>The RCN today responded to media reports that nurses would be better off under proposed Government pension changes.</description><pubDate>Mon, 24 Oct 2011 17:03:40 +0100</pubDate><title>RCN comment regarding Treasury letter on pensions</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/press_releases/uk/rcn_council_elects_new_chair</link><description>Professor Kath McCourt has been elected as the RCN Chair of Council, which represents over 400,000 members of the nursing workforce across the UK.</description><pubDate>Mon, 24 Oct 2011 16:44:12 +0100</pubDate><title>RCN Council elects new Chair</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/press_releases/uk/rcn_comment_on_the_appeal_of_bahrain_nurses</link><description>The Royal College of Nursing today commented on the appeal by Bahraini nurses.</description><pubDate>Mon, 24 Oct 2011 10:14:26 +0100</pubDate><title>RCN comment on the appeal of Bahrain nurses</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/press_releases/uk/nurses_distressed_and_angry_at_pension_attacks_-_rcn</link><description>The Royal College of Nursing today outlined the anger felt by nurses at Government attacks on NHS pensions and reiterated that industrial action was inevitable unless their concerns were addressed by the Government.</description><pubDate>Fri, 21 Oct 2011 13:50:46 +0100</pubDate><title>Nurses “distressed and angry” at pension attacks - RCN</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/press_releases/uk/rcn_launches_guidance_for_nurses_on_assisted_suicide</link><description>The RCN today (October 20) launched new guidance for nurses and healthcare assistants on how to respond requests from patients related to assisted suicide.</description><pubDate>Thu, 20 Oct 2011 09:55:04 +0100</pubDate><title>RCN launches guidance for nurses on assisted suicide</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/press_releases/uk/rcn_comment_on_health_visiting</link><description>The RCN today responded to the NMC’s plans for reform of health visiting regulation.</description><pubDate>Thu, 20 Oct 2011 09:45:54 +0100</pubDate><title>RCN comment on health visiting</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/press_releases/uk/rcn_publishes_response_to_nhs_future_forum_consultation</link><description>The Royal College of Nursing (RCN) today published its response to the NHS Future Forum (Second phase). The RCN highlighted concerns about the timing of the consultation and the importance of education and training and public health.</description><pubDate>Tue, 18 Oct 2011 17:15:04 +0100</pubDate><title>RCN publishes response to NHS Future Forum consultation</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/press_releases/uk/lack_of_neonatal_specialists_desperate_state_of_affairs_-_rcn</link><description>The RCN has responded to the new report by special care baby charity Bliss.</description><pubDate>Tue, 18 Oct 2011 10:24:49 +0100</pubDate><title>Lack of neonatal specialists ‘desperate state of affairs’ - RCN</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/press_releases/uk/rcn_comment_on_pensions_meeting</link><description>Commenting on Wednesday’s meeting with the Secretary of State for Health, Andrew Lansley, Royal College of Nursing Executive Director of Nursing and Service Delivery, Janet Davies, said:</description><pubDate>Fri, 14 Oct 2011 14:05:58 +0100</pubDate><title>RCN comment on pensions meeting</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/press_releases/uk/rcn_comment_on_cqc_report</link><description>The RCN today responded to the Care Quality Commission (CQC) report into dignity and nutrition for older people.</description><pubDate>Thu, 13 Oct 2011 11:50:01 +0100</pubDate><title>RCN comment on CQC report</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/press_releases/uk/rcn_highlights_continued_concerns_regarding_health_and_social_care_bill</link><description>The Royal College of Nursing has warned that the Health and Social Care Bill could have a serious and detrimental impact upon the NHS and the delivery of patient care, ahead of its second reading in the House of Lords tomorrow (11 October).</description><pubDate>Mon, 10 Oct 2011 16:25:38 +0100</pubDate><title>RCN highlights continued concerns regarding Health and Social Care Bill</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/press_releases/uk/rcn_welcomes_andy_burnham_as_new_shadow_health_secretary</link><description>Commenting on the news that the Rt Hon Andy Burnham MP has been appointed as the new Shadow Secretary of State for Health, Janet Davies, Executive Director of Nursing and Service Delivery for the Royal College of Nursing (RCN), said:</description><pubDate>Fri, 07 Oct 2011 15:31:53 +0100</pubDate><title>RCN welcomes Andy Burnham as new Shadow Health Secretary</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/press_releases/uk/rcn_response_to_nmc_comments_on_industrial_action</link><description>The RCN today responded to a statement by the nursing regulator, the Nursing and Midwifery Council.</description><pubDate>Thu, 06 Oct 2011 11:34:06 +0100</pubDate><title>RCN response to NMC comments on industrial action</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/press_releases/uk/rcn_warns_of_rising_pressure_as_staff_cuts_mount</link><description>The growing strain on nurses working in the NHS was today revealed by the Royal College of Nursing as new figures showed that one in twenty nurses expects to be made redundant during the next 12 months.</description><pubDate>Mon, 03 Oct 2011 16:20:21 +0100</pubDate><title>RCN warns of rising pressure as staff cuts mount</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/press_releases/uk/rcn_-_ballot_on_industrial_action_inevitable_if_pension_talks_fail</link><description>The Royal College of Nursing (RCN) today held a special meeting of RCN Council, to discuss rising anger about government proposals on NHS pensions. The RCN Council said that industrial action balloting was ‘inevitable’ if nursing concerns are not addressed by government in the ongoing discussions. RCN Council agreed to support colleagues in the day of action on November 30th though they did not decide to ballot immediately on industrial action.  The RCN will now campaign to communicate the seriousness of the proposals and ensure that the RCN is ready to ballot as and when needed.</description><pubDate>Fri, 30 Sep 2011 15:16:35 +0100</pubDate><title>RCN - ballot on industrial action "inevitable" if pension talks fail</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/press_releases/uk/rcn_launches_new_commitment_to_dementia_care</link><description>The Royal College of Nursing (RCN) will today (21 September) launch a new commitment to the care of people with dementia in general hospitals.</description><pubDate>Mon, 26 Sep 2011 11:36:15 +0100</pubDate><title>RCN launches new commitment to dementia care</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/press_releases/uk/nurses_reveal_fears_over_future_of_the_profession_in_new_survey</link><description>Nurses working in the NHS are being pushed to breaking point amid a backdrop of poor career prospects, financial worries, bullying in the workplace and plummeting morale according to the new Royal College of Nursing (RCN) members’ employment survey.</description><pubDate>Mon, 26 Sep 2011 09:42:50 +0100</pubDate><title>Nurses reveal fears over future of the profession in new survey</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/press_releases/uk/rcn_consults_members_ahead_of_special_meeting_on_pensions</link><description>The Royal College of Nursing (RCN) today announced that it would be holding a special meeting of RCN Council on Friday September 30th to discuss next steps over pensions. The RCN is contacting members to ask them to give their opinion on action to take over proposed changes to pension arrangements.</description><pubDate>Wed, 21 Sep 2011 17:18:29 +0100</pubDate><title>RCN consults members ahead of special meeting on pensions</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/press_releases/uk/rcn_comments_on_cqc_state_of_care_report</link><description>The Royal College of Nursing (RCN) today responded to the Care Quality Commission (CQC) annual report to parliament, The state of health care and adult social care in England.</description><pubDate>Thu, 15 Sep 2011 17:03:30 +0100</pubDate><title>RCN comments on CQC “State of Care” report</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/press_releases/uk/the_royal_college_of_nursing_announces_new_council_members2</link><description>Thirteen nurses have been elected to join the Royal College of Nursing (RCN) governing council. The Council represents over 400,000 nurses and healthcare assistants across the UK.</description><pubDate>Thu, 15 Sep 2011 15:33:41 +0100</pubDate><title>The Royal College of Nursing announces new council members</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/press_releases/uk/rcn_comment_on_possible_industrial_action</link><description>The RCN has responded to news that public sector unions are consulting or balloting their members about possible industrial action in defence of pensions.</description><pubDate>Wed, 14 Sep 2011 14:29:55 +0100</pubDate><title>RCN comment on possible industrial action</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/press_releases/uk/rcn_comment_on_chase_farm_hospital</link><description>RCN comment on Government announcement regarding Chase Farm hospital.</description><pubDate>Mon, 12 Sep 2011 16:35:59 +0100</pubDate><title>RCN comment on Chase Farm hospital</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/press_releases/uk/rcn_calls_for_language_and_skills_testing_within_european_law</link><description>Nurses entering the UK from the EU must have adequate language skills and up to date training in order to practise safely according to the Royal College of Nursing’s (RCN) response to the Government’s Green Paper, ‘Modernising the Professional Qualifications Directive’</description><pubDate>Fri, 09 Sep 2011 11:36:23 +0100</pubDate><title>RCN calls for language and skills testing within European Law</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/press_releases/uk/rcn_response_to_dh_announcement_on_blood_donation</link><description>Commenting on the announcement that the Department of Health is going to implement a one year deferral period on gay and bisexual men donating blood, RCN Chief Executive &amp; General Secretary, Dr. Peter Carter said:</description><pubDate>Thu, 08 Sep 2011 14:28:27 +0100</pubDate><title>RCN response to DH announcement on blood donation</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/press_releases/uk/rcn_responds_to_prime_ministers_comments_at_pmqs</link><description>The Royal College of Nursing (RCN) today reiterated its concerns in relation to the Health and Social Care Bill following the Prime Minister’s comments at Prime Minister’s Questions.  

During the discussion, Prime Minister David Cameron suggested that the Royal College of Nursing, along with other organisations, was in support of the Health and Social Care Bill. The RCN issued a full parliamentary briefing on Friday with the following comment -</description><pubDate>Wed, 07 Sep 2011 14:31:37 +0100</pubDate><title>RCN responds to Prime Minister’s comments at PMQs</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/press_releases/uk/rcn_highlights_continued_concerns_over_health_and_social_care_bill</link><description>The Royal College of Nursing (RCN) today issued its briefing for parliamentarians ahead of the report stage and third reading next week. The briefing welcomes the progress the Government has made but sets out continued fears over the role of competition, the lifting of the private income cap and a number of other issues.</description><pubDate>Fri, 02 Sep 2011 17:08:53 +0100</pubDate><title>RCN highlights continued concerns over Health and Social Care Bill</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/press_releases/uk/rcn_responds_to_announcement_on_failure_regime_for_nhs_trusts</link><description>Responding to the Department of Health’s document Securing continued access to NHS services, which sets out the processes for dealing with failures in NHS organisations,  Dr Peter Carter, Chief Executive &amp; General Secretary of the Royal College of Nursing said:</description><pubDate>Thu, 01 Sep 2011 16:54:21 +0100</pubDate><title>RCN responds to announcement on “failure regime” for NHS Trusts</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/press_releases/uk/reduced_membership_rate_for_rcn_health_care_assistant_members</link><description>The RCN has today announced (17 August) a significant reduction in the membership subscription rate for heath care assistants.  From 1 September the rate goes down to £97.47 from the current level of £129.79 per year.</description><pubDate>Wed, 17 Aug 2011 13:46:27 +0100</pubDate><title>Reduced membership rate for RCN health care assistant members</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/press_releases/uk/rcn_comment_on_false_economy_report</link><description>Dr Peter Carter, Chief Executive &amp; General Secretary of the Royal College of Nursing said:

“This research is extremely worrying. These cuts will affect essential core services, which some of the most vulnerable people in society rely on.  There is also a great danger that the consequences of these cuts could create  gaps in provision and increased pressure on the NHS.</description><pubDate>Tue, 02 Aug 2011 10:08:52 +0100</pubDate><title>RCN comment on False Economy report</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/press_releases/uk/rcn_responds_to_cqc_report_into_castlebeck</link><description>Responding to the CQC’s report into properties owned and run by Castlebeck,  Dr Peter Carter, Chief Executive &amp; General Secretary of the Royal College of Nursing said:</description><pubDate>Thu, 28 Jul 2011 15:09:26 +0100</pubDate><title>RCN responds to CQC report into Castlebeck</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/press_releases/uk/nurses_bearing_the_brunt_of_the_financial_crisis_-_rcn</link><description>Responding to today’s Department of Health consultation on increasing employee pension contributions, Royal College of Nursing Chief Executive &amp; General Secretary Dr Peter Carter said:</description><pubDate>Thu, 28 Jul 2011 11:40:03 +0100</pubDate><title>Nurses bearing the brunt of the financial crisis - RCN</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/press_releases/uk/rcn_statement_on_health_committee_report_on_the_nmc</link><description>The Royal College of Nursing today responded to today’s publication of the Health Committee’s report into the General Medical Council and the Nursing and Midwifery Council.</description><pubDate>Tue, 26 Jul 2011 09:29:20 +0100</pubDate><title>RCN statement on Health Committee report on the NMC</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/press_releases/uk/rcn_statement_on_pensions</link><description>The RCN today responded to reports that Health Secretary Andrew Lansley has raised concerns over proposed pension changes.</description><pubDate>Mon, 25 Jul 2011 12:39:51 +0100</pubDate><title>RCN statement on pensions</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/press_releases/uk/rcn_welcomes_new_commission_on_dignity_in_care</link><description>The Royal College of Nursing (RCN) today (20 July) welcomed the new commission on improving dignity in care provided to older patients in hospitals and care homes.</description><pubDate>Wed, 20 Jul 2011 12:24:31 +0100</pubDate><title>RCN welcomes new commission on dignity in care</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/press_releases/uk/rcn_expresses_concern_about_new_nhs_bursary_arrangements</link><description>Commenting on the new arrangements for funding nursing students</description><pubDate>Mon, 18 Jul 2011 14:48:22 +0100</pubDate><title>RCN expresses concern about new NHS bursary arrangements</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/press_releases/uk/nursing_numbers_could_be_slashed_over_the_next_decade_-_rcn</link><description>The Royal College of Nursing (RCN) today warned that the NHS in England could lose nearly 100,000 nurses over the next ten years, with potentially disastrous consequences for patient care.</description><pubDate>Mon, 18 Jul 2011 14:11:23 +0100</pubDate><title>Nursing numbers could be slashed over the next decade - RCN</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/press_releases/uk/rcn_responds_to_government_update_on_public_health</link><description>The RCN today responded to the Government's update on Public Health.</description><pubDate>Fri, 15 Jul 2011 15:09:35 +0100</pubDate><title>RCN responds to Government update on public health</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/press_releases/uk/uk_governments_cant_afford_not_to_invest_in_health_visiting_-_rcn</link><description>The Royal College of Nursing (RCN) today (5 July) highlighted the importance of Health Visitors to children and families, publishing strong evidence for health visiting as a means of improving public health in a challenging time for the NHS.</description><pubDate>Tue, 05 Jul 2011 10:20:14 +0100</pubDate><title>UK governments ‘can’t afford not to’ invest in health visiting - RCN</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/press_releases/uk/rcn_response_to_the_commission_on_funding_of_care_and_support</link><description>The Royal College of Nursing (RCN) today responded to the Commission on Funding of Care and Support.</description><pubDate>Mon, 04 Jul 2011 15:41:00 +0100</pubDate><title>RCN response to the Commission on Funding of Care and Support</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/press_releases/uk/rcn_wins_gold_at_hr_magazine_excellence_awards</link><description>The Royal College of Nursing (RCN) has won three awards at this week’s prestigious HR Magazine Excellence Awards. The RCN won the Health and Wellbeing Award, the Best HR team in the private sector award, and the prestigious HR Excellence Gold Award.</description><pubDate>Thu, 30 Jun 2011 12:43:27 +0100</pubDate><title>RCN wins gold at HR Magazine Excellence Awards</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/press_releases/uk/nurses_express_concern_over_yet_another_pensions_hit</link><description>The Royal College of Nursing (RCN) today expressed concern that nurses’ pensions have once again been put under threat.</description><pubDate>Thu, 23 Jun 2011 11:44:50 +0100</pubDate><title>Nurses express concern over yet another pensions hit</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/press_releases/uk/rcn_responds_to_announcements_on_nhs_reform_programme</link><description>The Royal College of Nursing (RCN) today responded to the government’s announcement on the future of the health reforms, in which they pledged that nurses would have a guaranteed place on commissioning boards.</description><pubDate>Tue, 14 Jun 2011 14:50:02 +0100</pubDate><title>RCN responds to announcements on NHS reform programme</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/press_releases/uk/rcn_response_to_future_forum_report</link><description>The Royal College of Nursing (RCN) today responded to the publication of the NHS Future Forum report.</description><pubDate>Mon, 13 Jun 2011 15:05:27 +0100</pubDate><title>RCN response to Future Forum report</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/press_releases/uk/uk_nurses_urge_fair_trial_for_health_workers_in_bahrain</link><description>Speaking in advance of military trials in Bahrain for more than 40 nurses, doctors and other health workers</description><pubDate>Fri, 10 Jun 2011 16:21:51 +0100</pubDate><title>UK nurses urge fair trial for health workers in Bahrain</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/press_releases/uk/prime_ministers_nhs_speech_addresses_crucial_issues_but_more_clarity_needed</link><description>Prime Minister David Cameron today (7 June) gave a speech setting out five guarantees for the NHS.  Royal College of Nursing Chief Executive &amp; General Secretary, Dr Peter Carter, responded</description><pubDate>Tue, 07 Jun 2011 15:53:05 +0100</pubDate><title>Prime Minister’s NHS speech addresses crucial issues but more clarity needed</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/press_releases/uk/gp_pathfinders_ploughing_on_regardless_during_pause_-_rcn</link><description>New commissioning consortia in England are “ploughing on” regardless of the ‘pause’ and establishing new and inconsistent structures that are not transparent and may not be fully accountable, a survey by the Royal College of Nursing (RCN) has shown. As a result, the RCN is reiterating its call for a nurse to have a guaranteed place on every GP consortia board, enshrined in law, when the Health Bill returns to parliament.</description><pubDate>Mon, 06 Jun 2011 13:22:01 +0100</pubDate><title>GP pathfinders ‘ploughing on regardless’ during pause - RCN</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/press_releases/uk/rcgp_and_rcn_publish_patient_charter_for_end_of_life_care</link><description>The Royal College of General Practitioners and Royal College of Nursing have released a new Charter for End of Life Care that marks out an ideal of best practice that all patients deserve from their primary healthcare team.</description><pubDate>Wed, 01 Jun 2011 09:35:44 +0100</pubDate><title>RCGP and RCN publish Patient Charter for End of Life Care</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/press_releases/uk/rcn_response_to_cqc_report_on_dignity_and_nutrition_for_older_people2</link><description>The Royal College of Nursing (RCN) today (26 May) responded to the CQC’s first report into dignity and nutrition for older people.</description><pubDate>Thu, 26 May 2011 15:13:58 +0100</pubDate><title>RCN response to CQC report on dignity and nutrition for older people</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/press_releases/uk/nurses_holding_the_nhs_together_-_carter</link><description>The Royal College of Nursing (RCN) today praised the vital work of nurses as they marked International Nurses’ Day. Dr Peter Carter, RCN Chief Executive &amp; General Secretary, spoke out to highlight the work nurses carry out above and beyond the call of duty, and called for their achievements to be recognised.</description><pubDate>Thu, 12 May 2011 11:37:54 +0100</pubDate><title>Nurses “holding the NHS together” - Carter</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/press_releases/uk/patients_being_let_down_by_raid_on_specialist_services,_warns_rcn</link><description>Patients risk being forced into hospital due to short-sighted cuts to specialist services, the Royal College of Nursing (RCN) warned today. An RCN survey has identified that trusts are slashing crucial specialist nursing care for sufferers of conditions such as cancer, diabetes and multiple sclerosis. The RCN is calling for Trusts to heed “compelling evidence” of savings as high as £23 for every pound spent, and invest in nurse-led schemes that keep people out of hospital, save money and improve patient care.</description><pubDate>Wed, 04 May 2011 16:33:06 +0100</pubDate><title>Patients being let down by raid on specialist services, warns RCN</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/press_releases/uk/we_will_stand_up,_we_will_fight,_and_be_heard,_says_nurses_leader</link><description>In his keynote speech at the Royal College of Nursing’s (RCN) annual Congress in Liverpool, Dr Peter Carter told around 2,000 nurses: “Our message is simple: no more taking advantage of your good will. No more treating your terms and conditions like they don’t matter. And no more financial pressures put on your bank balance – this has to stop and stop now.”
 
