RCN ‘delighted’ with specialist cancer nurses pledge

Published: 08 February 2010

The Royal College of Nursing welcomes the announcement by Prime Minister Gordon Brown that in the future, all cancer patients in England will have access to one-to-one care provided by a clinical nurse specialist.

RCN Chief Executive & General Secretary Dr Peter Carter says:

“We are delighted that the government is pledging to invest in specialist nurses, as we know that their value for patients is both unparalleled and cost effective. We have been saying for some time that whoever wins this year’s general election will need to invest in specialist nurses to ensure that patients with complex needs are supported by experts who have the time and the resources to care. Investing in specialist nurses now is crucial not just to patients but to reduce the costs to the NHS from unnecessary complications.”

The RCN says that specialist nurses can help all cancer patients to deal with their emotions, avoid unnecessary complications and have a high quality of life. Dr Carter adds:

“These skills, alongside their very high standards of clinical care and knowledge, provide the very best in one-to-one care for patients so I am very encouraged that the contribution of nurse specialists is being recognised.”

Read the RCN’s general election manifesto, which calls for investment in specialist nurses for long term conditions.