RCN demands response to new standards of care report

Published: 28 June 2012

The Royal College of Nursing has described the results of a new report into quality and safety standards in health care in England as “shocking” and is calling on the Government to make a commitment to ensure trusts employ enough nurses and health care assistants to provide patients with the level and quality of care they deserve.

The comments were made in response to the Care Quality Commission (CQC) Market Report published today. It found that more than a quarter of health and social care services in England are failing to meet all the essential standards they should.

RCN Chief Executive & General Secretary Dr Peter Carter said the RCN had received assurances that action had been taken to address the failings but he stressed this was a wake-up call for the Government.

Dr Carter also welcomed the report’s focus on the effect of inadequate staffing on patient care. “For the past two years the RCN’s Frontline First campaign has been highlighting job cuts and the direct risk this poses to patient safety. Alongside this we have been making persistent calls for a system that provides guaranteed safe staffing levels,” he added.

The report also highlights concerns about the practice of leaving posts vacant for lengthy periods.