“We will stand up, we will fight and we will be heard.”</description><pubDate>Mon, 11 Apr 2011 14:32:47 +0100</pubDate><title>‘We will stand up, we will fight, and be heard’, says nurses’ leader</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/press_releases/uk/national_health_shock_as_axe_hits_clinical_staff</link><description>The protection of NHS frontline patient care and services was exposed as a myth today, as the Royal College of Nursing revealed shocking new evidence at its annual Congress that clinical posts now comprise more than half of NHS cuts (54 per cent).</description><pubDate>Mon, 11 Apr 2011 11:51:29 +0100</pubDate><title>National Health Shock as axe hits clinical staff</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/press_releases/uk/nurses_struggle_as_staffing_pressures_bite,_says_royal_college_of_nursing</link><description>Nurses struggle as staffing pressures bite, says Royal College of Nursing

Nurses are propping up the NHS by consistently working in excess of their contracted hours and providing last minute shift cover. Findings from the Royal College of Nursing (RCN), released on the eve of its annual Congress, raise serious concerns for patient care as only a minority (17 per cent) of nurses reported having good staffing levels where they work</description><pubDate>Mon, 11 Apr 2011 11:47:34 +0100</pubDate><title>Nurses struggle as staffing pressures bite, says Royal College of Nursing</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/press_releases/uk/rcn_welcomes_health_select_committee_report_on_commissioning</link><description>The Royal College of Nursing (RCN) today (5 April) welcomed the Health Committee’s report ‘Commissioning: Further Issues’, which recommended that nurses should be represented and involved on all local commissioning boards.</description><pubDate>Tue, 05 Apr 2011 16:52:50 +0100</pubDate><title>RCN welcomes Health Select Committee report on Commissioning</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/press_releases/uk/more_clarity_needed_over_public_health_budget,_rcn_says</link><description>Plans to ring-fence money for public health are well-intentioned, the Royal College of Nursing (RCN) said today, but it is unclear what services would be covered, how the money would be safe-guarded against funding pressures, and how a public health ‘premium’ would work in practice.</description><pubDate>Thu, 31 Mar 2011 15:44:32 +0100</pubDate><title>More clarity needed over public health budget, RCN says</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/press_releases/uk/rcn_nurses_day_campaign_launches_with_sarah_brown_video</link><description>The Royal College of Nursing (RCN) today launched a major new online campaign to celebrate Nurses’ Day 2011 on 12 May. As part of the launch, writer and maternal mortality campaigner, Sarah Brown, speaks in a video on the campaign website of her support for nursing.</description><pubDate>Thu, 31 Mar 2011 14:27:15 +0100</pubDate><title>RCN Nurses’ Day Campaign launches with Sarah Brown video</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/press_releases/uk/nurses_to_march_against_cuts_on_the_streets_of_london</link><description>Nurses and healthcare assistants from across the UK will tomorrow (March 26) march nationally against Government cuts for the first time in more than two decades.</description><pubDate>Mon, 28 Mar 2011 09:34:16 +0100</pubDate><title>Nurses to march against cuts on the streets of London</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/press_releases/uk/budget_missed_opportunity_to_protect_the_nhs</link><description>Speaking following today’s (23 March) budget, Royal College of Nursing Chief Executive &amp; General Secretary, Dr Peter Carter, said;

“We are disappointed that the Chancellor missed an opportunity to send a clear message that cuts to the NHS must stop. With the NHS in England having to find £20 billion of savings because of the current financial climate, it is important that government rhetoric is matched with real protection for NHS patients.”</description><pubDate>Wed, 23 Mar 2011 15:36:09 +0000</pubDate><title>Budget 'missed opportunity ' to protect the NHS</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/press_releases/uk/nurses_being_hit_left,_right_and_centre_as_pay_freeze_starts</link><description>Freezing pay, reducing pensions and cutting jobs mean nurses are being hit ‘left, right and centre’, RCN Chief Executive &amp; General Secretary, Dr Peter Carter, said today. Dr Carter was responding to the publication of the 25th report of the NHS Pay Review Body</description><pubDate>Mon, 21 Mar 2011 16:06:08 +0000</pubDate><title>Nurses being hit ‘left, right and centre’ as pay freeze starts</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/press_releases/uk/warning_signs_for_the_nhs_in_cqc_survey_-_rcn</link><description>The Royal College of Nursing (RCN) today responded to the publication of the CQC annual survey of NHS staff, saying that while staff clearly feel that they can make a difference to patients, cracks are beginning to show and staff are expressing concerns about issues such as violence against staff and hygiene practices.</description><pubDate>Wed, 16 Mar 2011 14:15:05 +0000</pubDate><title>Warning signs for the NHS in CQC survey - RCN</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/press_releases/uk/rcn_response_to_the_report_on_independent_public_services_pension_commission</link><description>The RCN today responded to the Independent Public Services Pension Commission, describing the proposed changes as a "hammer blow" to members.</description><pubDate>Thu, 10 Mar 2011 09:15:07 +0000</pubDate><title>RCN response to the report on Independent Public Services Pension Commission</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/press_releases/uk/rcn_congratulates_professor_dame_sally_davies_on_her_appointment_as_the_new_chief_medical_officer</link><description>RCN congratulates Professor Dame Sally Davies on her appointment as the new Chief Medical Officer</description><pubDate>Fri, 04 Mar 2011 09:58:02 +0000</pubDate><title>RCN congratulates Professor Dame Sally Davies on her appointment as the new Chief Medical Officer</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/press_releases/uk/rcn_comments_on_boost_to_nursing_leadership</link><description>The Royal College of Nursing (RCN) today commented on the Department of Health announcement that the new Chief Nursing Officer role will include a seat on the NHS Commissioning Board.</description><pubDate>Thu, 03 Mar 2011 14:58:11 +0000</pubDate><title>RCN comments on boost to nursing leadership</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/press_releases/uk/rcn_launches_first_steps_resources_for_healthcare_assistants</link><description>The Royal College of Nursing (RCN) today launched a short film and induction programme to help nurses and Healthcare Assistants understand their roles and responsibilities.</description><pubDate>Wed, 23 Feb 2011 10:47:36 +0000</pubDate><title>RCN launches First Steps resources for Healthcare Assistants</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/press_releases/uk/rcn_comments_on_job_cuts_in_london</link><description>Responding to reports that almost 1000 posts could be lost at St George’s Hospital in Tooting and Kingston Hospital</description><pubDate>Fri, 18 Feb 2011 10:25:34 +0000</pubDate><title>RCN comments on job cuts in London</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/press_releases/uk/rcn_comment_on_childrens_cardiac_services_consultation</link><description>The Royal College of Nursing (RCN) today responded to the review of children’s cardiac services.</description><pubDate>Thu, 17 Feb 2011 09:44:20 +0000</pubDate><title>RCN comment on children’s cardiac services consultation</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/press_releases/uk/ombudsmans_report_should_be_a_wake-up_call_for_the_nhs_rcn</link><description>Dr Peter Carter, Chief Executive &amp; General Secretary of the Royal College of Nursing (RCN) today (15th February) responded to the Parliamentary and Health Service Ombudsman report Care and compassion? The report outlines the experiences of older people in different settings across the NHS.</description><pubDate>Tue, 15 Feb 2011 11:26:42 +0000</pubDate><title>Ombudsman’s report should be a wake-up call for the NHS: RCN</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/press_releases/uk/fears_over_quality_care_revealed_by_nurses</link><description>Fewer than one in ten nurses (7 per cent) feel they have the right number of staff to deliver good quality care to patients, the RCN revealed in a new snapshot survey today (7 February).</description><pubDate>Mon, 07 Feb 2011 10:13:23 +0000</pubDate><title>Fears over quality care revealed by nurses</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/press_releases/uk/rcn_calls_for_sustained_investment_in_mental_health_services</link><description>The Royal College of Nursing (RCN) today responded to the new government strategy for mental health in England, No Health without Mental Health: A Cross-Government mental health outcomes strategy for people of all ages. The RCN welcomed the principles behind the strategy but expressed concerns about the funding gap which is already threatening mental health services.</description><pubDate>Wed, 02 Feb 2011 17:14:58 +0000</pubDate><title>RCN calls for sustained investment in mental health services</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/press_releases/uk/restrictions_on_social_care_a_false_economy-_rcn</link><description>The Royal College of Nursing (RCN) today warned that local authorities’ increasing restrictions on social care was a “false economy,” adding to the burden on the NHS.</description><pubDate>Wed, 02 Feb 2011 12:38:39 +0000</pubDate><title>Restrictions on social care a “false economy”- RCN</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/press_releases/uk/changes_to_health_bill_a_necessity_to_meet_objectives_-_rcn</link><description>The Royal College of Nursing (RCN) today warned that major NHS reforms were unlikely to meet their objectives unless significant changes were introduced to the Health and Social Care Bill.</description><pubDate>Fri, 28 Jan 2011 10:20:33 +0000</pubDate><title>Changes to Health Bill a necessity to meet objectives - RCN</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/press_releases/uk/nurse-led_excellence_recognised_at_rcn_frontline_first_innovation_award</link><description>A nurse-led service which greatly reduced unplanned hospital admissions among older people and saved the NHS more than £400,000 over a nine month period, has beaten 300 nominees to win the Royal College of Nursing’s Frontline First Innovation Award.</description><pubDate>Wed, 26 Jan 2011 11:01:29 +0000</pubDate><title>Nurse-led excellence recognised at RCN Frontline First Innovation Award</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/press_releases/uk/health_and_social_care_bill_rcn_statement</link><description>The Royal College of Nursing (RCN) today (19 January) responded to the publication of the Health and Social Care Bill.</description><pubDate>Wed, 19 Jan 2011 16:29:50 +0000</pubDate><title>Health and Social Care Bill – RCN statement</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/press_releases/uk/health_and_social_care_bill</link><description>Earlier this week, the Royal College of Nursing (RCN) and a number of health organisations set out key concerns around the Health and Social Care Bill in a letter to The Times newspaper. On the eve (18 January) of the publication of the Bill, RCN Chief Executive &amp; General Secretary, Dr Peter Carter, said:

“This seminal bill has the potential to transform the NHS, however, at the same time as the service is being tasked with saving £20 billion, we are concerned that the proposed reforms  are too much too soon.</description><pubDate>Tue, 18 Jan 2011 16:06:21 +0000</pubDate><title>Health and Social care Bill - RCN comment</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/press_releases/uk/royal_college_of_nursing_response_to_prime_ministers_speech_on_modern_public_services2</link><description>Responding to the Prime Minister’s speech on Modern Public Services delivered today (17 January), Royal College of Nursing Chief Executive &amp; General Secretary, Dr Peter Carter, said:

“The NHS is the jewel in the crown of our public services and we welcome the Prime Minister’s words that our health service should continue to be world-class, that people deserve choice and that health professionals should be given more freedom to deliver care.</description><pubDate>Mon, 17 Jan 2011 16:01:10 +0000</pubDate><title>Royal College of Nursing response to Prime Minister’s speech on Modern Public Services</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/press_releases/uk/royal_college_of_nursing_rejects_increment_freeze_proposal</link><description>The Royal College of Nursing (RCN) today (13 January) rejected proposals by NHS Employers to freeze incremental pay for all NHS staff in England, in exchange for a ‘no compulsory redundancy’ guarantee for some staff.</description><pubDate>Thu, 13 Jan 2011 09:31:52 +0000</pubDate><title>Royal College of Nursing rejects increment freeze proposal</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/press_releases/uk/specialist_nurses_are_not_an_optional_extra_for_cancer_patients</link><description>The Royal College of Nursing (RCN) today responded to Improving Outcomes – A Strategy for Cancer, the new cancer strategy, published by the Department of Health.</description><pubDate>Wed, 12 Jan 2011 16:24:50 +0000</pubDate><title>Specialist nurses are “not an optional extra” for cancer patients</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/press_releases/uk/rcn_says_that_rejection_of_increment_freeze_proposal_is_the_only_logical_outcome</link><description>Responding to proposals from NHS Employers to freeze incremental pay for NHS staff in England</description><pubDate>Tue, 11 Jan 2011 09:55:27 +0000</pubDate><title>RCN says that rejection of increment freeze proposal is the "only logical outcome"</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/press_releases/uk/sandra_james_awarded_mbe_in_new_years_honours_list_2011</link><description>The Royal College of Nursing (RCN) today (31st December) congratulated Chair of RCN Council Sandra James on being awarded an MBE in the New Years Honours List. Sandra James has been an RCN activist for over 30 years and has been given the honour for 40 years of dedication to nursing in the UK and Guernsey.</description><pubDate>Fri, 31 Dec 2010 08:54:02 +0000</pubDate><title>Sandra James awarded MBE in New Years Honours List 2011</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/press_releases/uk/nurses_fear_the_worst_over_pension_reforms</link><description>The Royal College of Nursing (RCN) today warned that many nurses in the NHS fear the worst over proposed pension reforms with some workers intending to retire early in order to protect their pension.</description><pubDate>Thu, 23 Dec 2010 12:15:28 +0000</pubDate><title>Nurses fear the worst over pension reforms</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/press_releases/uk/rcn_launches_survey_on_the_future_of_adult_social_care_services</link><description>The Royal College of Nursing (RCN) has launched a survey for members on the future of adult social care services.</description><pubDate>Thu, 16 Dec 2010 14:32:32 +0000</pubDate><title>RCN launches survey on the future of adult social care services</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/press_releases/uk/nhs_reform_process_extremely_risky,_says_rcn</link><description>Responding to ‘Liberating the NHS: Legislative Framework and Next Steps’, published by the Government today (15 December)</description><pubDate>Wed, 15 Dec 2010 15:02:36 +0000</pubDate><title>NHS reform process extremely risky, says RCN</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/press_releases/uk/efficiency_savings_should_not_mean_cuts,_warns_rcn</link><description>Responding to today’s publication (14 December) of the House of Commons Health Committee’s report on Public Expenditure</description><pubDate>Tue, 14 Dec 2010 10:34:00 +0000</pubDate><title>Efficiency savings should not mean cuts, warns RCN</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/press_releases/uk/rcn_specialist_nurses_are_a_lifeline_for_cancer_patients</link><description>The Royal College of Nursing (RCN) today responded to the National Cancer Patients’ Experience Survey Programme 2010, published by the Department of Health. The survey showed that over 90 per cent of cancer patients had praised their Clinical Nurse Specialists.</description><pubDate>Fri, 10 Dec 2010 15:19:43 +0000</pubDate><title>RCN: Specialist nurses are a lifeline for cancer patients</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/press_releases/uk/rcn_response_to_bbc_research_on_nhs_estate</link><description>Dr Peter Carter, Chief Executive &amp; General Secretary of the Royal College of Nursing (RCN) today (8th December) responded to a BBC investigation which showed that 17% of the NHS Estate is classed as ‘not functionally suitable’.</description><pubDate>Wed, 08 Dec 2010 12:00:37 +0000</pubDate><title>RCN response to BBC research on NHS Estate</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/press_releases/uk/make_staffing_levels_a_priority_for_safe_care_-_rcn</link><description>NHS organisations must prioritise, plan and monitor their staffing levels to ensure safe care, the RCN says today (8 December), as NHS bodies come under pressure to make job cuts to meet billions of pounds of efficiency targets.</description><pubDate>Wed, 08 Dec 2010 08:46:08 +0000</pubDate><title>Make staffing levels a priority for safe care - RCN</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/press_releases/uk/there_can_be_no_hiding_place_for_poor_care_rcn</link><description>Dr Peter Carter, Chief Executive &amp; General Secretary of the Royal College of Nursing (RCN) today (2nd December) responded to the Patients Association report Listen to patients, Speak up for change. The report outlines patients’ experiences in hospital.</description><pubDate>Thu, 02 Dec 2010 11:43:44 +0000</pubDate><title>There can be no hiding place for poor care: RCN</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/press_releases/uk/public_health_key_challenge_for_a_generation,_says_rcn</link><description>Solving the nation’s public health crisis is the ‘key health challenge for a generation’, the Royal College of Nursing said today (30 November). Dr Peter Carter, RCN Chief Executive &amp; General Secretary, was speaking as he welcomed the Government’s White Paper on Public Health ‘Healthy Lives, Healthy People’.</description><pubDate>Tue, 30 Nov 2010 14:18:59 +0000</pubDate><title>Public health key challenge for a generation, says RCN</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/press_releases/uk/assaults_on_staff_increasing_as_pressures_rise</link><description>The Royal College of Nursing (RCN) today commented on figures from the NHS Security Management Service showing there were almost 57,000 violent assaults on NHS staff in the past year (a 3 per cent rise), with the acute sector particularly badly affected.</description><pubDate>Tue, 30 Nov 2010 14:13:22 +0000</pubDate><title>Assaults on staff increasing as pressures rise</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/press_releases/uk/principles_of_nursing_practice_explained_for_patients_-_rcn</link><description>The RCN has set out what patients, families and carers can expect from nursing staff.</description><pubDate>Mon, 22 Nov 2010 10:51:28 +0000</pubDate><title>Principles of Nursing Practice explained for patients - RCN</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/press_releases/uk/rcn_comments_on_the_retirement_of_the_chief_nursing_officer</link><description>The Royal College of Nursing (RCN) today paid tribute to the Chief Nursing Officer Dame Christine Beasley, who will be retiring in March 2011.</description><pubDate>Wed, 17 Nov 2010 13:01:23 +0000</pubDate><title>RCN comments on the retirement of the Chief Nursing Officer</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/press_releases/uk/26,841_job_losses_put_patient_care_in_jeopardy_-_rcn</link><description>Almost 27,000 NHS posts in the UK are already earmarked for cuts, with almost 18,000 in England alone, the Royal College of Nursing reveals today (12th November). This is more than three times the number of posts identified by the RCN in England in April, and could leave patients vulnerable and services at risk. The loss of 26,841  staff is the equivalent of closing almost six hospitals the size of the Royal Free in London, or nine hospitals the size of Alder Hey in Liverpool.</description><pubDate>Fri, 12 Nov 2010 08:40:12 +0000</pubDate><title>26,841 job losses put patient care in jeopardy - RCN</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/press_releases/uk/rcn_judicial_review_on_vetting_and_barring_scheme</link><description>he Royal College of Nursing (RCN) is pleased to announce that its Judicial Review regarding the Vetting and Barring Scheme has been successful in the High Court. The RCN challenged the lawfulness of the auto barring element of the scheme. 

