RCN: AfC has improved the NHS
Published: 17 June 2009
The Royal College of Nursing says Agenda for Change has made the NHS a better place for patients and staff but warns that trusts must make good use of the knowledge and skills framework to ensure health care staff can access relevant training.
The comments come as the House of Commons Public Accounts Committee publish their report, NHS Pay Modernisation in England: Agenda for Change.
RCN Chief Executive & General Secretary, Dr Peter Carter says that critics are wrong to say that changes have not brought improvements. He says:
"It is no coincidence that in recent years the Healthcare Commission has rated more and more trusts excellent or good, or that the 18 week target has been achieved way ahead of schedule. There is plenty of evidence to show Agenda for Change has made the NHS a better place for patients and for staff."
However, Dr Carter says that further work must be done to ensure patients receive high quality care and pledges that the RCN will continue to work with employers to ensure this happens. He adds:
"Trusts must make better use of the knowledge and skills framework (KSF) so that all nurses have the time and support to train. This is key to ensuring patients can receive the best possible quality of care."
Read the House of Commons Public Accounts Committee report: NHS Pay Modernisation in England: Agenda for Change (PDF 630KB) [see how to access PDF files].