RCN sets out blueprint for future of nursing

Health care organisations could suffer from staff shortages and preventable deaths if there is not adequate investment in nursing, the RCN has told the Prime Minister.
The RCN's response to the Prime Minister's Nursing Commission lays out a blueprint for the future of nursing, saying nursing is central to providing safe services and high quality care. 


The Prime Minister's Commission on the future of Nursing and Midwifery was set up in March 2009 to ensure that frontline staff have the support, skills and competencies they'll need to design and deliver 21st century quality services. 


The RCN response says that adequate training and investment in nurses working in community care will be needed to make sure the Government's policy of moving more care outside of hospitals is realised.
To improve the quality of care and to make sure the nursing voice is heard in health care decisions there should be an executive nurse director on the board of every PCT, and nurses should be involved in commissioning as well as providing care. 


Commissioners including Dr Peter Carter will review all responses and deliver a report of recommendations in March 2010.


• Follow the activities of the Nursing Commission
• Read more about the RCN's response.