A High Court Judge, Mr Justice Wyn Williams, found “the denial of the right to make representations in advance of listing is....a denial of one of the fundamental elements of the right to a fair determination of a person’s civil rights, namely the right to be heard.”</description><pubDate>Wed, 10 Nov 2010 13:45:08 +0000</pubDate><title>RCN Judicial Review on Vetting and Barring Scheme</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/press_releases/uk/nurses_left_in_the_dark_over_ehealth_despite_growing_interest</link><description>Less than half of nurses (49 percent) believe electronic patient records are more secure than paper based systems, according to a new survey published today by the Royal College of Nursing (RCN).</description><pubDate>Thu, 04 Nov 2010 10:07:48 +0000</pubDate><title>Nurses left in the dark over eHealth despite growing interest</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/press_releases/uk/rcn_launches_hunt_for_best_nurse_innovation</link><description>The Royal College of Nursing (RCN) today (3 November) announced it was searching for the nation’s best nurse-led innovation, with the winner announced in January 2011.</description><pubDate>Wed, 03 Nov 2010 18:06:25 +0000</pubDate><title>RCN launches hunt for best nurse innovation</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/press_releases/uk/rcn_comment_on_hsj_article_on_pay_freezes2</link><description>Responding to a Health Service Journal article which suggests that the Department of Health might consider a freeze in annual pay increments.</description><pubDate>Thu, 28 Oct 2010 15:04:30 +0100</pubDate><title>RCN comment on HSJ article on pay freezes</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/press_releases/uk/announcement_of_winners_of_2010_mary_seacole_awards</link><description>Six exceptional nurses, midwives and health visitors were today (27 October) announced as  Mary Seacole Leadership and Development Award winners.</description><pubDate>Thu, 28 Oct 2010 14:52:32 +0100</pubDate><title>Announcement of winners of 2010 Mary Seacole Awards</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/press_releases/uk/cecilia_anim_elected_rcn_deputy_president</link><description>Royal College of Nursing (RCN) members have elected Cecilia Anim as their Deputy President. Cecilia will take up office at the RCN’s Annual General Meeting in London tomorrow (October 20th).</description><pubDate>Thu, 21 Oct 2010 10:54:54 +0100</pubDate><title>Cecilia Anim elected RCN Deputy President</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/press_releases/uk/rcn_response_to_comprehensive_spending_review</link><description>The Royal College of Nursing (RCN) today (20 October) responded to the announcement of the Government’s Spending Review.</description><pubDate>Wed, 20 Oct 2010 15:28:07 +0100</pubDate><title>RCN response to Comprehensive Spending Review</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/press_releases/uk/pensions_review_couldnt_come_at_a_worse_time,_says_rcn</link><description>The Royal College of Nursing today (7 October) said that it was unfair to ask NHS staff to pay even more into their pensions when they will be subject to a two-year pay freeze, job cuts and a restructure of the NHS.</description><pubDate>Thu, 07 Oct 2010 11:53:12 +0100</pubDate><title>Pensions review 'couldn't come at a worse time', says RCN</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/press_releases/uk/scale_and_speed_of_reforms_risk_nhs_future</link><description>Responding to the NHS White Paper today (4 October), the RCN said that the scale and speed of reforms pose a significant risk to the future of the NHS.</description><pubDate>Mon, 04 Oct 2010 00:16:09 +0100</pubDate><title>Scale and speed of reforms risk NHS future</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/press_releases/uk/rcn_welcomes_focus_on_children_and_young_peoples_services</link><description>Responding to Professor Sir Ian Kennedy’s review of children and young people’s services in the NHS, Getting it right for children for children and young people – Overcoming cultural barriers in the NHS, Janet Davies, Executive Director of Nursing and Service Delivery at the Royal College of Nursing (RCN), said: “Professor Sir Ian Kennedy has highlighted yet again that provision for children and young people remains a Cinderella service within the NHS."</description><pubDate>Thu, 16 Sep 2010 17:05:50 +0100</pubDate><title>RCN welcomes focus on children and young people’s services</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/press_releases/uk/rcn_comments_on_nhs_direct</link><description>The Royal College of Nursing (RCN) today commented on media reports that telephone advice service NHS Direct is to be scrapped.</description><pubDate>Sat, 28 Aug 2010 17:56:50 +0100</pubDate><title>RCN comments on NHS Direct</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/press_releases/uk/rcn_responds_to_end_of_life_care_strategy_report</link><description>The Royal College of Nursing (RCN) today called for sustained investment to make 
24-hour district nursing a reality in all areas, as they responded to the Second Annual Report on the End of Life Care Strategy.</description><pubDate>Thu, 26 Aug 2010 16:02:06 +0100</pubDate><title>RCN responds to End of Life care strategy report</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/press_releases/uk/rcn_response_to_consultancy_services_expenditure</link><description>Commenting on reports of consultancy services expenditure by Strategic Health Authorities and Primary Care Trusts</description><pubDate>Sat, 21 Aug 2010 09:00:19 +0100</pubDate><title>RCN response to consultancy services expenditure</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/press_releases/uk/rcn_remembers_florence_nightingale_on_the_centenary_of_her_death</link><description>The Royal College of Nursing (RCN) today paid tribute to the legacy of Florence Nightingale, 100 years after her death. The RCN called for the health service to prioritise high quality care as it faces its current challenges.</description><pubDate>Fri, 13 Aug 2010 16:49:57 +0100</pubDate><title>RCN remembers Florence Nightingale on the centenary of her death</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/press_releases/uk/rcn_challenges_gold-plated_pensions_myth</link><description>The Royal College of Nursing (RCN) today (5 August) challenged the illusion of ‘gold plated’ public sector pensions and called for a government commitment to protect existing NHS pension arrangements.</description><pubDate>Fri, 06 Aug 2010 14:56:47 +0100</pubDate><title>RCN challenges ‘gold-plated’ pensions myth</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/press_releases/uk/nurses_respond_to_review_of_arms_length_bodies</link><description>The Royal College of Nursing (RCN) today responded to the announcement that several health arm’s length bodies are to be abolished or have their remit changed.</description><pubDate>Tue, 27 Jul 2010 12:58:59 +0100</pubDate><title>Nurses respond to review of arm’s length bodies</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/press_releases/uk/nurses_respond_to_health_white_paper</link><description>The Royal College of Nursing (RCN) responds to the publication of Equity &amp; Excellence: Liberating the NHS – the Health White Paper.</description><pubDate>Thu, 15 Jul 2010 11:09:29 +0100</pubDate><title>Nurses respond to Health White Paper</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/press_releases/uk/10,000_nhs_jobs_threatened_-_rcn</link><description>Almost 10,000 NHS posts in England, the equivalent of a large teaching hospital, have been earmarked for cuts, the Royal College of Nursing reveals today (7 July). The figure explodes the myth that frontline services will be protected as the NHS strives to meet severe financial challenges.</description><pubDate>Wed, 07 Jul 2010 10:37:04 +0100</pubDate><title>10,000 NHS jobs threatened - RCN</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/press_releases/uk/rcn_responds_to_emergency_budget</link><description>The RCN reponds to the emergency budget.</description><pubDate>Tue, 22 Jun 2010 16:25:37 +0100</pubDate><title>RCN responds to emergency budget</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/press_releases/uk/reducing_four-hour_target_a_welcome_move,_rcn_says</link><description>The Royal College of Nursing welcomed the move to reduce the four-hour accident and emergency waiting time target to 95 per cent, contained in the revised NHS Operating Framework for the NHS in England 2010/11.</description><pubDate>Mon, 21 Jun 2010 12:52:36 +0100</pubDate><title>Reducing four-hour target a welcome move, RCN says</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/press_releases/uk/rcn_backs_call_to_protect_children_from_second-hand_smoke</link><description>The RCN welcomed the launch of the British Lung Foundation’s (BLF) campaign to raise awareness about the dangers of passive smoking.</description><pubDate>Wed, 16 Jun 2010 13:41:49 +0100</pubDate><title>RCN backs call to protect children from second-hand smoke</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/press_releases/uk/rcn_responds_to_announcement_of_a_public_enquiry_into_stafford_hospital_failings</link><description>The RCN today (9 June) responded to the announcement of a public enquiry into why past failures in patient care at Mid-Staffordshire NHS Foundation Trust went undetected.</description><pubDate>Fri, 11 Jun 2010 12:46:58 +0100</pubDate><title>RCN responds to announcement of a public enquiry into Stafford Hospital failings</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/press_releases/uk/stephen_dorrell_mp_new_chair_of_health_select_committee_rcn_response</link><description>The Royal College of Nursing today responded to news that former health secretary Rt Hon Stephen Dorrell MP has been elected new Chair of the Health Select Committee.</description><pubDate>Fri, 11 Jun 2010 12:11:41 +0100</pubDate><title>Stephen Dorrell MP new chair of health select committee – RCN response</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/press_releases/uk/nurses_respond_to_the_health_secretarys_vision_for_the_nhs</link><description>The Royal College of Nursing today responded to Andrew Lansley’s vision for the NHS in his first speech as Secretary of State for Health.</description><pubDate>Fri, 11 Jun 2010 12:03:00 +0100</pubDate><title>Nurses respond to the Health Secretary’s vision for the NHS</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/press_releases/uk/rcn_welcomes_new_fund_to_tackle_maternal_mortality</link><description>The Royal College of Nursing (RCN) today welcomed the announcement of a new £5 million fund from the department for International Development (DFID) to encourage partnerships between UK nurses and doctors and those in developing countries.</description><pubDate>Fri, 04 Jun 2010 16:48:31 +0100</pubDate><title>RCN welcomes new fund to tackle maternal mortality</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/press_releases/uk/rcn_responds_to_new_hospital_data_announcement</link><description>The Royal College of Nursing (RCN) today responded to the announcement by the Secretary of State for Health, Andrew Lansley, of weekly disclosure of infection levels in hospitals.</description><pubDate>Thu, 03 Jun 2010 10:21:50 +0100</pubDate><title>RCN responds to new hospital data announcement</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/press_releases/uk/rcn_welcomes_call_for_minimum_alcohol_pricing/rcn_responds_to_publication_of_mckinsey_report</link><description>The Royal College of Nursing today commented on the publication of the McKinsey report.</description><pubDate>Wed, 02 Jun 2010 15:25:32 +0100</pubDate><title>RCN responds to publication of McKinsey report</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/press_releases/uk/rcn_welcomes_call_for_minimum_alcohol_pricing</link><description>The Royal College of Nursing (RCN) welcomes the publication of NICE guidance on alcohol, which calls for a minimum alcohol unit price.</description><pubDate>Wed, 02 Jun 2010 15:19:35 +0100</pubDate><title>RCN welcomes call for minimum alcohol pricing</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/press_releases/uk/rcn_responds_to_nhs_statistics_on_alcohol_abuse</link><description>The Royal College of Nursing (RCN) comments on new alcohol statistics published by the NHS Information Centre.</description><pubDate>Wed, 26 May 2010 15:41:49 +0100</pubDate><title>RCN responds to NHS statistics on alcohol abuse</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/press_releases/uk/protect_frontline_services,_say_nurses</link><description>The Royal College of Nursing (RCN) today responded to the announcement by the Chancellor George Osborne that £6.2 billion of savings will be made from Government spending in 2010-11</description><pubDate>Tue, 25 May 2010 11:33:43 +0100</pubDate><title>Protect frontline services, say nurses</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/press_releases/uk/rcn_welcomes_reports_of_increased_patient_satisfaction</link><description>The Royal College of Nursing (RCN) today welcomed the publication of the CQC’s 2009 NHS Inpatient Survey.</description><pubDate>Wed, 19 May 2010 16:26:31 +0100</pubDate><title>RCN welcomes reports of increased patient satisfaction</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/press_releases/uk/nurse-led_interventions_can_help_40_of_alcoholics_to_abstain_from_alcohol</link><description>Regular information and advice sessions from alcohol specialist nurses could help 40% of dependent drinkers to give up alcohol altogether.</description><pubDate>Fri, 14 May 2010 11:20:46 +0100</pubDate><title>Nurse-led interventions can help 40% of alcoholics to abstain from alcohol</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/press_releases/uk/rcn_announces_winners_of_marjorie_simpson_award_2010</link><description>Three nursing researchers have been announced as winners of the Marjorie Simpson New Researchers' award 2010 at the RCN International Nursing Research Conference in Gateshead.</description><pubDate>Wed, 12 May 2010 16:42:09 +0100</pubDate><title>RCN announces winners of Marjorie Simpson Award 2010</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/press_releases/uk/new_managing_director_of_rcn_publishing_appointed</link><description>The Royal College of Nursing  today announced the appointment of Rhonda Oliver as the new Managing Director/Publisher at RCN Publishing.</description><pubDate>Wed, 12 May 2010 16:37:17 +0100</pubDate><title>New Managing Director of RCN Publishing appointed</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/press_releases/uk/make_safety_concerns_information_public,_says_rcn</link><description>The Royal College of Nursing said the public should be able to view a list of NHS workers’ concerns about patient safety.</description><pubDate>Wed, 12 May 2010 16:32:50 +0100</pubDate><title>Make safety concerns information public, says RCN</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/press_releases/uk/patients_missing_out_on_spiritual_care,_say_nurses</link><description>Patients are missing out on important spiritual care despite it being a nursing ‘fundamental’.</description><pubDate>Wed, 12 May 2010 16:24:41 +0100</pubDate><title>Patients missing out on spiritual care, say nurses</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/press_releases/uk/rheumatology_specialist_nurses_100_million_added_value_to_nhs_per_year</link><description>Every rheumatology specialist nurse increases efficiency in the NHS by a quarter of a million pounds each year according to new research published at the RCN annual Congress in Bournemouth.</description><pubDate>Wed, 12 May 2010 16:16:24 +0100</pubDate><title>Rheumatology specialist nurses: £100 million “added value” to NHS per year</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/press_releases/uk/rcn_concern_over_foundation_trust_secrecy</link><description>The Royal College of Nursing said it was concerned over the ‘closed door culture’ of some NHS Foundation Trusts.</description><pubDate>Wed, 12 May 2010 16:06:21 +0100</pubDate><title>RCN concern over Foundation Trust secrecy</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/press_releases/uk/rcn_urges_reality_check_on_nhs_cuts</link><description>The RCN warned that cuts to services and staff are now becoming a reality across the health service as some trusts look to slash budgets at its annual Congress.</description><pubDate>Wed, 12 May 2010 15:34:57 +0100</pubDate><title>RCN urges reality check on NHS cuts</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/press_releases/uk/public_unaware_of_scale_of_nhs_cutbacks,_rcn_poll_reveals</link><description>The overwhelming majority of the English public are unaware of the level of savings the NHS will have to make over the next three years.</description><pubDate>Wed, 12 May 2010 15:28:04 +0100</pubDate><title>Public unaware of scale of NHS cutbacks, RCN poll reveals</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/press_releases/uk/rcn_response_to_liberal_democrat_party_manifesto_2010</link><description>The Royal College of Nursing responds to the Liberal Democrat Party Manifesto 2010.</description><pubDate>Wed, 14 Apr 2010 14:40:15 +0100</pubDate><title>RCN response to Liberal Democrat Party Manifesto 2010</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/press_releases/uk/rcn_response_to_conservative_party_manifesto_2010</link><description>The Royal College of Nursing (RCN) today (13 April) responded to the publication of the Conservative Party Manifesto 2010, ‘An invitation to join the government of Britain’</description><pubDate>Tue, 13 Apr 2010 17:15:47 +0100</pubDate><title>RCN response to Conservative Party Manifesto 2010</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/press_releases/uk/rcn_response_to_labour_party_manifesto_2010</link><description>The Royal College of Nursing  responds to the publication of the Labour Party Manifesto 2010, ‘A Future Fair for All’.</description><pubDate>Mon, 12 Apr 2010 16:50:06 +0100</pubDate><title>RCN response to Labour Party Manifesto 2010</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/press_releases/uk/rcn_concern_at_nhs_it_system_cut-backs_in_london</link><description>The Royal College of Nursing today responded to reports that a new deal to overhaul NHS IT systems means that not all NHS organisations in London will receive the comprehensive IT solution originally planned.</description><pubDate>Fri, 09 Apr 2010 16:47:34 +0100</pubDate><title>RCN concern at NHS IT system cut-backs in London</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/press_releases/uk/health_should_be_number_one_priority_for_incoming_government/health_should_be_number_one_priority_for_incoming_government</link><description>The Royal College of Nursing (RCN) today (6 April) said that the health of the nation should be the number one priority for an incoming Government. Responding to the announcement that a General Election will take place on 6 May</description><pubDate>Tue, 06 Apr 2010 11:21:14 +0100</pubDate><title>Health should be number one priority for incoming Government</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/press_releases/uk/nurses_respond_to_announcement_on_childrens_palliative_care</link><description>The Royal College of Nursing (RCN) today welcomed the announcement of a £30 million scheme for the care of children with life-limiting or life-threatening conditions.</description><pubDate>Tue, 06 Apr 2010 11:04:03 +0100</pubDate><title>Nurses respond to announcement on children’s palliative care</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/press_releases/uk/nurses_welcome_dawn_of_a_new_era_for_social_care</link><description>The Royal College of Nursing (RCN) welcomes the government's white paper on social care reform.</description><pubDate>Tue, 30 Mar 2010 16:55:32 +0100</pubDate><title>Nurses welcome dawn of a new era for social care</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/press_releases/uk/nurses_missing_out_on_core_safety_training_as_cutbacks_start_to_bite_rcn</link><description>Nurses across the UK are struggling to access training in core areas such as infection control, a new survey by the RCN reveals today (30 March).</description><pubDate>Tue, 30 Mar 2010 12:45:46 +0100</pubDate><title>Nurses missing out on core safety training as cutbacks start to bite: RCN</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/press_releases/uk/rcn_responds_to_new_figures_on_nhs_staffing_levels2</link><description>The Royal College of Nursing (RCN) commented on statistics from the NHS Information Centre’s Annual Workforce Census for England showing a 1.9% yearly increase in the number of qualified nurses in the NHS.</description><pubDate>Thu, 25 Mar 2010 12:45:04 +0000</pubDate><title>RCN responds to new figures on NHS staffing levels</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/press_releases/uk/nurses_respond_to_todays_budget</link><description>Speaking following today’s budget, Janet Davies Executive Director of Nursing &amp; Service Delivery at the Royal College of Nursing (RCN) warned against possible future ‘slash and burn’ approaches to the NHS.</description><pubDate>Wed, 24 Mar 2010 17:35:57 +0000</pubDate><title>Nurses respond to today’s budget</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/press_releases/uk/nurses_back_calls_to_protect_children_from_second-hand_smoke/nurses_back_calls_to_protect_children_from_second-hand_smoke</link><description>The Royal College of Nursing backs the RCP's call for children to be protected from second-hand smoke.</description><pubDate>Wed, 24 Mar 2010 10:13:58 +0000</pubDate><title>Nurses back calls to protect children from second-hand smoke</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/press_releases/uk/nurses_call_for_improvements_to_dementia_care</link><description>The Royal College of Nursing (RCN) responds to Public Accounts Committee report on dementia care.</description><pubDate>Tue, 16 Mar 2010 11:45:59 +0000</pubDate><title>Nurses call for improvements to dementia care</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/press_releases/uk/nurses_welcome_chief_medical_officers_focus_on_physical_activity</link><description>The Royal College of Nursing (RCN) today welcomed the Chief Medical Officer’s focus on physical fitness in his final annual report and called for all children to have access to advice from school nurses.</description><pubDate>Mon, 15 Mar 2010 12:33:19 +0000</pubDate><title>Nurses welcome Chief Medical Officer’s focus on physical activity</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/press_releases/uk/nurses_back_call_for_mps_to_work_together_to_reform_social_care</link><description>The RCN welcomes the publication of the Health Select Committee report on Social Care.</description><pubDate>Fri, 12 Mar 2010 10:38:05 +0000</pubDate><title>Nurses back call for MPs to work together to reform social care</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/press_releases/uk/mps_and_nurses_rally_behind_rcn_nursing_counts_campaign</link><description>MPs from all the main political parties have rallied behind the RCN’s General Election call to back specialist nursing.

Almost sixty MPs have signed a cross party Early Day Motion calling for specialist nursing provision to be available to all patients with long term conditions – one of the six health priorities for the next government, according to the RCN.</description><pubDate>Fri, 05 Mar 2010 11:52:26 +0000</pubDate><title>MPs and nurses rally behind RCN “Nursing counts” campaign</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/press_releases/uk/rcn_calls_on_healthcare_community_to_embrace_nursing_commission_vision</link><description>The RCN welcomes the report of the Prime Minister's Commission on the Future of Nursing and Midwifery in England.</description><pubDate>Tue, 02 Mar 2010 12:10:45 +0000</pubDate><title>RCN calls on healthcare community to embrace Nursing Commission vision</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/press_releases/uk/nhs_could_save_millions_by_investing_in_specialist_nurses_-_rcn</link><description>The Royal College of Nursing (RCN) today joined forces with almost 40 of the UK’s leading health organisations to warn that cutting specialist nurse services for people with long term conditions would be a “false economy”, as they began a campaign for guaranteed access to specialist nursing care for all patients with long term conditions.</description><pubDate>Wed, 24 Feb 2010 17:33:06 +0000</pubDate><title>NHS could save millions by investing in specialist nurses - RCN</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/press_releases/uk/rcn_calls_for_mandatory_code_on_alcohol_labelling</link><description>The Royal College of Nursing (RCN) welcomes UK-wide consultation on alcohol labelling.</description><pubDate>Mon, 15 Feb 2010 14:08:22 +0000</pubDate><title>RCN calls for mandatory code on alcohol labelling</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/press_releases/uk/rcn_responds_to_health_inequalities_report2</link><description>Responding to the publication today of the Strategic Review of Health Inequalities in England post-2010</description><pubDate>Thu, 11 Feb 2010 14:13:28 +0000</pubDate><title>RCN responds to health inequalities report</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/press_releases/uk/invest_in_school_nurses_to_tackle_obesity</link><description>The Royal College of Nursing comments on obesity statistics published by the NHS Information Centre.</description><pubDate>Wed, 10 Feb 2010 17:11:44 +0000</pubDate><title>Invest in school nurses to tackle obesity</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/press_releases/uk/rcn_renews_call_for_protected_training_time_for_nurses</link><description>The Royal College of Nursing (RCN) responds to the CQC report on the state of health and social care in England.</description><pubDate>Wed, 10 Feb 2010 17:05:55 +0000</pubDate><title>RCN renews call for protected training time for nurses</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/press_releases/uk/rcn_calls_for_better_co-ordination_of_trauma_networks</link><description>The Royal College of Nursing (RCN) calls for better co-ordination of trauma networks in its response to the NAO report on trauma care.</description><pubDate>Fri, 05 Feb 2010 10:21:31 +0000</pubDate><title>RCN calls for better co-ordination of trauma networks</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/press_releases/uk/rcn_calls_for_investment_in_specialist_dementia_nurses</link><description>The Royal College of Nursing (RCN) responds to new figures suggesting dementia is more prevalent than previously thought.</description><pubDate>Wed, 03 Feb 2010 11:56:25 +0000</pubDate><title>RCN calls for investment in specialist dementia nurses</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/press_releases/uk/rcn_invest_in_family_nurse_partnerships</link><description>The Royal College of Nursing (RCN), comments on the Audit Commission report -Giving Children a Healthy Start.</description><pubDate>Wed, 03 Feb 2010 11:50:49 +0000</pubDate><title>RCN: invest in family nurse partnerships</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/press_releases/uk/rcn_welcomes_plans_to_reduce_smoking-related_deaths</link><description>The Royal College of Nursing (RCN) welcomed the new Department of Health strategy to halve the number of smokers by 2020.</description><pubDate>Mon, 01 Feb 2010 16:32:11 +0000</pubDate><title>RCN welcomes plans to reduce smoking-related deaths</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/press_releases/uk/rcn_welcomes_nmc_consultation_on_pre-registration_training</link><description>The Royal College of Nursing (RCN) today (29th January) welcomed the start of a consultation period announced by the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) on standards for the development of programmes that will prepare students to become registered nurses.</description><pubDate>Fri, 29 Jan 2010 14:59:47 +0000</pubDate><title>RCN welcomes NMC consultation on pre-registration training</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/press_releases/uk/nurses_mandatory_code_needed_to_tackle_alcohol_harm</link><description>The Royal College of Nursing welcomed a new Department of Health campaign to combat excessive drinking as it responded to news that the number of alcohol-related deaths is continuing to rise.</description><pubDate>Thu, 28 Jan 2010 16:00:19 +0000</pubDate><title>Nurses: mandatory code needed to tackle alcohol harm</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/press_releases/uk/nurses_call_for_better_prevention_of_chlamydia</link><description>The RCN responds to the the Public Accounts Committee report on the National Chlamydia Screening Programme.</description><pubDate>Thu, 28 Jan 2010 15:54:27 +0000</pubDate><title>Nurses call for better prevention of Chlamydia</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/press_releases/uk/rcn_responds_to_figures_showing_shortfall_in_nurses</link><description>The Royal College of Nursing (RCN) today (28th January) commented on figures highlighted by the Conservative Party suggesting an impending shortfall of nurses over the next five years.</description><pubDate>Thu, 28 Jan 2010 12:39:54 +0000</pubDate><title>RCN responds to figures showing shortfall in nurses</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/press_releases/uk/rcn_invites_nurses_to_show_nursing_counts_through_new_campaign_website</link><description>The Royal College of Nursing (RCN) launches Nurses were today (27 January) an interactive website to encourage nurses to add their voice to the debate around the next government’s health policies.</description><pubDate>Wed, 27 Jan 2010 12:31:40 +0000</pubDate><title>RCN invites nurses to show ‘Nursing Counts’ through new campaign website</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/press_releases/uk/end_of_life_care_must_be_a_priority_across_the_health_sector_-_rcn</link><description>The Royal College of Nursing (RCN) welcomed the report Delivering better care at end of life, published today by the King’s Fund. The report echoes calls from the RCN to provide ongoing training and education for staff involved in end-of-life care in order to provide a high quality service across acute and community settings.</description><pubDate>Wed, 27 Jan 2010 11:16:24 +0000</pubDate><title>End of life care must be a priority across the health sector - RCN</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/press_releases/uk/bmarcn_humanitarian_fund_announces_25,000_for_health_projects_in_the_developing_world</link><description>NHS teams planning humanitarian work overseas can apply for grants of up to £3000 from the BMA/RCN Humanitarian Fund from today (22 January 2010).</description><pubDate>Fri, 22 Jan 2010 16:47:19 +0000</pubDate><title>BMA/RCN Humanitarian Fund announces £25,000 for health projects in the developing world</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/press_releases/uk/rcn_responds_to_nuffield_trust_report</link><description>The Royal College of Nursing (RCN) responds to a report published by the Nuffield Trust on the funding and performance of healthcare systems in the four countries of the UK.</description><pubDate>Wed, 20 Jan 2010 11:53:28 +0000</pubDate><title>RCN responds to Nuffield Trust report</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/press_releases/uk/nurses_mandatory_alcohol_code_must_be_stronger</link><description>The Royal College of Nursing (RCN) responds to news that the government is to introduce a mandatory code on alcohol.</description><pubDate>Wed, 20 Jan 2010 11:13:16 +0000</pubDate><title>Nurses: mandatory alcohol code must be stronger</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/press_releases/uk/nursing_leader_praises_outstanding_dedication_of_nurses_on_visit_to_afghanistan</link><description>Dr Peter Carter, Chief Executive &amp; General Secretary of the Royal College of Nursing (RCN) today praised the work of nurses on the front line in Afghanistan, following his five day visit.</description><pubDate>Fri, 15 Jan 2010 10:21:18 +0000</pubDate><title>Nursing leader praises “outstanding” dedication of nurses on visit to Afghanistan</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/press_releases/uk/nurses_greater_investment_in_dementia_needed</link><description>The RCN calls for greater investment in dementia care in its response to the NAO report on dementia.</description><pubDate>Thu, 14 Jan 2010 12:13:10 +0000</pubDate><title>Nurses: greater investment in dementia needed</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/press_releases/uk/rcn_announces_akinsanya_award_2010_shortlist</link><description>The Royal College of Nursing (RCN) Research Society today announced the shortlist for the Akinsanya Award 2010 for Innovation in Doctoral Studies in Nursing.</description><pubDate>Tue, 12 Jan 2010 15:09:26 +0000</pubDate><title>RCN announces Akinsanya Award 2010 shortlist</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/press_releases/uk/nurses_welcome_dignity_drive</link><description>The Royal College of Nursing welcomes the publication of an account by Sir Michael Parkinson of his year as the National Dignity Ambassador.</description><pubDate>Tue, 12 Jan 2010 12:13:11 +0000</pubDate><title>Nurses welcome dignity drive</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/press_releases/uk/nursing_staff_commended_for_commitment_to_care_as_britain_freezes</link><description>The Royal College of Nursing acknowledged the commitment and determination of health care staff who are continuing to provide vital nursing care as the UK endures its worst cold weather in the last 30 years.</description><pubDate>Tue, 12 Jan 2010 11:12:13 +0000</pubDate><title>Nursing staff commended for commitment to care as Britain freezes</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/press_releases/uk/nurses_call_on_government_to_step_up_action_on_alcohol_abuse</link><description>The Royal College of Nursing called on the government to step up action on alcohol abuse.</description><pubDate>Tue, 12 Jan 2010 10:34:03 +0000</pubDate><title>Nurses call on government to step up action on alcohol abuse</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/press_releases/uk/rcn_comment_on_conservative_reform_plan_for_the_nhs</link><description>Responding to Chapter One of the Conservative Party’s draft manifesto ‘Our reform plan for the NHS’, launched today (4 January), Dr Peter Carter, RCN Chief Executive &amp; General Secretary, said:</description><pubDate>Mon, 04 Jan 2010 16:03:41 +0000</pubDate><title>RCN comment on Conservative Reform Plan for the NHS</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/press_releases/uk/rcn_responds_to_agency_staffing_research</link><description>The RCN today (30 Dec) responded to reports that the NHS is increasing its spending on agency staff.</description><pubDate>Fri, 26 Feb 2010 16:46:57 +0000</pubDate><title>RCN responds to agency staffing research</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/press_releases/uk/take_the_final_step_on_us_healthcare_reform,_rcn_says</link><description>The Royal College of Nursing today praised attempts to secure sweeping healthcare reform in the US.</description><pubDate>Thu, 24 Dec 2009 13:46:13 +0000</pubDate><title>Take the final step on US healthcare reform, RCN says</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/press_releases/uk/rcn_pays_tribute_to_chief_medical_officer/rcn_commits_to_long_acting_reversible_contraception_accreditation_scheme/rcn_-_repair_nations_turbulent_relationship_with_alcohol</link><description>RCN - repair nation’s turbulent relationship with alcohol</description><pubDate>Thu, 17 Dec 2009 10:36:45 +0000</pubDate><title>RCN - repair nation’s turbulent relationship with alcohol</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/press_releases/uk/rcn_pays_tribute_to_chief_medical_officer/rcn_commits_to_long_acting_reversible_contraception_accreditation_scheme</link><description>RCN commits to Long Acting Reversible Contraception accreditation scheme</description><pubDate>Thu, 17 Dec 2009 10:32:33 +0000</pubDate><title>RCN commits to Long Acting Reversible Contraception accreditation scheme</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/press_releases/uk/rcn_pays_tribute_to_chief_medical_officer</link><description>RCN pays tribute to Chief Medical Officer</description><pubDate>Thu, 17 Dec 2009 10:28:20 +0000</pubDate><title>RCN pays tribute to Chief Medical Officer</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/press_releases/uk/improve_access_to_ivf,_says_rcn</link><description>Improve access to IVF, says RCN</description><pubDate>Tue, 15 Dec 2009 10:45:49 +0000</pubDate><title>Improve access to IVF, says RCN</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/press_releases/uk/rcn_welcomes_nhs_pay_review_body_report</link><description>The Royal College of Nursing (RCN) welcomed the NHS Pay Review Body report which means that the third year of the multi-year deal will be honoured.</description><pubDate>Fri, 11 Dec 2009 11:58:00 +0000</pubDate><title>RCN welcomes NHS Pay Review Body report</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/press_releases/uk/rcn_responds_to_publication_of_nhs_2010-2015_from_good_to_great</link><description>RCN responds to publication of NHS 2010-2015: From Good to Great</description><pubDate>Thu, 10 Dec 2009 16:07:10 +0000</pubDate><title>RCN responds to publication of NHS 2010-2015: From Good to Great</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/press_releases/uk/rcn_calls_for_an_end_to_the_detention_of_immigrant_children</link><description>RCN calls for an end to the detention of immigrant children</description><pubDate>Thu, 10 Dec 2009 10:48:18 +0000</pubDate><title>RCN calls for an end to the detention of immigrant children</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/press_releases/uk/nurses_welcome_new_strategy_for_mental_health</link><description>Responding to the launch of the cross-government strategy on mental health and wellbeing, New Horizons, Dr Peter Carter, Chief Executive &amp; General Secretary of the Royal College of Nursing (RCN), welcomed the breadth of vision contained in the strategy.</description><pubDate>Tue, 08 Dec 2009 10:28:08 +0000</pubDate><title>Nurses welcome new strategy for mental health</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/press_releases/uk/rcn_calls_for_sustained_nhs_investment_ahead_of_pre-budget_report</link><description>Ahead of this week’s Pre-Budget report, the RCN called for sustained NHS investment to ensure a first class health care system that delivers the highest level of care to patients.</description><pubDate>Mon, 07 Dec 2009 13:02:34 +0000</pubDate><title>RCN calls for sustained NHS investment ahead of pre-budget report</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/press_releases/uk/rcn_responds_to_news_that_nhs_it_system_may_be_shelved</link><description>The Royal College of Nursing responds to news that NHS IT system may be shelved.</description><pubDate>Mon, 07 Dec 2009 12:51:48 +0000</pubDate><title>RCN responds to news that NHS IT system may be shelved</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/press_releases/uk/rcn_responds_to_announcement_that_baroness_young_is_to_leave_cqc</link><description>The RCN responds to the announcement  that Baroness Young is to leave the CQC.</description><pubDate>Mon, 07 Dec 2009 12:47:48 +0000</pubDate><title>RCN responds to announcement that Baroness Young is to leave CQC</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/press_releases/uk/patient_safety_culture_must_be_ingrained_in_nhs,_says_rcn</link><description>Patient safety culture must be ‘ingrained’ in NHS, says RCN</description><pubDate>Fri, 27 Nov 2009 14:30:21 +0000</pubDate><title>Patient safety culture must be ‘ingrained’ in NHS, says RCN</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/press_releases/uk/preventative_measures_could_save_555_million__rcn_responds_to_boorman_review</link><description>Responding to today’s publication of the Boorman review into Health and Wellbeing of the NHS workforce, Dr Peter Carter, Chief Executive &amp; General Secretary of the Royal College of Nursing (RCN) welcomed better preventative measures to improve the health and wellbeing of NHS staff.</description><pubDate>Mon, 23 Nov 2009 15:47:42 +0000</pubDate><title>Preventative measures could save £555 million – RCN responds to Boorman Review</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/press_releases/uk/rcn_film_scoops_international_award_for_inclusion_and_diversity</link><description>RCN film scoops international award for inclusion and diversity</description><pubDate>Mon, 23 Nov 2009 15:57:06 +0000</pubDate><title>RCN film scoops international award for inclusion and diversity</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/press_releases/uk/rcn_responds_to_the_queens_speech2</link><description>RCN responds to the Queen’s Speech</description><pubDate>Wed, 18 Nov 2009 14:13:41 +0000</pubDate><title>RCN responds to the Queen’s Speech</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/press_releases/uk/rcn_calls_on_employers_to_protect_their_staff_from_violence</link><description>RCN calls on employers to protect their staff from violence</description><pubDate>Mon, 16 Nov 2009 15:46:26 +0000</pubDate><title>RCN calls on employers to protect their staff from violence</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/press_releases/uk/nurses_welcome_government_action_on_overuse_of_anti-psychotics</link><description>Nurses welcome Government action on overuse of anti-psychotics</description><pubDate>Fri, 13 Nov 2009 10:57:29 +0000</pubDate><title>Nurses welcome Government action on overuse of anti-psychotics</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/press_releases/uk/downturn_could_be_greatest_threat_to_nursing_in_living_memory_-_rcn</link><description>Downturn could be greatest threat to nursing in living memory - RCN</description><pubDate>Wed, 11 Nov 2009 14:01:41 +0000</pubDate><title>Downturn could be greatest threat to nursing in living memory - RCN</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/press_releases/uk/nurses_welcome_news_that_infection_rates_are_decreasing2</link><description>Nurses welcome news that infection rates are decreasing</description><pubDate>Tue, 10 Nov 2009 10:22:16 +0000</pubDate><title>Nurses welcome news that infection rates are decreasing</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/press_releases/uk/ncepod_highlights_importance_of_training_and_safe_staffing_levels_-_rcn</link><description>NCEPOD highlights importance of training and safe staffing levels - RCN</description><pubDate>Thu, 05 Nov 2009 16:21:58 +0000</pubDate><title>NCEPOD highlights importance of training and safe staffing levels - RCN</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/press_releases/uk/rcn_welcomes_common-sense_approach_to_health_education_in_schools</link><description>RCN welcomes ‘common-sense’ approach to health education in schools</description><pubDate>Thu, 05 Nov 2009 15:08:57 +0000</pubDate><title>RCN welcomes ‘common-sense’ approach to health education in schools</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/press_releases/uk/vulnerable_babies_to_benefit_from_more_nursing_care</link><description>Vulnerable babies to benefit from more nursing care</description><pubDate>Wed, 04 Nov 2009 11:45:04 +0000</pubDate><title>Vulnerable babies to benefit from more nursing care</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/press_releases/uk/improve_support_for_prison_staff_-_rcn</link><description>Improve support for prison staff - RCN</description><pubDate>Tue, 03 Nov 2009 10:48:57 +0000</pubDate><title>Improve support for prison staff - RCN</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/press_releases/uk/rcn_members_agree_to_amend_charter_at_agm</link><description>Members of the Royal College of Nursing today (28th October) voted in favour of a resolution that the RCN should no longer be a charity and that a separate charitable foundation be established.</description><pubDate>Wed, 28 Oct 2009 17:11:19 +0000</pubDate><title>RCN members agree to amend charter at AGM</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/press_releases/uk/rcn_welcomes_greater_transparency_on_management_consultants</link><description>RCN welcomes greater transparency on management consultants</description><pubDate>Fri, 23 Oct 2009 14:55:37 +0100</pubDate><title>RCN welcomes greater transparency on management consultants</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/press_releases/uk/rcn_announces_winners_of_2009_mary_seacole_award</link><description>RCN announces winners of 2009 Mary Seacole Award</description><pubDate>Fri, 23 Oct 2009 14:52:16 +0100</pubDate><title>RCN announces winners of 2009 Mary Seacole Award</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/press_releases/uk/rcn_calls_for_guaranteed_safe_staffing_levels_as_workload_pressures_soar</link><description>The RCN today (19 October) calls for guaranteed safe staffing levels as it reveals that four in ten nurses (42%) say that short staffing compromises patient care at least once or twice a week.</description><pubDate>Mon, 19 Oct 2009 00:15:24 +0100</pubDate><title>RCN calls for guaranteed safe staffing levels as workload pressures soar</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/press_releases/uk/nurses_call_for_urgent_action_on_binge_drinking_to_prevent_90,000_deaths</link><description>The Royal College of Nursing today branded the findings of a new report by Alcohol Concern as a “national tragedy”.</description><pubDate>Mon, 19 Oct 2009 00:15:17 +0100</pubDate><title>Nurses call for urgent action on binge drinking to prevent 90,000 deaths</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/press_releases/uk/rcn_praises_improvement_in_the_nhs,_but_worst_performers_must_do_more</link><description>The Royal College of Nursing (RCN) responded today to the latest NHS performance ratings, published by the Care Quality Commission (CQC). These are the final ratings to be published by the CQC before all trusts will have to meet new registrations requirements in order to continue to deliver care.</description><pubDate>Thu, 15 Oct 2009 10:41:37 +0100</pubDate><title>RCN praises improvement in the NHS, but worst performers must do more</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/press_releases/uk/joint_nmc_and_rcn_statement_on_margaret_haywood_high_court_verdict</link><description>Joint NMC and RCN statement on Margaret Haywood High Court verdict</description><pubDate>Mon, 12 Oct 2009 16:24:49 +0100</pubDate><title>Joint NMC and RCN statement on Margaret Haywood High Court verdict</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/press_releases/uk/rcn_asks_members_for_views_on_future_of_social_care</link><description>RCN asks members for views on future of social care</description><pubDate>Fri, 09 Oct 2009 11:14:11 +0100</pubDate><title>RCN asks members for views on future of social care</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/press_releases/uk/rcn_issues_guidance_on_coping_with_a_drop_in_income</link><description>RCN issues guidance on coping with a drop in income</description><pubDate>Thu, 08 Oct 2009 15:14:14 +0100</pubDate><title>RCN issues guidance on coping with a drop in income</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/press_releases/uk/rcn_response_to_alzheimers_society_survey_on_drug_prescribing</link><description>RCN response to Alzheimer’s Society survey on drug prescribing</description><pubDate>Thu, 08 Oct 2009 15:06:02 +0100</pubDate><title>RCN response to Alzheimer’s Society survey on drug prescribing</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/press_releases/uk/sandra_james_re-elected_as_rcn_chair_of_council</link><description>Sandra James re-elected as RCN Chair of Council</description><pubDate>Fri, 02 Oct 2009 10:59:16 +0100</pubDate><title>Sandra James re-elected as RCN Chair of Council</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/press_releases/uk/rcn_issues_new_guidance_on_internet_usage</link><description>RCN issues new guidance on internet usage</description><pubDate>Wed, 30 Sep 2009 14:17:03 +0100</pubDate><title>RCN issues new guidance on internet usage</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/press_releases/uk/rcn_comments_on_cqc_survey_of_patients_in_acute_mental_health_services</link><description>The Royal College of Nursing (RCN) today commented on the results of a Care Quality Commission survey which shows that nine out of ten mental health inpatients feel that nurses treat them with respect and dignity. The RCN also echoed serious concerns raised by the report about sleeping arrangements and access to talking therapies.</description><pubDate>Thu, 24 Sep 2009 10:30:29 +0100</pubDate><title>RCN comments on CQC survey of patients in acute mental health services</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/press_releases/uk/school_nurses_stretched_to_breaking_point</link><description>The average school nurse has to look after more than 2,500 school children[i], according to a new report from the Royal College of Nursing (RCN). The report found that two thirds felt overstretched and unsupported by their rising workload, and that government targets to increase the numbers of school nurses are unlikely to be met by the deadline next year.</description><pubDate>Tue, 22 Sep 2009 15:19:42 +0100</pubDate><title>School nurses stretched to breaking point</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/press_releases/uk/government_will_miss_2010_care_plan_target_according_to_national_survey_of_patient_advocacy_groups</link><description>A nationwide survey of 430 advocacy groups representing the views of over 1 million patients in England has found that over 70 per cent believe the government will miss its target of offering everyone with a long-term condition (such as asthma, diabetes, arthritis and heart disease) a care plan by 2010.</description><pubDate>Fri, 18 Sep 2009 10:33:53 +0100</pubDate><title>Government will miss 2010 care plan target according to national survey of patient advocacy groups</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/press_releases/uk/rcn_backs_drive_for_quality_healthcare</link><description>RCN backs drive for quality healthcare</description><pubDate>Thu, 17 Sep 2009 14:39:27 +0100</pubDate><title>RCN backs drive for quality healthcare</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/press_releases/uk/rcn_welcomes_reported_success_of_injecting_clinics</link><description>RCN welcomes reported success of injecting clinics</description><pubDate>Tue, 15 Sep 2009 16:14:04 +0100</pubDate><title>RCN welcomes reported success of injecting clinics</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/press_releases/uk/rcn_comments_on_the_creation_of_the_independent_safeguarding_authority</link><description>RCN comments on the creation of the Independent Safeguarding Authority</description><pubDate>Tue, 15 Sep 2009 12:18:18 +0100</pubDate><title>RCN comments on the creation of the Independent Safeguarding Authority</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/press_releases/uk/rcn_discusses_recession_in_its_first_podcast</link><description>The Royal College of Nursing has urged the Government to “look to the lessons of history” when considering health spending cuts, in its first podcast.</description><pubDate>Wed, 09 Sep 2009 15:47:19 +0100</pubDate><title>RCN discusses recession in its first podcast</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/press_releases/uk/nurses_echo_call_for_action_on_binge_drinking</link><description>Nurses echo call for action on binge drinking</description><pubDate>Tue, 08 Sep 2009 15:52:06 +0100</pubDate><title>Nurses echo call for action on binge drinking</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/press_releases/uk/the_royal_college_of_nursing_announces_new_council_members</link><description>The Royal College of Nursing announces new council members</description><pubDate>Thu, 03 Sep 2009 14:52:00 +0100</pubDate><title>The Royal College of Nursing announces new council members</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/press_releases/uk/reckless_proposals_impact_on_patient_care__rcn</link><description>The Royal College of Nursing (RCN) today (3 September) said that reducing the number of nurses in the NHS would have a detrimental impact on quality and safety of patient care. RCN Chief Executive Dr Peter Carter was responding to reports that the Department of Health is taking advice from McKinsey on reducing clinical staff numbers to help the NHS save money.</description><pubDate>Thu, 03 Sep 2009 10:55:44 +0100</pubDate><title>‘Reckless’ proposals impact on patient care – RCN</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/press_releases/uk/good_care_mustnt_be_overshadowed_by_bad_practice,_rcn_says</link><description>Good care mustn’t be overshadowed by bad practice, RCN says</description><pubDate>Thu, 27 Aug 2009 08:47:40 +0100</pubDate><title>Good care mustn’t be overshadowed by bad practice, RCN says</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/press_releases/uk/act_now_to_secure_the_nursing_care_of_the_future_-_rcn</link><description>Act now to secure the nursing care of the future - RCN</description><pubDate>Wed, 26 Aug 2009 10:27:54 +0100</pubDate><title>Act now to secure the nursing care of the future - RCN</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/press_releases/uk/rcn_responds_to_news_that_fewer_people_are_dying_from_hcais</link><description>RCN responds to news that fewer people are dying from HCAIs</description><pubDate>Wed, 19 Aug 2009 16:08:07 +0100</pubDate><title>RCN responds to news that fewer people are dying from HCAIs</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/press_releases/uk/nhs_could_save_half_a_billion__rcn_responds_to_boorman</link><description>NHS could save half a billion – RCN responds to Boorman</description><pubDate>Wed, 19 Aug 2009 11:21:16 +0100</pubDate><title>NHS could save half a billion – RCN responds to Boorman</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/press_releases/uk/50,000_tune_into_rcn_social_network_in_first_fortnight</link><description>50,000 tune into RCN social network in first fortnight</description><pubDate>Tue, 11 Aug 2009 13:04:51 +0100</pubDate><title>50,000 tune into RCN social network in first fortnight</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/press_releases/uk/rcn_warns_of_unsustainable_pressure_due_to_nursing_vacancies2</link><description>The Royal College of Nursing (RCN) responds to NHS Information Statistics which indicate NHS vacancies have risen for the first time in five years.</description><pubDate>Thu, 06 Aug 2009 14:04:43 +0100</pubDate><title>RCN warns of ‘unsustainable’ pressure due to nursing vacancies</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/press_releases/uk/government_action_needed_to_reduce_harmful_drinking_say_public_sector_professionals</link><description>A survey of over 1,000 teachers, nurses, doctors, police and public health consultants shows the overwhelming majority wants tougher rules on alcohol.</description><pubDate>Wed, 05 Aug 2009 12:24:45 +0100</pubDate><title>Government action needed to reduce harmful drinking say public sector professionals</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/press_releases/uk/nurses_call_for_drastic_action_on_binge_drinking</link><description>The Royal College of Nursing (RCN) responds to the Public Accounts Committee report, Reducing Alcohol Harm: health services in England for alcohol misuse.</description><pubDate>Thu, 30 Jul 2009 12:29:48 +0100</pubDate><title>Nurses call for drastic action on binge drinking</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/press_releases/uk/royal_college_of_nursing_moves_to_neutral_position_on_assisted_suicide</link><description>The Royal College of Nursing (RCN) moved to a neutral position on assisted suicide following a discussion at its Council meeting.</description><pubDate>Mon, 27 Jul 2009 14:24:24 +0100</pubDate><title>Royal College of Nursing moves to neutral position on assisted suicide</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/press_releases/uk/nurses_welcome_mental_health_consultation</link><description>The Royal College of Nursing (RCN) welcomes the launch of the Government consultation on mental health and wellbeing - "New Horizons".</description><pubDate>Thu, 23 Jul 2009 12:01:49 +0100</pubDate><title>Nurses welcome mental health consultation</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/press_releases/uk/tragic_death_highlights_perils_of_binge_drinking</link><description>The Royal College of Nursing (RCN) calls for the tighter regulation of alcohol sales following the the tragic death of a 22-year-old who died as a result of binge drinking since the age of 13.</description><pubDate>Wed, 22 Jul 2009 14:24:00 +0100</pubDate><title>Tragic death highlights perils of binge drinking</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/press_releases/uk/rcn_welcomes_new_inquiry_into_failings_at_mid_staffordshire_nhs_foundation_trust</link><description>The Royal College of Nursing (RCN) today (21 July) commented on the announcement by Health Secretary Rt. Hon Andy Burnham MP of a new independent inquiry into the failings at Mid Staffordshire NHS Foundation Trust.</description><pubDate>Tue, 21 Jul 2009 17:32:30 +0100</pubDate><title>RCN welcomes new inquiry into failings at Mid Staffordshire NHS Foundation Trust</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/press_releases/uk/mental_health_services_must_learn_the_lessons_of_cqc_report</link><description>The Royal College of Nursing (RCN) today commented on a new report by the Care Quality Commission into the West London Mental Health NHS Trust. The report found significant problems at a number of sites including a lack of beds, low staffing levels and serious threats to patient safety.</description><pubDate>Tue, 21 Jul 2009 17:29:27 +0100</pubDate><title>Mental health services must learn the lessons of CQC report</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/press_releases/uk/rcn_calls_for_eu_agreement_on_sharps_injuries_to_be_implemented_quickly</link><description>The Royal College of Nursing today welcomed the signing of a joint agreement by European Federation of Public Service Unions (EPSU) and the European Hospital and Healthcare Employers Association (HOSPEEM). This is an EU-wide agreement which the RCN has played a key role in bringing about to prevent one million medical sharps injuries per year</description><pubDate>Fri, 17 Jul 2009 12:19:29 +0100</pubDate><title>RCN calls for EU agreement on sharps injuries to be implemented quickly</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/press_releases/uk/royal_colleges_call_on_health_managers_to_take_responsibility_for_safeguarding_children</link><description>The Royal College of Nursing and Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health today commented on a new report from the Care Quality Commission, Safeguarding children: a review of arrangements in the NHS for safeguarding children. The report found that some providers had excellent systems and staff were delivering good practice, however in others training and evaluating procedures were patchy and many health organisations need to improve as a matter of urgency.</description><pubDate>Thu, 16 Jul 2009 11:57:59 +0100</pubDate><title>Royal Colleges call on health managers to take responsibility for safeguarding children</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/press_releases/uk/rcn_statement_on_lord_ara_darzi</link><description>Commenting on news today (14 July) that Lord Ara Darzi will stand down as a government minister, Dr Peter Carter, Chief Executive of the Royal College of Nursing (RCN), paid tribute to his contribution to the health service</description><pubDate>Wed, 15 Jul 2009 10:25:19 +0100</pubDate><title>RCN statement on Lord Ara Darzi</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/press_releases/uk/national_care_service_a_historic_opportunity_-_nurses</link><description>Welcoming the publication of the Government Green Paper, Shaping the future of care together, Dr Peter Carter, Chief Executive of the Royal College of Nursing (RCN), said the current social care system was “confusing, bewildering and unacceptable” and that today’s plans provide “a historic opportunity to establish fair care under the welfare system in England.”</description><pubDate>Tue, 14 Jul 2009 17:43:42 +0100</pubDate><title>National Care Service a “historic opportunity” - Nurses</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/press_releases/uk/rcn_responds_to_new_report_into_nursing_regulation</link><description>Responding to the annual report from the Council for Healthcare Regulatory Excellence (CHRE)</description><pubDate>Mon, 06 Jul 2009 10:04:53 +0100</pubDate><title>RCN responds to new report into nursing regulation</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/press_releases/uk/rcn_responds_to_government_decision_on_pay_review_body</link><description>Responding to the written statement from the Secretary of State for Health</description><pubDate>Fri, 03 Jul 2009 16:13:34 +0100</pubDate><title>RCN responds to government decision on Pay Review Body</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/press_releases/uk/nhs_boards_lack_of_focus_on_safety_beggars_belief,_says_nursing_leader</link><description>Responding to a the House of Commons Health Select Committee’s report ‘Patient Safety’</description><pubDate>Fri, 03 Jul 2009 11:50:50 +0100</pubDate><title>NHS boards’ lack of focus on safety ‘beggars belief’, says nursing leader</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/press_releases/uk/rcn_responds_to_publication_of_lord_darzis_progress_report</link><description>The Royal College of Nursing (RCN) responds to the publication of Lord Darzi’s report, "High Quality Care for All: Our Journey So Far".</description><pubDate>Tue, 30 Jun 2009 16:47:31 +0100</pubDate><title>RCN responds to publication of Lord Darzi's progress report</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/press_releases/uk/rcn_response_to_building_britains_future</link><description>The Royal College of Nursing (RCN) responds to the publication of Building Britain’s Future.</description><pubDate>Mon, 29 Jun 2009 17:14:55 +0100</pubDate><title>RCN response to ‘Building Britain’s Future’</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/press_releases/uk/rcn_launches_new_sexual_health_skills_framework</link><description>The Royal College of Nursing (RCN) launches new guidance for sexual health guidance.</description><pubDate>Mon, 22 Jun 2009 10:15:36 +0100</pubDate><title>RCN launches new sexual health skills framework</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/press_releases/uk/staff_praised_as_infections_continue_to_fall</link><description>The Royal College of Nursing (RCN) today commented on figures released by the Health Protection Agency (HPA) on healthcare associated infections between January and March 2009. The figures show that while infection rates are significantly lower than they were in the same quarter of last year, they are slightly higher than those of the previous quarter.</description><pubDate>Fri, 19 Jun 2009 11:52:25 +0100</pubDate><title>Staff praised as infections continue to fall</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/press_releases/uk/rcn_responds_to_report_on_nhs_pay_modernisation_in_england</link><description>RCN responds to Public Accounts Committee report on NHS pay modernisation in England.</description><pubDate>Fri, 19 Jun 2009 11:48:22 +0100</pubDate><title>RCN responds to report on NHS pay modernisation in England</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/press_releases/uk/nurses_welcome_news_that_infection_rates_are_decreasing</link><description>The Royal College of Nursing (RCN) responds to the publication of the National Audit Office's report into infection levels.</description><pubDate>Fri, 12 Jun 2009 10:53:19 +0100</pubDate><title>Nurses welcome news that infection rates are decreasing</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/press_releases/uk/rcn_welcome_eu-wide_agreement_on_medical_sharps_injuries/rcn_responds_to_nhs_confederation_warning_on_the_downturn</link><description>The Royal College of Nursing (RCN) responds to the NHS Confederation report warning of the implications of the downturn.</description><pubDate>Wed, 10 Jun 2009 12:13:53 +0100</pubDate><title>RCN responds to NHS Confederation warning on the downturn</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/press_releases/uk/rcn_welcome_eu-wide_agreement_on_medical_sharps_injuries</link><description>The Royal College of Nursing welcomes an agreement between EU employers and trade unions set to prevent 1 million medical sharps injuries each year.</description><pubDate>Wed, 10 Jun 2009 11:33:39 +0100</pubDate><title>RCN welcomes EU-wide agreement on medical sharps injuries</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/press_releases/uk/rcn_welcomes_the_appointment_of_andy_burnham_as_the_new_secretary_of_state_for_health</link><description>The Royal College of Nursing (RCN) welcomes the appointment of the new Secretary of State for Health.</description><pubDate>Fri, 05 Jun 2009 16:52:46 +0100</pubDate><title>RCN welcomes the appointment of Andy Burnham as the new Secretary of State for Health</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/press_releases/uk/rcn_welcomes_calls_for_full_disclosure_of_management_consultancy_costs_in_health</link><description>RCN welcomes Health Select Committee calls for full disclosure of management consultancy costs in health.</description><pubDate>Thu, 04 Jun 2009 17:29:50 +0100</pubDate><title>RCN welcomes calls for full disclosure of management consultancy costs in health</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/press_releases/uk/guidance_for_nurses_working_in_the_criminal_justice_service_launched</link><description>The Royal College of Nursing (RCN) launches new guidance for nurses working in the criminal justice service.</description><pubDate>Thu, 04 Jun 2009 12:34:28 +0100</pubDate><title>Guidance for nurses working in the criminal justice service launched</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/press_releases/uk/rcn_urges_children_to_go_into_nursing_to_avoid_recruitment_crisis</link><description>The Royal College of Nursing marks International Nurses' Day by calling on more young people to make nursing their first career choice.</description><pubDate>Thu, 04 Jun 2009 12:43:34 +0100</pubDate><title>RCN urges children to go into nursing to avoid recruitment crisis</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/press_releases/uk/nurse_to_consider_legal_options_after_being_struck_off</link><description>The Royal College of Nursing (RCN) comments on the outcome of yesterday’s Nursing &amp; Midwifery Council hearing.</description><pubDate>Fri, 17 Apr 2009 13:37:02 +0100</pubDate><title>Nurse to consider legal options after being struck off</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/press_releases/uk/rcn_calls_for_an_independent_inquiry_at_mid-staffs</link><description>The Royal College of Nursing has called for a full independent inquiry into the catastrophic failings at Mid-Staffordshire NHS Foundation Trust.</description><pubDate>Tue, 14 Apr 2009 12:53:03 +0100</pubDate><title>RCN calls for an independent inquiry at Mid-Staffs</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/press_releases/uk/rcn_responds_to_panorama_investigation_into_domiciliary_care2</link><description>Then Royal College of Nursing (RCN) responds to the Panorama investigation into the care of older people.</description><pubDate>Fri, 10 Apr 2009 14:57:09 +0100</pubDate><title>RCN responds to Panorama investigation into domiciliary care</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/press_releases/uk/low_price_alcohol_still_no_1_problem,_say_nhs_staff</link><description>Many nurses and doctors believe that public health campaigns are not effective and that action on sales of low priced alcohol is the most important weapon for tackling the rising tide of alcohol problems.</description><pubDate>Wed, 08 Apr 2009 15:26:26 +0100</pubDate><title>Low price alcohol still No 1 problem, say NHS staff</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/press_releases/uk/rcn_calls_for_action_on_racial_inequality_in_nhs_trusts</link><description>RCN calls for action on racial inequality in NHS Trusts</description><pubDate>Thu, 02 Apr 2009 11:19:31 +0100</pubDate><title>RCN calls for action on racial inequality in NHS Trusts</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/press_releases/uk/rcn_comments_on_the_link_between_nurse_staffing_levels_and_patient_mortality</link><description>The Royal College of Nursing today commented on research by Dr Foster’s Intelligence linking nurse staffing levels with patient mortality.</description><pubDate>Wed, 01 Apr 2009 09:51:13 +0100</pubDate><title>RCN comments on the link between nurse staffing levels and patient mortality</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/press_releases/uk/rcn_welcomes_the_creation_of_the_care_quality_commission</link><description>The Royal College of Nursing today commented on the introduction of the Care Quality Commission, due to assume regulatory powers on April 1st.</description><pubDate>Tue, 31 Mar 2009 15:02:26 +0100</pubDate><title>RCN welcomes the creation of the Care Quality Commission</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/press_releases/uk/rcn_responds_to_healthcare_commission_reports_on_mental_health_services</link><description>The Royal College of Nursing (RCN) responds to the publication of two Healthcare Commission reports on mental health care provision.</description><pubDate>Tue, 31 Mar 2009 10:47:33 +0100</pubDate><title>RCN responds to Healthcare Commission reports on mental health services</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/press_releases/uk/rcn_responds_to_increase_in_nhs_executive_pay</link><description>Commenting on a survey from Incomes Data Services revealing that executive pay increased by 6.4% in 2008</description><pubDate>Fri, 27 Mar 2009 10:44:11 +0000</pubDate><title>RCN responds to increase in NHS executive pay</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/press_releases/uk/traveller_research_wins_2009_rcn_akinsanya_award</link><description>The Royal College of Nursing (RCN) Research Society today announced Dr Patrice Van Cleemput as the winner of the Akinsanya Award 2009.</description><pubDate>Thu, 26 Mar 2009 12:40:07 +0000</pubDate><title>Traveller research wins 2009 RCN Akinsanya Award</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/press_releases/uk/rcn_announces_winners_of_marjorie_simpson_award_2009</link><description>Three nursing researchers have been announced as joint winners of the Marjorie Simpson New Researchers' award 2009</description><pubDate>Thu, 26 Mar 2009 11:38:16 +0000</pubDate><title>RCN announces winners of Marjorie Simpson Award 2009</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/press_releases/uk/rcn_responds_to_healthcare_commissions_nhs_staff_survey_2008</link><description>The Royal College of Nursing (RCN) today welcomed the publication of the sixth annual survey of NHS staff, which shows significant improvements in infection control, but expressed concern that reports of violence against staff remained unchanged.</description><pubDate>Wed, 25 Mar 2009 15:31:46 +0000</pubDate><title>RCN responds to Healthcare Commission’s NHS staff survey 2008</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/press_releases/uk/rcn_responds_to_new_figures_on_nhs_staffing_levels</link><description>The Royal College of Nursing (RCN) today commented on statistics from the NHS Information Centre, showing an all-time high in NHS staffing but a further decline in the numbers of Practice nurses.</description><pubDate>Wed, 25 Mar 2009 15:16:21 +0000</pubDate><title>RCN responds to new figures on NHS staffing levels</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/press_releases/uk/school_sexual_health_clinics_could_reduce_teenage_pregnancy_rate</link><description>Evaluation presented at RCN International Research Conference highlights benefits of school sexual health clinics.</description><pubDate>Wed, 25 Mar 2009 14:39:35 +0000</pubDate><title>School sexual health clinics could reduce teenage pregnancy rate</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/press_releases/uk/parents_take_children_with_minor_illnesses_to_a-and-e_for_better_self-care_advice</link><description>New research presented at the RCN International Research Conference.</description><pubDate>Wed, 25 Mar 2009 14:32:33 +0000</pubDate><title>Parents take children with minor illnesses to A&amp;amp;E for better “self-care” advice</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/press_releases/uk/rcn_responds_to_learning_disabilities_report</link><description>The Royal College of Nursing responds to the publication of the "Six lives: the provision of public services to people with learning disabilities" report.</description><pubDate>Tue, 24 Mar 2009 15:26:09 +0000</pubDate><title>RCN responds to learning disabilities report</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/press_releases/uk/rcn_mid-staffs_driven_by_finance_not_patient_care/rcn_awarded_300,000_for_learning_and_skills_in_the_workplace/rcn_responds_to_regulators_report_on_birmingham_childrens_hospital</link><description>RCN responds to regulator’s report on Birmingham Children’s Hospital</description><pubDate>Tue, 24 Mar 2009 11:33:32 +0000</pubDate><title>RCN responds to regulator’s report on Birmingham Children’s Hospital</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/press_releases/uk/rcn_mid-staffs_driven_by_finance_not_patient_care/rcn_awarded_300,000_for_learning_and_skills_in_the_workplace</link><description>RCN awarded £300,000 for learning and skills in the workplace</description><pubDate>Tue, 24 Mar 2009 11:23:44 +0000</pubDate><title>RCN awarded £300,000 for learning and skills in the workplace</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/press_releases/uk/rcn_mid-staffs_driven_by_finance_not_patient_care</link><description>RCN: Mid-Staffs driven by finance not patient care</description><pubDate>Tue, 24 Mar 2009 11:12:37 +0000</pubDate><title>RCN: Mid-Staffs driven by finance not patient care</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/press_releases/uk/rcn_responds_to_new_guidance_for_top-up_care</link><description>The Royal College of Nursing reiterates its call for a formal evaluation of top-up care.</description><pubDate>Mon, 23 Mar 2009 16:02:02 +0000</pubDate><title>RCN responds to new guidance for top-up care</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/press_releases/uk/nurses_welcome_new_guidance_on_care_of_older_people</link><description>The Royal College of Nursing (RCN) welcomes new guidance for the care of older people.</description><pubDate>Tue, 17 Mar 2009 10:47:11 +0000</pubDate><title>Nurses welcome new guidance on care of older people</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/press_releases/uk/rcn_responds_to_research_linking_night_working_to_breast_cancer</link><description>The Royal College of Nursing (RCN) today responded to a UN study linking night working with higher incidence of breast cancer by calling on employers to ensure that healthcare staff get the preventive health checks and rest periods they are entitled to.</description><pubDate>Tue, 17 Mar 2009 10:38:42 +0000</pubDate><title>RCN responds to research linking night working to breast cancer</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/press_releases/uk/rcn_welcomes_cmos_call_for_a_minimum_alcohol_price</link><description>The Royal College of Nursing (RCN) welcomes CMO’s call for a minimum alcohol price.</description><pubDate>Mon, 16 Mar 2009 15:08:33 +0000</pubDate><title>RCN welcomes CMO’s call for a minimum alcohol price</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/press_releases/uk/rcn_responds_to_government_plan_for_the_public_sector/royal_colleges_welcome_government_move_on_laming_recommendations/royal_colleges_welcome_government_move_on_laming_recommendations/rcn_welcomes_watchdog_report_on_ability_of_the_health_service_to_meet_the_needs_of_children/rcn_responds_to_health_inequalities_report</link><description>RCN responds to health inequalities report</description><pubDate>Mon, 16 Mar 2009 11:25:27 +0000</pubDate><title>RCN responds to health inequalities report</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/press_releases/uk/rcn_responds_to_government_plan_for_the_public_sector/royal_colleges_welcome_government_move_on_laming_recommendations/royal_colleges_welcome_government_move_on_laming_recommendations/rcn_welcomes_watchdog_report_on_ability_of_the_health_service_to_meet_the_needs_of_children</link><description>RCN welcomes watchdog report on ability of the health service to meet the needs of children</description><pubDate>Mon, 16 Mar 2009 11:17:46 +0000</pubDate><title>RCN welcomes watchdog report on ability of the health service to meet the needs of children</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/press_releases/uk/rcn_responds_to_government_plan_for_the_public_sector/royal_colleges_welcome_government_move_on_laming_recommendations/royal_colleges_welcome_government_move_on_laming_recommendations</link><description>Royal Colleges welcome Government move on Laming recommendations</description><pubDate>Mon, 16 Mar 2009 11:13:52 +0000</pubDate><title>Royal Colleges welcome Government move on Laming recommendations</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/press_releases/uk/rcn_responds_to_government_plan_for_the_public_sector</link><description>RCN responds to Government plan for the Public Sector</description><pubDate>Mon, 16 Mar 2009 11:03:32 +0000</pubDate><title>RCN responds to Government plan for the Public Sector</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/press_releases/uk/rcn_responds_to_health_inequalities_report</link><description>The Royal College of Nursing (RCN) responds to the Health Committee report on health inequalities.</description><pubDate>Mon, 16 Mar 2009 10:29:14 +0000</pubDate><title>RCN responds to health inequalities report</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/press_releases/uk/rcn_and_wellchild_call_for_more_community_childrens_nurses</link><description>RCN and WellChild call for more Community Children’s Nurses</description><pubDate>Tue, 10 Mar 2009 15:08:24 +0000</pubDate><title>RCN and WellChild call for more Community Children’s Nurses</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/press_releases/uk/rcn_welcomes_plans_to_help_with_credit_crunch_stress</link><description>The Royal College of Nursing (RCN) today welcomed the announcement over the weekend of more government help for people who are affected by the economic downturn, including more talking therapies and a new network of employment support workers.</description><pubDate>Mon, 09 Mar 2009 16:29:24 +0000</pubDate><title>RCN welcomes plans to help with credit crunch stress</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/press_releases/uk/rcn_1.7_billion_nhs_surplus_must_go_straight_to_frontline_services</link><description>The Royal College of Nursing (RCN) today responded to news from the Department of Health predicting a surplus of £1.735 billion in the NHS.</description><pubDate>Wed, 04 Mar 2009 18:08:24 +0000</pubDate><title>RCN: £1.7 billion NHS surplus must go straight to frontline services</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/press_releases/uk/rcn_responds_to_evidence_that_alcohol_on_tv_makes_people_drink_more</link><description>The Royal College of Nursing (RCN) comments on new research showing that the portrayal of alcohol in films and TV advertisements has an immediate effect on the amount of alcohol that people drink.</description><pubDate>Wed, 04 Mar 2009 09:46:46 +0000</pubDate><title>RCN responds to evidence that alcohol on TV makes people drink more</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/press_releases/uk/new_report_nurses_call_for_more_support_for_nurse_leadership_on_wards/healthcare_assistants_call_for_regulation</link><description>A new survey  shows that 85% of HCAs feel that all Healthcare Assistants (HCAs) should be regulated, and that 89% are prepared to pay towards professional regulation.</description><pubDate>Mon, 02 Mar 2009 15:31:56 +0000</pubDate><title>Healthcare Assistants call for regulation</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/press_releases/uk/new_report_nurses_call_for_more_support_for_nurse_leadership_on_wards</link><description>The Royal College of Nursing (RCN) has published a new report, Breaking Down Barriers, Driving up Standards: The Role of the Ward Sister and Charge Nurse.</description><pubDate>Mon, 02 Mar 2009 15:19:28 +0000</pubDate><title>New Report: Nurses call for more support for nurse leadership on wards</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/press_releases/uk/leading_health_organisations_join_forces_to_launch_research_academy</link><description>The first ever Academy of Nursing, Midwifery and Health Visiting Research (UK) islaunched today to bring together all aspects of nursing, midwifery and health visiting research in the UK.</description><pubDate>Fri, 27 Feb 2009 12:16:40 +0000</pubDate><title>Leading health organisations join forces to launch research academy</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/press_releases/uk/rcn_comments_on_new_obesity_statistics</link><description>The Royal College of Nursing (RCN) comments on new statistics indicating surgery for obesity has risen by 40%.</description><pubDate>Thu, 26 Feb 2009 11:38:12 +0000</pubDate><title>RCN comments on new obesity statistics</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/press_releases/uk/nurses_to_tackle_social_exclusion</link><description>The Royal College of Nursing (RCN) launches a new resource to help tackle social exclusion.</description><pubDate>Mon, 23 Feb 2009 11:51:33 +0000</pubDate><title>Nurses to tackle social exclusion</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/press_releases/uk/rcn_welcomes_appointment_of_new_nhs_confederation_chief_executive</link><description>The Royal College of Nursing (RCN) welcomes Steve Barnett as the new Chief Executive of the NHS Confederation.</description><pubDate>Fri, 20 Feb 2009 11:03:10 +0000</pubDate><title>RCN welcomes appointment of new NHS Confederation Chief Executive</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/press_releases/uk/new_guidelines_will_help_patients_plan_their_future_care</link><description>New national 'Advance Care Planning' (ACP)  launched.</description><pubDate>Thu, 19 Feb 2009 12:22:32 +0000</pubDate><title>New guidelines will help patients plan their future care</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/press_releases/uk/plans_to_involve_patients_in_local_healthcare_decisions_are_failing</link><description>The Royal College of Nursing (RCN) and National Voices launch a report about patient involvement in local healthcare commissioning</description><pubDate>Wed, 18 Feb 2009 10:47:57 +0000</pubDate><title>Plans to involve patients in local healthcare decisions are failing</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/press_releases/uk/nurses_to_be_consulted_on_assisted_suicide</link><description>The Royal College of Nursing (RCN) launches consultation on assisted suicide</description><pubDate>Mon, 16 Feb 2009 10:07:03 +0000</pubDate><title>Nurses to be consulted on assisted suicide</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/press_releases/uk/rcn_welcomes_child_health_strategy</link><description>RCN welcomes Child Health Strategy</description><pubDate>Fri, 13 Feb 2009 16:44:40 +0000</pubDate><title>RCN welcomes Child Health Strategy</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/press_releases/uk/lack_of_healthcare_information_threatens_patient_safety,_say_leading_health_agencies</link><description>Global campaign ‘Healthcare Information for All by 2015’ (HIFA2015) announces Annual Challenge for 2009: Addressing the information needs of nurses and midwives in low-income settings</description><pubDate>Thu, 12 Feb 2009 16:29:44 +0000</pubDate><title>Lack of healthcare information threatens patient safety, say leading health agencies</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/press_releases/uk/rcn_survey_shows_that_nurses_need_admin_support_now_more_than_ever</link><description>Response to a survey by GS1 on behalf of  Nursing Times</description><pubDate>Thu, 12 Feb 2009 09:55:19 +0000</pubDate><title>RCN: Survey shows that nurses need admin support now more than ever</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/press_releases/uk/rcn_echoes_call_to_improve_healthcare_in_prisons</link><description>The Royal College of Nursing (RCN) echoes the call from the Healthcare Commission and Her Majesty’s Inspectorate of Prisons (HMIP) for improvements to healthcare in prisons</description><pubDate>Thu, 12 Feb 2009 09:43:00 +0000</pubDate><title>RCN echoes call to improve healthcare in prisons</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/press_releases/uk/rcn_welcomes_recommendations_for_improvements_to_nutritional_care</link><description>The Royal College of Nursing (RCN) welcomes recommendations to improve nutritional care</description><pubDate>Tue, 10 Feb 2009 10:07:10 +0000</pubDate><title>RCN welcomes recommendations for improvements to nutritional care</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/press_releases/uk/nurses_call_for_clarity_in_response_to_government_review_on_nhs_top-ups</link><description>The Royal College of Nursing (RCN) today responded to draft Department of Health guidance on NHS patients who wish to pay for additional private care. The RCN contributed to the consultation, and recommended that top up payments be permitted but only for a limited period whilst the full implications were investigated.</description><pubDate>Thu, 05 Feb 2009 11:16:48 +0000</pubDate><title>Nurses call for clarity in response to government review on NHS top-ups</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/press_releases/uk/rcn_responds_to_news_that_polyclinics_will_employ_a_nurse-led_model_of_care/rcn_welcomes_launch_of_dh_dementia_strategy</link><description>The Royal College of Nursing (RCN) welcomes launch of DH Dementia Strategy</description><pubDate>Wed, 04 Feb 2009 12:26:13 +0000</pubDate><title>RCN welcomes launch of DH dementia strategy</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/press_releases/uk/rcn_responds_to_news_that_polyclinics_will_employ_a_nurse-led_model_of_care</link><description>The Royal College of Nursing (RCN) responds to news suggesting that polyclinics are employing a “radical new model of care relying heavily on nurses”, where nurses could outnumber GPs by three to one.</description><pubDate>Wed, 04 Feb 2009 10:10:31 +0000</pubDate><title>RCN responds to news that polyclinics will employ “a nurse-led model of care”</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/press_releases/uk/rcn_scoops_international_film_award</link><description>The Royal College of Nursing (RCN) wins Gold World award at the prestigious New York Festivals International Film and Video Awards 2009</description><pubDate>Wed, 28 Jan 2009 17:04:53 +0000</pubDate><title>RCN scoops international film award</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/press_releases/uk/rcn_welcomes_new_plans_to_tackle_mixed_sex_accommodation3</link><description>The Royal College of Nursing (RCN) comments on the announcement of a new package of measures to “virtually eliminate” mixed sex accommodation</description><pubDate>Wed, 28 Jan 2009 13:12:59 +0000</pubDate><title>RCN welcomes new plans to tackle mixed sex accommodation</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/press_releases/uk/rcn_responds_to_launch_of_nhs_saving_carbon,_improving_health_strategy</link><description>The Royal College of Nursing (RCN) responds to the launch of the new NHS Strategy "Saving Carbon, Improving Health".</description><pubDate>Wed, 28 Jan 2009 10:07:41 +0000</pubDate><title>RCN responds to launch of NHS Saving Carbon, Improving Health Strategy</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/press_releases/uk/law_lords_rule_against_government_blacklist/rcn_calls_for_action_on_midwifery_recruitment/rcn_welcomes_introduction_of_contactpoint/rcn_responds_to_nhs_salary_survey/nhs_it_budget_must_not_continue_to_overrun</link><description>NHS IT budget must not continue to overrun</description><pubDate>Tue, 27 Jan 2009 11:35:25 +0000</pubDate><title>NHS IT budget must not continue to overrun</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/press_releases/uk/law_lords_rule_against_government_blacklist/rcn_calls_for_action_on_midwifery_recruitment/rcn_welcomes_introduction_of_contactpoint/rcn_responds_to_nhs_salary_survey</link><description>RCN responds to NHS salary survey</description><pubDate>Tue, 27 Jan 2009 11:21:31 +0000</pubDate><title>RCN responds to NHS salary survey</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/press_releases/uk/law_lords_rule_against_government_blacklist/rcn_calls_for_action_on_midwifery_recruitment/rcn_welcomes_introduction_of_contactpoint</link><description>RCN welcomes introduction of ContactPoint</description><pubDate>Tue, 27 Jan 2009 11:13:14 +0000</pubDate><title>RCN welcomes introduction of ContactPoint</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/press_releases/uk/law_lords_rule_against_government_blacklist/rcn_calls_for_action_on_midwifery_recruitment</link><description>RCN calls for action on midwifery recruitment</description><pubDate>Tue, 27 Jan 2009 11:05:34 +0000</pubDate><title>RCN calls for action on midwifery recruitment</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/press_releases/uk/law_lords_rule_against_government_blacklist</link><description>Law Lords rule against government blacklist</description><pubDate>Tue, 27 Jan 2009 10:54:49 +0000</pubDate><title>Law Lords rule against government blacklist</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/press_releases/uk/rcn_responds_to_new_ons_alcohol_statistics</link><description>The Royal College of Nursing (RCN) expresses concern as new statistics show that over a third of adults exceed the regular daily drinking limit.</description><pubDate>Thu, 22 Jan 2009 17:01:51 +0000</pubDate><title>RCN responds to new ONS alcohol statistics</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/press_releases/uk/rcn_welcomes_launch_of_nhs_constitution</link><description>The Royal College of Nursing (RCN) welcomes the launch of the NHS constitution</description><pubDate>Wed, 21 Jan 2009 14:46:23 +0000</pubDate><title>RCN welcomes launch of NHS Constitution</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/press_releases/uk/rcn_welcomes_free_prescriptions_for_cancer_patients</link><description>The Royal College of Nursing (RCN) today welcomed free prescriptions for cancer patients, which can be applied for from today and can be received from April 1st.</description><pubDate>Tue, 20 Jan 2009 10:30:20 +0000</pubDate><title>RCN welcomes free prescriptions for cancer patients</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/press_releases/uk/rcn_calls_for_improvements_to_nutritional_care</link><description>The Royal College of Nursing (RCN) supports calls to improve nutritional care in all settings.</description><pubDate>Mon, 19 Jan 2009 12:39:42 +0000</pubDate><title>RCN calls for improvements to nutritional care</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/press_releases/uk/rcn_welcomes_who_surgical_safety_checklist_requirement</link><description>The Royal College of Nursing (RCN) welcomes the National Patient Safety Agency (NPSA) requirement for all hospitals in England and Wales to implement the WHO Surgical Safety Checklist by February 2010.</description><pubDate>Thu, 15 Jan 2009 16:45:45 +0000</pubDate><title>RCN welcomes WHO Surgical Safety Checklist requirement</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/press_releases/uk/staff_praised_as_c._difficile_infections_continue_to_fall</link><description>The Royal College of Nursing (RCN) today welcomed the figures released by the Health Protection Agency (HPA) showing that C. Difficile infections are continuing to fall. The figures showed that there were 33% fewer cases in the period from July to September 2008 than in the average quarter of the previous year.</description><pubDate>Thu, 15 Jan 2009 16:51:23 +0000</pubDate><title>Staff praised as C. Difficile infections continue to fall</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/press_releases/uk/nurses_praised_for_delivering_quality_care_in_a__and__e</link><description>The Royal College of Nursing (RCN) today welcomed the outcome of the Healthcare Commission’s A &amp; E patient survey, showing that 88% of patients praised the quality of the care they received.</description><pubDate>Wed, 14 Jan 2009 15:34:53 +0000</pubDate><title>Nurses praised for delivering quality care in A &amp;amp; E</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/press_releases/uk/rcn_appoints_new_public_health_adviser</link><description>The Royal College of Nursing (RCN) announces the appointment of Jan Maw as its new Public Health Adviser.</description><pubDate>Tue, 13 Jan 2009 13:19:45 +0000</pubDate><title>RCN appoints new Public Health Adviser</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/press_releases/uk/rcn_appoints_new_occupational_health_lead</link><description>The Royal College of Nursing (RCN)  announces the appointment of Jan Maw, to oversee the occupational health portfolio within her new role as Public Health Adviser.</description><pubDate>Tue, 13 Jan 2009 13:13:41 +0000</pubDate><title>RCN appoints new occupational health lead</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/press_releases/uk/rcn_calls_on_government_to_prioritise_high_quality_care_following_mps_report</link><description>The Royal College of Nursing (RCN) today called on the government to deliver the resources needed to improve quality of care, after a report by the Health Select Committee found strong variations in the capacity of Primary Care Trusts (PCTs).</description><pubDate>Tue, 13 Jan 2009 09:46:30 +0000</pubDate><title>RCN calls on government to prioritise high quality care following MPs report</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/press_releases/uk/rcn_urges_senior_managers_to_take_note_of_the_lessons_learnt_at_maidstone/nurses_call_on_government_to_take_action_on_the_health_implications_of_unemployment</link><description>Nurses call on Government to take action on the health implications of unemployment</description><pubDate>Mon, 12 Jan 2009 12:04:44 +0000</pubDate><title>Nurses call on Government to take action on the health implications of unemployment</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/press_releases/uk/rcn_urges_senior_managers_to_take_note_of_the_lessons_learnt_at_maidstone</link><description>RCN urges senior managers to take note of the lessons learnt at Maidstone</description><pubDate>Mon, 12 Jan 2009 11:57:54 +0000</pubDate><title>RCN urges senior managers to take note of the lessons learnt at Maidstone</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/press_releases/uk/rcn_responds_to_mixed-sex_wards_report</link><description>The RCN comments on a study by the Conservative Party indicating that many hospitals continue to use mixed-sex facilities</description><pubDate>Fri, 09 Jan 2009 11:55:35 +0000</pubDate><title>RCN responds to mixed-sex wards report</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/press_releases/uk/rcn_calls_for_banks_to_pass_on_the_interest_rate_cut_to_ease_the_hardship_faced_by_many_this_winter</link><description>The Royal College of Nursing (RCN) today called for high street Banks to pass on the Bank of England’s record cut in interest rates to all their customers, to prevent further hardship this winter.</description><pubDate>Thu, 08 Jan 2009 14:08:46 +0000</pubDate><title>RCN calls for Banks to pass on the interest rate cut to ease the hardship faced by many this winter</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/press_releases/uk/rcn_pays_tribute_to_jill_crawford,_outgoing_nmc_president</link><description>The Royal College of Nursing (RCN) today thanked the outgoing President of the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC), Jill Crawford, for her work and the progress that has been made reforming the nursing regulator.</description><pubDate>Mon, 05 Jan 2009 17:53:15 +0000</pubDate><title>RCN pays tribute to Jill Crawford, outgoing NMC President</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/press_releases/uk/rcn_wins_over_5_million_in_compensation_for_members_in_2008</link><description>The Royal College of Nursing (RCN) announced today that it had won a record £5,061,140 in compensation for members in 2008. The compensation was awarded for Personal Injury and Employment disputes.</description><pubDate>Fri, 19 Dec 2008 15:47:40 +0000</pubDate><title>RCN wins over £5 million in compensation for members in 2008</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/press_releases/uk/rcn_extremely_disappointed_with_decision_not_to_reopen_nhs_pay_talks/rcn_response_to_decision_by_the_independent_nhs_review_body/ofsted_report_confirms_child_protection_postcode_lottery/rcn_welcomes_european_parliament_vote_on_the_working_time_directive/extra_investment_in_nursing_research_can_reap_even_more_excellence</link><description>Extra investment in nursing research can reap even more excellence</description><pubDate>Thu, 18 Dec 2008 11:26:42 +0000</pubDate><title>Extra investment in nursing research can reap even more excellence</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/press_releases/uk/rcn_extremely_disappointed_with_decision_not_to_reopen_nhs_pay_talks/rcn_response_to_decision_by_the_independent_nhs_review_body/ofsted_report_confirms_child_protection_postcode_lottery/rcn_welcomes_european_parliament_vote_on_the_working_time_directive</link><description>RCN welcomes European Parliament vote on the Working Time Directive</description><pubDate>Thu, 18 Dec 2008 11:22:30 +0000</pubDate><title>RCN welcomes European Parliament vote on the Working Time Directive</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/press_releases/uk/rcn_extremely_disappointed_with_decision_not_to_reopen_nhs_pay_talks/rcn_response_to_decision_by_the_independent_nhs_review_body/ofsted_report_confirms_child_protection_postcode_lottery</link><description>Ofsted report confirms Child Protection postcode lottery</description><pubDate>Thu, 18 Dec 2008 11:17:56 +0000</pubDate><title>Ofsted report confirms Child Protection postcode lottery</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/press_releases/uk/rcn_extremely_disappointed_with_decision_not_to_reopen_nhs_pay_talks/rcn_response_to_decision_by_the_independent_nhs_review_body</link><description>RCN response to decision by the independent NHS Review Body</description><pubDate>Thu, 18 Dec 2008 11:07:15 +0000</pubDate><title>RCN response to decision by the independent NHS Review Body</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/press_releases/uk/rcn_extremely_disappointed_with_decision_not_to_reopen_nhs_pay_talks</link><description>RCN extremely disappointed with decision not to reopen NHS pay talks</description><pubDate>Thu, 18 Dec 2008 11:00:30 +0000</pubDate><title>RCN extremely disappointed with decision not to reopen NHS pay talks</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/press_releases/uk/rcn_welcomes_european_parliament_vote_on_the_working_time_directive</link><description>The Royal College of Nursing (RCN) today welcomed the decision by the European Parliament to support proposals to scrap the opt-out on the Working Time Directive.</description><pubDate>Wed, 17 Dec 2008 17:49:19 +0000</pubDate><title>RCN welcomes European Parliament vote on the Working Time Directive</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/press_releases/uk/rcn_health_survey_shows_why_we_need_school_nurses</link><description>RCN: Health Survey shows why we need school nurses</description><pubDate>Tue, 16 Dec 2008 16:17:29 +0000</pubDate><title>RCN: Health Survey shows why we need school nurses</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/press_releases/uk/rcn_childrens_workforce_strategy_is_a_missed_opportunity</link><description>RCN: Children’s Workforce Strategy is a missed opportunity</description><pubDate>Thu, 11 Dec 2008 15:34:22 +0000</pubDate><title>RCN: Children’s Workforce Strategy is a missed opportunity</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/press_releases/uk/rcn_responds_to_state_of_healthcare_2008_report_from_the_healthcare_commission.</link><description>The Royal College of Nursing responds to the Healthcare Commission's report on the state of healthcare, calling for quality of care to be central to future plans.</description><pubDate>Thu, 11 Dec 2008 08:48:41 +0000</pubDate><title>RCN responds to ‘State of Healthcare 2008’ report from the Healthcare Commission.</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/press_releases/uk/nurses_to_be_consulted_on_the_issue_of_assisted_dying,_whilst_rcn_calls_for_an_increase_in_funding_for_palliative_care/doctors_and_nurses_call_for_nhs_surplus_to_be_reinvested_in_front_line_care</link><description>Doctors and nurses call for NHS surplus to be reinvested in front line care</description><pubDate>Tue, 09 Dec 2008 10:57:43 +0000</pubDate><title>Doctors and nurses call for NHS surplus to be reinvested in front line care</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/press_releases/uk/nurses_to_be_consulted_on_the_issue_of_assisted_dying,_whilst_rcn_calls_for_an_increase_in_funding_for_palliative_care</link><description>Nurses to be consulted on the issue of assisted dying, whilst RCN calls for an increase in funding for palliative care</description><pubDate>Tue, 09 Dec 2008 10:54:05 +0000</pubDate><title>Nurses to be consulted on the issue of assisted dying, whilst RCN calls for an increase in funding for palliative care</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/press_releases/uk/rcn_welcomes_announcements_on_nhs_funding,_but_calls_for_2.1_billion_surplus_to_be_reinvested</link><description>The Royal College of Nursing welcomes the announcements on funding and PCTs, but calls for the funding to be sustained through the economic downturn. The £2.1 billion surplus in the NHS should be reinvested quickly into frontline services.</description><pubDate>Mon, 08 Dec 2008 17:43:24 +0000</pubDate><title>RCN welcomes announcements on NHS Funding, but calls for £2.1 billion surplus to be reinvested</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/press_releases/uk/rcn_responds_to_the_queens_speech</link><description>RCN responds to the Queen’s Speech</description><pubDate>Fri, 05 Dec 2008 10:36:03 +0000</pubDate><title>RCN responds to the Queen’s Speech</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/press_releases/uk/baby_p_lessons_must_be_learnt_and_the_right_action_must_be_taken/rcn_welcomes_kings_fund_programme_to_transform_patient_experience</link><description>RCN welcomes King’s Fund programme to transform patient experience</description><pubDate>Wed, 03 Dec 2008 12:05:36 +0000</pubDate><title>RCN welcomes King’s Fund programme to transform patient experience</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/press_releases/uk/baby_p_lessons_must_be_learnt_and_the_right_action_must_be_taken</link><description>Baby P: Lessons must be learnt and the right action must be taken</description><pubDate>Wed, 03 Dec 2008 12:00:44 +0000</pubDate><title>Baby P: Lessons must be learnt and the right action must be taken</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/press_releases/uk/nurses_need_better_protection_from_the_threat_of_catching_infectious_diseases_via_needle_injuries</link><description>Nurses need better protection from the threat of catching infectious diseases via needle injuries</description><pubDate>Thu, 27 Nov 2008 14:03:16 +0000</pubDate><title>Nurses need better protection from the threat of catching infectious diseases via needle injuries</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/press_releases/uk/nurses_welcome_action_to_check_on_their_health_and_wellbeing/rcn_endorses_nmc_guidelines_for_care_of_older_people/nursing_students_struggling_to_keep_their_heads_above_water_in_tough_financial_times/rcn_calls_for_end_of_life_care_to_be_available_for_all</link><description>RCN calls for end of life care to be available for all</description><pubDate>Wed, 26 Nov 2008 11:06:15 +0000</pubDate><title>RCN calls for end of life care to be available for all</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/press_releases/uk/nurses_welcome_action_to_check_on_their_health_and_wellbeing/rcn_endorses_nmc_guidelines_for_care_of_older_people/nursing_students_struggling_to_keep_their_heads_above_water_in_tough_financial_times</link><description>Nursing students struggling to keep their heads above water in tough financial times</description><pubDate>Wed, 26 Nov 2008 11:02:03 +0000</pubDate><title>Nursing students struggling to keep their heads above water in tough financial times</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/press_releases/uk/nurses_welcome_action_to_check_on_their_health_and_wellbeing/rcn_endorses_nmc_guidelines_for_care_of_older_people</link><description>RCN endorses NMC guidelines for care of older people</description><pubDate>Wed, 26 Nov 2008 10:55:23 +0000</pubDate><title>RCN endorses NMC guidelines for care of older people</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/press_releases/uk/nurses_welcome_action_to_check_on_their_health_and_wellbeing</link><description>Nurses welcome action to check on their health and wellbeing</description><pubDate>Wed, 26 Nov 2008 10:52:34 +0000</pubDate><title>Nurses welcome action to check on their health and wellbeing</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/press_releases/uk/half_of_nurses_injured_by_needles_while_a_third_fear_contracting_hiv_or_hepatitis</link><description>Half of nurses injured by needles while a third fear contracting HIV or Hepatitis</description><pubDate>Fri, 21 Nov 2008 12:50:47 +0000</pubDate><title>Half of nurses injured by needles while a third fear contracting HIV or Hepatitis</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/press_releases/uk/rcn_nationwide_child_protection_review_is_long_overdue</link><description>RCN: Nationwide child protection review is long overdue</description><pubDate>Wed, 12 Nov 2008 12:26:54 +0000</pubDate><title>RCN: Nationwide child protection review is long overdue</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/press_releases/uk/rcn_responds_to_government_announcement_on_new_rules_for_migrant_workers</link><description>RCN responds to government announcement on new rules for migrant workers</description><pubDate>Wed, 12 Nov 2008 12:08:34 +0000</pubDate><title>RCN responds to government announcement on new rules for migrant workers</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/press_releases/uk/rcn_calls_for_prevention_and_prosecution_when_it_comes_to_attacks_on_nhs_staff</link><description>Responding to the annual figures on violence against NHS staff, Janet Davies, Executive Director for Nursing and Service Delivery of the Royal College of Nursing (RCN), said:</description><pubDate>Thu, 06 Nov 2008 12:40:23 +0000</pubDate><title>RCN calls for prevention and prosecution when it comes to attacks on NHS staff</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/press_releases/uk/rcn_responds_to_government_announcement_on_nhs_co-payments</link><description>Responding to the Health Secretary’s statement on NHS Co-payments, Dr. Peter Carter, Chief Executive &amp; General Secretary of the Royal College of Nursing, said:</description><pubDate>Thu, 06 Nov 2008 12:27:25 +0000</pubDate><title>RCN responds to Government announcement on NHS co-payments</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/press_releases/uk/rcn_calls_for_an_end_to_the_child_protection_postcode_lottery</link><description>In response to the Audit Commission's Report: Every Child Matters – Are We There Yet?, Janet Davies, Executive Director of the Royal College of Nursing (RCN), said:</description><pubDate>Wed, 29 Oct 2008 12:26:44 +0000</pubDate><title>RCN calls for an end to the child protection postcode lottery</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/press_releases/uk/economic_crisis_leaves_nhs_facing_staff_shortage_timebomb</link><description>Health workers across the NHS are facing severe hardship due to the current economic crisis and the effect of a below inflation pay deal. With inflation running at a 16-year high, NHS unions have joined forces to press the Government to reopen pay talks for next year. The unions argue that the three-year pay deal agreed earlier this year is now leaving hundreds of thousands of NHS workers struggling to make ends meet.</description><pubDate>Mon, 27 Oct 2008 00:00:09 +0000</pubDate><title>Economic crisis leaves NHS facing staff shortage timebomb</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/press_releases/uk/school_nurses_key_to_providing_children_with_effective_personal,_social,_and_health_education</link><description>“We are pleased that the Government has listened to the RCN’s call for children to receive personal, social and health education (PSHE) and are keen to work with them to ensure that school nurses are actively involved in achieving this.</description><pubDate>Mon, 27 Oct 2008 15:38:40 +0000</pubDate><title>School nurses key to providing children with effective Personal, Social, and Health education</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/press_releases/uk/rcn_responds_to_new_clostridium_difficile_infection_figures_from_the_health_protection_agency</link><description>Commenting on the news of a reduction in the rate of Clostridium difficile (C.diff) infections within the NHS between April and June 2008, Dr. Peter Carter, Chief Executive &amp; General Secretary of the Royal College of Nursing (RCN), said:</description><pubDate>Mon, 27 Oct 2008 16:01:16 +0000</pubDate><title>RCN responds to new Clostridium difficile infection figures from the Health Protection Agency</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/press_releases/uk/nurses,_health_visitor_and_midwives_presented_with_mary_seacole_awards</link><description>Six outstanding nurses, health visitors and midwives were today presented with Mary Seacole Leadership and Development Awards at a ceremony held at the Royal College of Nursing (RCN) national headquarters in London.</description><pubDate>Wed, 22 Oct 2008 18:34:51 +0100</pubDate><title>Nurses, health visitor and midwives presented with Mary Seacole Awards</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/press_releases/uk/nurses_driving_up_standards_across_the_nhs</link><description>In response to the Healthcare Commission's 2008 Annual Health Check, Dr. Peter Carter, Chief Executive &amp; General Secretary of the Royal College of Nursing (RCN), said:</description><pubDate>Thu, 16 Oct 2008 00:15:09 +0100</pubDate><title>Nurses driving up standards across the NHS</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/press_releases/uk/rcn_more_specialist_nurses_needed_for_babies</link><description>Commenting on the report ‘Baby steps to better care’ newly published by the special care baby charity Bliss, Dr Peter Carter, Chief Executive &amp; General Secretary of the Royal College of Nursing, said:

“We fully support this report’s findings and call for a concerted effort by government to tackle the shortfall in neonatal nurses so that all babies receive the highest quality of care.</description><pubDate>Wed, 15 Oct 2008 12:38:13 +0100</pubDate><title>RCN: More specialist nurses needed for babies</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/press_releases/uk/nurses_to_lead_the_campaign_to_drive_up_quality_in_the_nhs</link><description>Commenting on the release of the King’s College London reports, Nurses in Society: Starting the Debate and State of the Art Metrics for Nursing: A Rapid Appraisal, Dr Peter Carter, Chief Executive &amp; General Secretary of the Royal College of Nursing (RCN), today said:</description><pubDate>Wed, 15 Oct 2008 17:15:09 +0100</pubDate><title>Nurses to lead the campaign to drive up quality in the NHS</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/press_releases/uk/rcn_mandatory_code_needed_to_address_alcohol_abuse</link><description>Pubs, clubs, supermarkets and all licensed premises should face tough penalties if they encourage people to drink excessively and irresponsibly, according to the Royal College of Nursing (RCN).</description><pubDate>Tue, 14 Oct 2008 16:05:09 +0100</pubDate><title>RCN: Mandatory code needed to address alcohol abuse</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/press_releases/uk/rcn_takes_action_to_put_dignity_at_the_heart_of_health_and_social_care2</link><description>Nurses are today leading the way in breaking down the barriers that prevent every patient from receiving dignified care. The launch of a complete package of resources will enable the nursing team to provide the best possible care for patients on every ward and in every community.</description><pubDate>Tue, 14 Oct 2008 00:15:09 +0100</pubDate><title>RCN takes action to put dignity at the heart of health and social care</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/press_releases/uk/rcn_calls_on_government_to_increase_investment_in_anti-smoking_measures</link><description>A failure to increase investment in anti-smoking measures will further entrench health inequalities across the UK, according to the Royal College of Nursing (RCN). Today, the RCN threw its’ weight behind ASH’s latest report and recommendations in the fight against tobacco use.</description><pubDate>Tue, 07 Oct 2008 00:15:10 +0100</pubDate><title>RCN calls on government to increase investment in anti-smoking measures</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/press_releases/uk/rcn_welcomes_andrew_lansley_speech_to_conservative_party_conference</link><description>Responding to today’s speech by Shadow Health Secretary Andrew Lansley on the Conservative party’s plans for the NHS, Dr Peter Carter, Chief Executive &amp; General Secretary of the Royal College of Nursing, said:</description><pubDate>Tue, 30 Sep 2008 16:28:06 +0100</pubDate><title>RCN welcomes Andrew Lansley speech to Conservative Party Conference</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/press_releases/uk/rcn_quality_acute_and_emergency_care_saves_lives</link><description>Commenting on the release of the Healthcare Commission report, Not just a matter of time – a review of urgent and emergency care services in England, Dr Peter Carter, Chief Executive &amp; General Secretary of the Royal College of Nursing (RCN), today said:</description><pubDate>Fri, 26 Sep 2008 14:57:34 +0100</pubDate><title>RCN: Quality acute and emergency care saves lives</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/press_releases/uk/rcn_responds_to_new_mrsa_figures_from_the_health_protection_agency</link><description>RCN welcomes progress made by nurses and other healthcare workers on tackling infections</description><pubDate>Fri, 19 Sep 2008 16:18:37 +0100</pubDate><title>RCN responds to new MRSA figures from the Health Protection Agency</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/press_releases/uk/rcn_nutritional_care_is_a_top_priority</link><description>The Royal College of Nursing (RCN) this week launched two new information resources for nurses and other healthcare workers to help them provide their patients with good nutritional care.</description><pubDate>Fri, 19 Sep 2008 14:28:00 +0100</pubDate><title>RCN: Nutritional Care is a top priority</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/press_releases/uk/premature_babies_are_not_receiving_care_they_deserve</link><description>The Royal College of Nursing (RCN) and other key stakeholders (i), are calling for premature babies to have the same rights to care that adults receive in intensive care units. Using their professional expertise they have come together today to launch a joint position statement on neonatal nurse staffing levels – ‘A Right to Care’.</description><pubDate>Fri, 19 Sep 2008 09:34:02 +0100</pubDate><title>Premature babies are not receiving care they deserve</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/press_releases/uk/rcn_welcomes_factsheet_on_improving_nutritional_care_in_hospitals</link><description>The Royal College of Nursing and the National Patient Safety Agency has today welcomed the launch of four new Factsheets that will help healthcare staff provide improved nutritional care for hospital patients.</description><pubDate>Thu, 11 Sep 2008 00:15:10 +0100</pubDate><title>RCN welcomes Factsheet on improving nutritional care in hospitals</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/press_releases/uk/rcn_joins_which_campaign_against_ec_drug_proposals</link><description>The health of patients is at risk if the European Commission adopts proposals in October to allow pharmaceutical industries to provide information on prescription drugs directly to patients.</description><pubDate>Thu, 11 Sep 2008 00:15:06 +0100</pubDate><title>RCN joins Which? campaign against EC drug proposals</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/press_releases/uk/rcn_responds_to_migration_advisory_committee</link><description>Commenting on the Migration Advisory Committee report on the migrant shortages list, Dr Peter Carter, Chief Executive &amp; General Secretary of the Royal College of Nursing, said:</description><pubDate>Tue, 09 Sep 2008 17:01:51 +0100</pubDate><title>RCN responds to Migration Advisory Committee</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/press_releases/uk/rcn_responds_to_news_that_nurses_would_outnumber_doctors_in_polyclinics</link><description>Commenting on a Pulse story that nurses could outnumber GPs by three to one in polyclinics, Dr Peter Carter, Chief Executive &amp; General Secretary of the Royal College of Nursing, said:</description><pubDate>Wed, 10 Sep 2008 00:15:10 +0100</pubDate><title>RCN responds to news that nurses would outnumber doctors in polyclinics</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/press_releases/uk/rcn_members_celebrate_manchester_pride</link><description>Up to 50 members of the Royal College of Nursing joined thousands at Manchester Pride 2008, last Saturday 23 August 2008, to celebrate diversity in the healthcare system.</description><pubDate>Tue, 26 Aug 2008 11:25:44 +0100</pubDate><title>RCN members celebrate Manchester Pride</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/press_releases/uk/rcn_responds_to_research_on_healthcare_for_adults_over_50</link><description>Commenting on the British Medical Journal research paper on healthcare for over 50 year olds, Chief Executive &amp; General Secretary of the Royal College of Nursing (RCN), Dr Peter Carter said:</description><pubDate>Fri, 15 Aug 2008 15:14:11 +0100</pubDate><title>RCN responds to research on healthcare for adults over 50</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/press_releases/uk/rcn_supports_sexual_health_week_4th_150_10th_august</link><description>Dr Peter Carter, Chief Executive &amp; General Secretary of the Royal College of Nursing (RCN), said:

“Nurses are often the first point of contact when dealing with sexual health issues, and this year’s theme for Sexual Health Week, It’s My Right! provides an opportunity to educate nurses on how to provide specific advice and information on sexual health for people with learning disabilities.</description><pubDate>Mon, 04 Aug 2008 11:34:26 +0100</pubDate><title>RCN supports Sexual Health Week 4th – 10th August</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/press_releases/uk/hand_hygiene_alone_will_not_reduce_healthcare_associated_infections,_warns_rcn</link><description>A King's College report commissioned by the RCN has found that institutional and management factors have just as significant impact on infection rates as hand hygiene</description><pubDate>Wed, 30 Jul 2008 09:31:41 +0100</pubDate><title>Hand hygiene alone will not reduce healthcare associated infections, warns RCN</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/press_releases/uk/rcn_calls_for_more_training_opportunities_to_improve_care_for_people_with_learning_disabilities</link><description>The Royal College of Nursing is today calling on the Government to take immediate action to implement the recommendations of an Independent Inquiry to improve the delivery of care for people with learning disabilities.</description><pubDate>Tue, 29 Jul 2008 12:15:58 +0100</pubDate><title>RCN calls for more training opportunities to improve care for People with Learning Disabilities</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/press_releases/uk/royal_college_of_nursing_re-elects_gay_man_to_chair_its_annual_congress</link><description>Members of the Royal College of Nursing (RCN) - the world’s largest trade union for nurses - has re-elected a gay man to one of its most influential posts. 

Jason Warriner, a Matron for Sexual Health and HIV at Guy's and St Thomas' NHS Foundation Trust will now serve as Chair of the RCN’s Annual Congress for a further two years. The RCN Congress is an important fixture within the world of nursing, where thousands of nurses from across the UK gather to debate healthcare policy and the future direction of the organisation.</description><pubDate>Fri, 25 Jul 2008 13:52:45 +0100</pubDate><title>Royal College of Nursing re-elects gay man to Chair its Annual Congress</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/press_releases/uk/rcn_supports_call_for_national_campaign_to_tackle_obesity</link><description>The Royal College of Nursing (RCN) welcomed the Government’s calls for all health charities, retailers, the health profession and community action groups to join in a national campaign to tackle obesity in the United Kingdom.</description><pubDate>Wed, 23 Jul 2008 17:30:06 +0100</pubDate><title>RCN supports call for national campaign to tackle obesity</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/press_releases/uk/rcn_responds_to_healthcare_commissions_report_on_acute_mental_health_services</link><description>RCN concurs with the Healthcare Commission's report on acute mental health services, calling for a greater commitment to nurse development and training as well as a recognition of the hard work carried out by mental health nurses across the country.</description><pubDate>Wed, 23 Jul 2008 11:53:22 +0100</pubDate><title>RCN responds to Healthcare Commission’s report on acute mental health services</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/press_releases/uk/rcn_welcomes_new_guidance_for_providing_acute_mental_health_care_for_women</link><description>The RCN welcomes this guidance as it highlights the importance of equality practices in mental health care and should enable women to receive support tailored specifically to their needs.</description><pubDate>Thu, 17 Jul 2008 15:16:48 +0100</pubDate><title>RCN welcomes new guidance for providing acute mental health care for women</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/press_releases/uk/rcn_welcomes_decreases_in_mrsa_infections</link><description>Commenting on quarterly figures from the Health Protection Agency on MRSA bloodstream infections and C. difficile, Royal College of Nursing (RCN) General Secretary &amp; Chief Executive, Dr Peter Carter, said:</description><pubDate>Thu, 17 Jul 2008 14:12:41 +0100</pubDate><title>RCN welcomes decreases in MRSA infections</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/press_releases/uk/rcn_welcomes_government_end_of_life_care_strategy</link><description>The Royal College of Nursing is encouraged by the Government’s plans to increase its investment in training and development of health and social care professionals, as part of the End of Life Care Strategy.</description><pubDate>Wed, 16 Jul 2008 17:55:40 +0100</pubDate><title>RCN welcomes Government End of Life Care Strategy</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/press_releases/uk/rcn_responds_to_findings_of_the_investigation_into_former_nurse_david_britten</link><description>RCN Chief Executive &amp; General Secretary welcomes findings of the investigation into former nurse David Britten</description><pubDate>Wed, 16 Jul 2008 13:01:17 +0100</pubDate><title>RCN responds to findings of the investigation into former nurse David Britten</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/press_releases/uk/rcn_responds_to_watchdogs_verdict_on_public_health_services</link><description>The Royal College of Nursing is calling on the Government to recruit more qualified school nurses to address the issues of obesity, sexual health, and inequalities in our health care system.</description><pubDate>Wed, 16 Jul 2008 00:00:07 +0100</pubDate><title>RCN responds to watchdog’s verdict on Public Health Services</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/press_releases/uk/rcn_patient_health_at_risk_if_cosmetic_laser_industry_de-regulated</link><description>The Government’s plans to de-regulate cosmetic laser treatments from 1 October will undermine the quality of care being delivered to patients and put nurses in a vulnerable position.</description><pubDate>Thu, 10 Jul 2008 11:34:37 +0100</pubDate><title>RCN: Patient health at risk if cosmetic laser industry de-regulated</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/press_releases/uk/rcn_welcomes_new_strategy_for_primary_care</link><description>RCN welcomes new primary care strategy</description><pubDate>Fri, 04 Jul 2008 16:08:24 +0100</pubDate><title>RCN welcomes new strategy for primary care</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/press_releases/uk/health_unions_win_10_per_cent_increase_on_mileage_allowances_for_uk_nurses</link><description>The Royal College of Nursing (RCN) has led negotiations with NHS employers over the past year and has won a 10 per cent increase in all Agenda for Change Standard and Regular Mileage Allowances for nurses across the United Kingdom.</description><pubDate>Wed, 02 Jul 2008 16:51:22 +0100</pubDate><title>Health unions win 10 per cent increase on mileage allowances for UK nurses</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/press_releases/uk/rcn_welcomes_landmark_nhs_review</link><description>Commentating on the launch of the NHS Review, Dr Peter Carter, Chief Executive &amp; General Secretary of the Royal College of Nursing (RCN) said: 

“The RCN welcomes the recognition by Lord Darzi’s Review that future healthcare provision should aim for a more quality based approach, and that nurses can play a lead role in its shaping and delivery.</description><pubDate>Mon, 30 Jun 2008 16:17:38 +0100</pubDate><title>RCN welcomes landmark NHS Review</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/press_releases/uk/rcn_responds_to_bbc_poll_on_the_state_of_the_health_care_system</link><description>Commentating on a BBC poll that found people were concerned about contracting infections in UK hospitals.</description><pubDate>Mon, 30 Jun 2008 15:27:48 +0100</pubDate><title>RCN responds to BBC poll on the state of the health care system</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/press_releases/uk/health_unions_respond_to_the_nursing_and_midwifery_councils_reorganisation</link><description>Health Unions issue a joint statement in response to the resignation of both the President and Chief Executive of the Nursing &amp; Midwifery Council (NMC).</description><pubDate>Fri, 27 Jun 2008 12:01:05 +0100</pubDate><title>Health Unions respond to the Nursing and Midwifery Council’s reorganisation</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/press_releases/uk/rcn_puts_patient_dignity_back_at_heart_of_nursing</link><description>Every NHS patient should have a guaranteed right to dignified care, according to the Royal College of Nursing (RCN). As the NHS prepares to celebrate its sixtieth birthday, the RCN is today calling on the Government to enshrine the right to dignified, compassionate care in an NHS Constitution.</description><pubDate>Wed, 25 Jun 2008 00:15:50 +0100</pubDate><title>RCN puts patient dignity back at heart of nursing</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/press_releases/uk/rcn_puts_dignity_at_the_heart_of_emergency_care</link><description>The Royal College of Nursing (RCN) is urging hospitals across the UK to put dignity back at the heart of nursing by adopting a new set of emergency care dignity principles which set out minimum standards patients can expect when visiting an accident and emergency department.

The standards will be launched at a special dignity conference for directors of nursing being held in London today (Wednesday 25th June) to mark the launch of the RCN’s national dignity campaign Dignity - at the heart of everything we do. The principles have been developed by the RCN’s Emergency Care Association with the Patients Association and are being sent to emergency wards across the UK.</description><pubDate>Wed, 25 Jun 2008 00:15:53 +0100</pubDate><title>RCN puts dignity at the heart of emergency care</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/press_releases/uk/health_workers_agree_three_year_pay_deal</link><description>Twelve* health unions representing 1.3m health workers have today agreed to sign off the proposed multi-year pay deal, but warned that the built-in re-opener clause would be triggered if inflation continues to rise.</description><pubDate>Thu, 19 Jun 2008 11:27:57 +0100</pubDate><title>HEALTH WORKERS AGREE THREE YEAR PAY DEAL</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/press_releases/uk/health_unions_respond_to_crhe_verdict_on_the_nursing__and__midwifery_council</link><description>Responding to the damning report by the Council for Regulation of Health Excellence (CHRE) into the conduct of the NMC (Nursing and Midwifery Council), health unions, the Royal College of Nursing, UNISON, Royal College of Midwives and Unite have issued a joint statement</description><pubDate>Mon, 16 Jun 2008 12:14:52 +0100</pubDate><title>Health Unions Respond to CRHE verdict on the Nursing &amp;amp; Midwifery Council</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/press_releases/uk/royal_college_of_nursing_overwhelmingly_accepts_governments_three-year_pay_deal</link><description>The Royal College of Nursing’s (RCN) members have shown they overwhelmingly support the Government’s pay deal worth 7.99 per cent over three years. Members were consulted on the proposed deal through the RCN’s extensive regional branch network and the RCN’s website between 21 April and 28 May 2008. The result of the consultation showed 92.7% were in favour of the deal.</description><pubDate>Fri, 06 Jun 2008 11:50:15 +0100</pubDate><title>Royal College of Nursing overwhelmingly accepts Government’s three-year pay deal</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/press_releases/uk/rcn_lobbies_chancellor_on_fuel_prices</link><description>RCN lobbies Chancellor on fuel prices</description><pubDate>Fri, 13 Jun 2008 09:53:59 +0100</pubDate><title>RCN lobbies Chancellor on fuel prices</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/press_releases/uk/specialist_nurses_still_under_threat_despite_nhs_surplus</link><description>Vacancy freezes and fears of redundancy and downgrading are continuing to plague the NHS as it heads for a £1.8bn surplus, a Royal College of Nursing (RCN) survey of specialist and experienced nurses has found.</description><pubDate>Wed, 30 Apr 2008 10:27:46 +0100</pubDate><title>Specialist nurses still under threat despite NHS surplus</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/press_releases/uk/a_and_e_nurses_under_pressure_to_meet_four_hour_target</link><description>Nine out of ten Accident &amp; Emergency (A&amp;E) nurses have felt unduly pressured to meet the four-hour waiting target, according to a new survey from the Royal College of Nursing (RCN).</description><pubDate>Tue, 29 Apr 2008 10:02:13 +0100</pubDate><title>A&amp;amp;E nurses under pressure to meet four hour target</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/press_releases/uk/nurses_spend_more_than_a_million_hours_every_week_on_mountain_of_paperwork,_says_rcn</link><description>An increase in paperwork is preventing nurses from spending enough time caring for patients, according to a new survey for the Royal College of Nursing (RCN).</description><pubDate>Mon, 28 Apr 2008 11:00:15 +0100</pubDate><title>Nurses spend more than a million hours every week on mountain of paperwork, says RCN</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/press_releases/uk/rcn_calls_for_patient_driven,_not_cost-driven_targets_in_the_nhs</link><description>The NHS is too focused on keeping down costs at the expense of quality patient care, according to the Royal College of Nursing (RCN). Today at its annual Congress, the RCN will be calling for a new era of targets and health reform that are care driven not cost driven.</description><pubDate>Mon, 28 Apr 2008 10:26:15 +0100</pubDate><title>RCN calls for patient driven, not cost-driven targets in the NHS</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/press_releases/uk/nurses_call_for_dignity_to_be_at_the_heart_of_nursing</link><description>Nurses call for dignity to be at the heart of nursing
Eight out of ten nurses admit they have left work feeling upset or distressed because they have not been able to ensure their patients have been treated with dignity.</description><pubDate>Sun, 27 Apr 2008 20:18:53 +0100</pubDate><title>Nurses call for dignity to be at the heart of nursing</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/press_releases/uk/rcn_welcomes_three-year_pay_agreement_for_nurses</link><description>RCN welcomes three-year pay agreement for nurses.

Dr Peter Carter, Chief Executive &amp; General Secretary of the Royal College of Nursing (RCN) said: ""We have always said we would only consider signing up to a three year pay deal if it was fair and offered nurses protection against future rises in inflation. We are delighted to put the RCN's name to a proposal that does just that.</description><pubDate>Mon, 07 Apr 2008 11:33:22 +0100</pubDate><title>RCN welcomes three-year pay agreement for nurses</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/press_releases/uk/rcn_responds_to_today146s_society_of_occupational_medicine_report_on_the_number_of_violent_attacks_against_nurses/rcn_comment_on_147deep_clean148_deadline</link><description>Commenting on the programme to “deep clean” all NHS hospitals in England by the end of this month RCN Director of Nursing and Service Delivery Janet Davies said today;

“The recent programme of ‘deep cleaning’ of hospitals in England has been a welcome addition to the on going work that nurses and other NHS staff do daily to combat Healthcare Associated Infection.”</description><pubDate>Mon, 14 Apr 2008 13:30:58 +0100</pubDate><title>RCN comment on “deep clean” deadline</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/press_releases/uk/rcn_set_out_key_asks_of_chancellor_ahead_of_tomorrow146s_budget</link><description>RCN set out key asks of Chancellor ahead of tomorrow’s budget</description><pubDate>Tue, 11 Mar 2008 14:14:57 +0000</pubDate><title>RCN set out key asks of Chancellor ahead of tomorrow’s budget</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/press_releases/uk/rcn_response_to_lord_mancroft146s_comments_about_nursing_care</link><description>Reacting to comments made by Lord Mancroft about  the standard of nursing care he received recently, Royal College of  Nursing  General Secretary &amp; Chief Executive Dr Peter Carter said: "These comments are extremely unhelpful and grossly unfair on nurses across the UK who work extremely hard to provide patients with the highest standards of care. 
 </description><pubDate>Fri, 29 Feb 2008 11:48:52 +0000</pubDate><title>RCN response to Lord Mancroft’s comments about nursing care</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/press_releases/uk/rcn_statement_on_office_for_national_statistics_figures_on_clostridium_difficile_and_mrsa</link><description>RCN statement on Office for National Statistics figures on Clostridium difficile and MRSA</description><pubDate>Thu, 28 Feb 2008 15:04:00 +0000</pubDate><title>RCN statement on Office for National Statistics figures on Clostridium difficile and MRSA</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/press_releases/uk/rcn_reacts_to_government_decision_to_drop_key_amendments_on_sex_workers_from_criminal_justice_and_immigration_bill</link><description>RCN reacts to Government decision to drop key amendments on sex workers from Criminal Justice and Immigration Bill</description><pubDate>Thu, 28 Feb 2008 14:59:40 +0000</pubDate><title>RCN reacts to Government decision to drop key amendments on sex workers from Criminal Justice and Immigration Bill</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/press_releases/uk/rcn_responds_to_the_new_national_audit_office_report_on_nhs_pay_modernisation</link><description>RCN responds to the new National Audit Office Report on NHS Pay Modernisation</description><pubDate>Thu, 28 Feb 2008 14:50:41 +0000</pubDate><title>RCN responds to the new National Audit Office Report on NHS Pay Modernisation</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/press_releases/uk/rcn_responds_to_audit_commission_report_on_payment_by_results</link><description>RCN responds to Audit Commission report on Payment by Results</description><pubDate>Thu, 14 Feb 2008 14:53:33 +0000</pubDate><title>RCN responds to Audit Commission report on Payment by Results</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/press_releases/uk/rcn_responds_to_healthcare_commission_report_on_violence_in_mental_health_units</link><description>RCN responds to Healthcare Commission report on violence in mental health units</description><pubDate>Fri, 15 Feb 2008 12:20:39 +0000</pubDate><title>RCN responds to Healthcare Commission report on violence in mental health units</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/press_releases/uk/rcn_response_to_healthcare_commission_review_of_maternity_services</link><description>Dr Peter Carter, General Secretary of the Royal College of Nursing Commenting on the Healthcare Commission (HCC) Review of Maternity Services</description><pubDate>Fri, 25 Jan 2008 15:17:17 +0000</pubDate><title>RCN response to Healthcare Commission Review of Maternity Services</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/press_releases/uk/rcn_responds_to_announcement_of_specialist_nurses_for_tackling_hospital_infection</link><description>Speaking today Royal College of Nursing General Secretary Dr Peter Carter said;</description><pubDate>Wed, 09 Jan 2008 11:47:54 +0000</pubDate><title>RCN responds to announcement of specialist nurses for tackling hospital infection</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/press_releases/uk/nurses_react_to_public_sector_pay_announcement</link><description>Reaction to today’s announcement by the Prime Minister that public sector workers, including nurses, could have their salaries set for three years rather than 12 months.</description><pubDate>Wed, 09 Jan 2008 11:44:03 +0000</pubDate><title>Nurses react to public sector pay announcement</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/press_releases/uk/rcn_responds_to_projected_nhs_under_spend</link><description></description><pubDate>Fri, 21 Dec 2007 11:40:08 +0000</pubDate><title>RCN Responds to Projected NHS Under Spend</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/press_releases/uk/rcn_respond_to_nhs_employers_evidence_to_the_nhs_pay_review_body</link><description></description><pubDate>Mon, 19 Nov 2007 11:25:43 +0000</pubDate><title>RCN respond to NHS Employers evidence to the NHS Pay Review Body</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/press_releases/uk/rcn_calls_for_swift_action_to_protect_older_people146s_human_rights</link><description></description><pubDate>Mon, 19 Nov 2007 09:38:08 +0000</pubDate><title>RCN calls for swift action to protect older people’s human rights</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/press_releases/uk/rcn_responds_to_violence_against_staff_figures2</link><description></description><pubDate>Fri, 09 Nov 2007 12:34:13 +0000</pubDate><title>RCN responds to violence against staff figures</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/press_releases/uk/rcn_response_to_reviews_on_pre-registration_education_and_post-registration_careers</link><description></description><pubDate>Thu, 01 Nov 2007 16:31:57 +0000</pubDate><title>RCN response to reviews on pre-registration education and post-registration careers</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/press_releases/uk/rcn_response_to_hpa_hospital_associated_infection_figures</link><description></description><pubDate>Thu, 01 Nov 2007 16:25:28 +0000</pubDate><title>RCN response to HPA hospital associated infection figures</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/press_releases/uk/doctors_and_nurses_issue_new_guidelines_on_decision-making_in_relation_to_resuscitating_patients</link><description></description><pubDate>Mon, 29 Oct 2007 12:05:07 +0000</pubDate><title>Doctors and nurses issue new guidelines on decision-making in relation to resuscitating patients</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/press_releases/uk/rcn_welcomes_appeal_court_ruling_on_pova_list</link><description></description><pubDate>Wed, 24 Oct 2007 14:59:07 +0100</pubDate><title>RCN welcomes Appeal Court Ruling on POVA list</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/press_releases/uk/rcn_responds_to_audit_commission_review_of_the_nhs_financial_year_200607</link><description></description><pubDate>Tue, 23 Oct 2007 14:41:16 +0100</pubDate><title>RCN responds to Audit Commission Review of the NHS financial year 2006/07</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/press_releases/uk/rcn_responds_to_healthcare_commission_annual_health_check2</link><description></description><pubDate>Tue, 23 Oct 2007 14:34:34 +0100</pubDate><title>RCN responds to Healthcare Commission annual health check</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/press_releases/uk/rcn_responds_to_healthcare_commission_annual_health_check</link><description></description><pubDate>Tue, 23 Oct 2007 13:58:30 +0100</pubDate><title>RCN responds to Healthcare Commission annual health check</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/press_releases/uk/article2572</link><description></description><pubDate>Sun, 14 Oct 2007 16:48:18 +0100</pubDate><title>RCN response to Lord Darzi’s interim report on the ‘Our NHS, Our Future’ review</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/press_releases/uk/article2581</link><description></description><pubDate>Sun, 14 Oct 2007 16:48:59 +0100</pubDate><title>RCN responds to Healthcare Commission report on outbreaks of Clostridiumdifficile at  Maidstone and Tunbridge Wells NHS Trust</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/press_releases/uk/royal_college_of_nursing_submits_evidence_to_the_inquiry_into_scientific_developments_relating_to_the_abortion_act_1967</link><description></description><pubDate>Tue, 23 Oct 2007 13:06:31 +0100</pubDate><title>RCN submits evidence to the inquiry into scientific developments relating to the Abortion Act 1967</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/press_releases/uk/nurses_and_midwife_presented_with_the_mary_seacole_awar</link><description></description><pubDate>Tue, 23 Oct 2007 14:10:33 +0100</pubDate><title>Nurses and midwife presented with the Mary Seacole awar</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/press_releases/uk/rcn_welcomes_the_chancellor146s_csr_announcement_on_health_150_but_every_penny_must_reach_the_frontline.</link><description></description><pubDate>Tue, 23 Oct 2007 14:29:41 +0100</pubDate><title>RCN welcomes the Chancellor’s CSR announcement on Health – but every penny must reach the frontline.</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/press_releases/uk/article2576</link><description></description><pubDate>Sun, 14 Oct 2007 16:48:20 +0100</pubDate><title>RCN welcomes move by Government to make hospitals safer</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/press_releases/uk/article2571</link><description></description><pubDate>Sun, 14 Oct 2007 16:48:05 +0100</pubDate><title>RCN response to Lord Darzi’s interim report on the ‘Our NHS, Our Future’ review</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/press_releases/uk/article2570</link><description></description><pubDate>Sun, 14 Oct 2007 16:48:01 +0100</pubDate><title>RCN welcomes Black History Month</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/press_releases/uk/article2568</link><description></description><pubDate>Sun, 14 Oct 2007 16:48:16 +0100</pubDate><title>New RCN guide will give nurses business skills to succeed</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/press_releases/uk/article2563</link><description></description><pubDate>Sun, 14 Oct 2007 16:48:13 +0100</pubDate><title>RCN responds to the Healthcare Commission report 'Caring for Dignity'</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/press_releases/uk/article2557</link><description></description><pubDate>Sun, 14 Oct 2007 16:48:10 +0100</pubDate><title>RCN welcomes Prime Minister’s pledge on modern matrons</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/press_releases/uk/article2556</link><description></description><pubDate>Sun, 14 Oct 2007 16:48:08 +0100</pubDate><title>RCN welcomes new NHS pension scheme arrangements</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/press_releases/uk/article2549</link><description></description><pubDate>Sun, 14 Oct 2007 16:47:58 +0100</pubDate><title>RCN Council votes to accept revised pay offer</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/press_releases/uk/article2547</link><description></description><pubDate>Sun, 14 Oct 2007 16:47:56 +0100</pubDate><title>RCN General Secretary wins European Federation of Nurses election</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/press_releases/uk/article2546</link><description></description><pubDate>Sun, 14 Oct 2007 16:47:54 +0100</pubDate><title>RCN responds to Health Select Committee report on the Electronic Patient Record</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/press_releases/uk/article2542</link><description></description><pubDate>Sun, 14 Oct 2007 16:47:52 +0100</pubDate><title>NHS at a crossroads, warns RCN</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/press_releases/uk/article2540</link><description></description><pubDate>Sun, 14 Oct 2007 16:47:49 +0100</pubDate><title>RCN General Secretary praises defence nurses at Selly Oak</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/press_releases/uk/article2539</link><description></description><pubDate>Sun, 14 Oct 2007 16:47:47 +0100</pubDate><title>RCN warns of true cost of balancing NHS books</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/press_releases/uk/article2534</link><description></description><pubDate>Sat, 13 Oct 2007 16:31:59 +0100</pubDate><title>Nurse prescribing is part of the solution – not the problem, says RCN</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/press_releases/uk/article2532</link><description></description><pubDate>Sat, 13 Oct 2007 16:31:57 +0100</pubDate><title>Government needs to act now to prevent feast or famine NHS job market, says RCN</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/press_releases/uk/article2293</link><description></description><pubDate>Sat, 13 Oct 2007 16:31:53 +0100</pubDate><title>MRSA targets must not slip, says RCN</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/press_releases/uk/article2300</link><description></description><pubDate>Sat, 13 Oct 2007 16:31:50 +0100</pubDate><title>Patient confidentiality guidance for e-health information</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/press_releases/uk/article2308</link><description></description><pubDate>Sat, 13 Oct 2007 16:31:48 +0100</pubDate><title>Nurses are the rock upon which the NHS is built says RCN</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/press_releases/uk/article2307</link><description></description><pubDate>Sat, 13 Oct 2007 16:31:44 +0100</pubDate><title>RCN Response to Secretary of State for Health’s comments on GPs Pay</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/press_releases/uk/article2302</link><description></description><pubDate>Sat, 13 Oct 2007 16:31:41 +0100</pubDate><title>Inflation rise will add misery to nurses facing a pay cut</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/press_releases/uk/article2291</link><description></description><pubDate>Sat, 13 Oct 2007 16:31:39 +0100</pubDate><title>Investment in NHS must be sustained, warns Royal College of Nursing</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/press_releases/uk/article2286</link><description></description><pubDate>Sat, 13 Oct 2007 16:31:35 +0100</pubDate><title>RCN Response to ippr's The Future Hospital report</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/press_releases/uk/article2283</link><description></description><pubDate>Sat, 13 Oct 2007 16:31:30 +0100</pubDate><title>RCN calls for an end to Government’s yo-yo policies on NHS staffing</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/press_releases/uk/article2289</link><description></description><pubDate>Sat, 13 Oct 2007 16:31:27 +0100</pubDate><title>RCN joins NHS Together National Day of Action</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/press_releases/uk/article2535</link><description></description><pubDate>Sat, 13 Oct 2007 16:31:24 +0100</pubDate><title>RCN announces appointment of New Director for Human Resources</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/press_releases/uk/article2529</link><description></description><pubDate>Sat, 13 Oct 2007 16:31:21 +0100</pubDate><title>RCN launches consultation with members on Government’s pay offer</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/press_releases/uk/article2524</link><description></description><pubDate>Sat, 13 Oct 2007 16:31:18 +0100</pubDate><title>RCN response to improved pay offer for NHS staff</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/press_releases/uk/article2505</link><description></description><pubDate>Sat, 13 Oct 2007 16:31:15 +0100</pubDate><title>New survey shows over half of nurses unsure whether NHS can deliver an electronic patient record</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/press_releases/uk/article2502</link><description></description><pubDate>Sat, 13 Oct 2007 16:31:13 +0100</pubDate><title>New research partnership between Royal College of Nursing and University of Warwick </title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/press_releases/uk/article2500</link><description></description><pubDate>Sat, 13 Oct 2007 16:31:10 +0100</pubDate><title>RCN welcomes the release of five Bulgarian nurses and one Palestinian doctor from a Libyan prison</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/press_releases/uk/article2499</link><description></description><pubDate>Sat, 13 Oct 2007 16:31:04 +0100</pubDate><title>New survey shows nurse morale at ten year low</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/press_releases/uk/article2498</link><description></description><pubDate>Sat, 13 Oct 2007 16:31:01 +0100</pubDate><title>Poll shows public support for nurses as historic pay ballot gets underway</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/press_releases/uk/article2494</link><description></description><pubDate>Sat, 13 Oct 2007 16:30:58 +0100</pubDate><title>Decision over nurses’ pay has created a Disunited Kingdom, says RCN</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/press_releases/uk/article2488</link><description></description><pubDate>Sat, 13 Oct 2007 16:30:56 +0100</pubDate><title>A third of nurses working alone in the community have been assaulted or harassed in last two years</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/press_releases/uk/article2482</link><description></description><pubDate>Sat, 13 Oct 2007 16:30:53 +0100</pubDate><title>Mental Health Coalition Welcomes the New Mental Health Bill</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/press_releases/uk/article2340</link><description></description><pubDate>Sat, 13 Oct 2007 16:30:50 +0100</pubDate><title>The RCN Appoints Director for Scotland</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/press_releases/uk/article2337</link><description></description><pubDate>Sat, 13 Oct 2007 16:30:48 +0100</pubDate><title>Nurses braced for industrial action over proposed pay cut</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/press_releases/uk/article2333</link><description></description><pubDate>Sat, 13 Oct 2007 16:30:41 +0100</pubDate><title>NHS deficits crisis is entrenched, says RCN</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/press_releases/uk/article2328</link><description></description><pubDate>Sat, 13 Oct 2007 16:30:39 +0100</pubDate><title>Nurses should not work for free says RCN</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/press_releases/uk/article2325</link><description></description><pubDate>Sat, 13 Oct 2007 16:30:36 +0100</pubDate><title>Death of nursing is greatly exaggerated, says RCN</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/press_releases/uk/article2389</link><description></description><pubDate>Sat, 13 Oct 2007 16:30:34 +0100</pubDate><title>RCN warns of dark mood among nurses over proposed pay cut</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/press_releases/uk/article2388</link><description></description><pubDate>Sat, 13 Oct 2007 16:30:31 +0100</pubDate><title>NHS investment needs sustaining to tackle ills of NHS says RCN</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/press_releases/uk/article2381</link><description></description><pubDate>Sat, 13 Oct 2007 16:30:27 +0100</pubDate><title>RCN calls for end to yo-yo workforce planning</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/press_releases/uk/article2379</link><description></description><pubDate>Sat, 13 Oct 2007 16:30:25 +0100</pubDate><title>RCN calls on Chancellor to sustain NHS funding</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/press_releases/uk/article2366</link><description></description><pubDate>Sat, 13 Oct 2007 16:30:19 +0100</pubDate><title>Government under fresh pressure to implement nurses’ pay award in full, says RCN</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/press_releases/uk/article2364</link><description></description><pubDate>Sat, 13 Oct 2007 16:30:17 +0100</pubDate><title>Public fear nurse shortages will hurt patients</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/press_releases/uk/article2363</link><description></description><pubDate>Sat, 13 Oct 2007 16:30:15 +0100</pubDate><title>Government needs to get a grip, says RCN</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/press_releases/uk/article2360</link><description></description><pubDate>Sat, 13 Oct 2007 16:30:12 +0100</pubDate><title>RCN highlights uphill struggle of BME and internationally recruited nurses</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/press_releases/uk/article2359</link><description></description><pubDate>Sat, 13 Oct 2007 16:30:10 +0100</pubDate><title>Thousands of angry nurses flood MPswith letters in pay cut protest </title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/press_releases/uk/article2368</link><description></description><pubDate>Sat, 13 Oct 2007 16:30:08 +0100</pubDate><title>Reductions in NHS workforce can only damage patient care, says RCN</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/press_releases/uk/article2401</link><description></description><pubDate>Sat, 13 Oct 2007 16:30:05 +0100</pubDate><title>RCN launches campaign for better patient nutrition</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/press_releases/uk/article2399</link><description></description><pubDate>Sat, 13 Oct 2007 16:29:57 +0100</pubDate><title>Health tops list of priorities for next government</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/press_releases/uk/article2397</link><description></description><pubDate>Sat, 13 Oct 2007 16:29:55 +0100</pubDate><title>Student nurses left unsupervised in charge of patients, warns RCN</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/press_releases/uk/article2395</link><description></description><pubDate>Sat, 13 Oct 2007 16:29:52 +0100</pubDate><title>RCN’s damning report spells out devastating effects of NHS financial crisis</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/press_releases/uk/article2407</link><description></description><pubDate>Sat, 13 Oct 2007 16:29:50 +0100</pubDate><title>New figures show NHS has lost nearly 7,000 nurses in last year</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/press_releases/uk/article2430</link><description></description><pubDate>Sat, 13 Oct 2007 16:29:45 +0100</pubDate><title>RCN welcomes Gordon Brown's NHS pledge</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/press_releases/uk/article2429</link><description></description><pubDate>Sat, 13 Oct 2007 16:29:43 +0100</pubDate><title>The RCN pledges its support for the Breastfeeding Manifesto Coalition as part of National Breastfeeding Awareness Week</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/press_releases/uk/article2428</link><description></description><pubDate>Sat, 13 Oct 2007 16:29:40 +0100</pubDate><title>Health groups suspend membership of Mental Health Alliance</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/press_releases/uk/article2425</link><description></description><pubDate>Sat, 13 Oct 2007 16:29:35 +0100</pubDate><title>RCN Council votes to ballot members on industrial action</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/press_releases/uk/article2420</link><description></description><pubDate>Sat, 13 Oct 2007 16:29:31 +0100</pubDate><title>RCN General Secretary Peter Carter on Tony Blair's decision to stand down as leader of the Labour Party</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/press_releases/uk/article2418</link><description></description><pubDate>Sat, 13 Oct 2007 16:29:28 +0100</pubDate><title>Peter Carter responds to report from Chief Nursing Officer on mixed-sex wards</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/press_releases/uk/article2412</link><description></description><pubDate>Sat, 13 Oct 2007 16:29:26 +0100</pubDate><title>New breastfeeding research challenges traditional feeding positions</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/press_releases/uk/article2475</link><description></description><pubDate>Sat, 13 Oct 2007 16:29:23 +0100</pubDate><title>RCN welcomes appointment of new Secretary of State for Health</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/press_releases/uk/article2474</link><description></description><pubDate>Sat, 13 Oct 2007 16:29:21 +0100</pubDate><title>RCN welcomes DH Framework for NHS Continuing Healthcare and NHS funded Nursing Care</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/press_releases/uk/article2465</link><description></description><pubDate>Sat, 13 Oct 2007 16:29:19 +0100</pubDate><title>Mental Health Coalition welcomes significant improvements to Mental Health Bill</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/press_releases/uk/article2460</link><description></description><pubDate>Sat, 13 Oct 2007 16:29:14 +0100</pubDate><title>RCN responds to publication of Health Visitors review</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/press_releases/uk/article2455</link><description></description><pubDate>Sat, 13 Oct 2007 16:29:11 +0100</pubDate><title>RCN welcomes Assembly Minister’s support for UK wide pay settlement for nurses</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/press_releases/uk/article2450</link><description></description><pubDate>Sat, 13 Oct 2007 16:29:09 +0100</pubDate><title>New Mental Health Coaliation secures key improvements to mental health bill</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/press_releases/uk/article2444</link><description></description><pubDate>Sat, 13 Oct 2007 16:29:07 +0100</pubDate><title>More than a billion pounds on temporary nurses is too high a price to pay, says RCN</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/press_releases/uk/article2443</link><description></description><pubDate>Sat, 13 Oct 2007 16:29:04 +0100</pubDate><title>Stop-go economics is no way to run the NHS, says RCN</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/press_releases/uk/rcn_responds_to_today146s_society_of_occupational_medicine_report_on_the_number_of_violent_attacks_against_nurses</link><description>RCN responds to today’s Society of Occupational Medicine report on the number of violent attacks against nurses


Dr. Peter Carter, General Secretary &amp; Chief Executive of the Royal College of Nursing, said:

“This is yet another shocking report outlining the serious threat of violence faced by UK nurses on a daily basis. All nurses and healthcare workers have the right to care for their patients whilst feeling safe, secure and properly supported.</description><pubDate>Mon, 14 Apr 2008 13:25:05 +0100</pubDate><title>RCN responds to today’s Society of Occupational Medicine report on the number of violent attacks against nurses</title></item></channel></rss>