RCN disappointed at absence of nurses on commissioning groups

Published: 11 December 2012

The Royal College of Nursing has expressed disappointment that some clinical commissioning groups (CCGs) appear to have been authorised without the presence of anyone from the nursing profession on their board.

The NHS Commissioning Board has previously made a commitment to a multi-professional approach to commissioning.
RCN Chief Executive & General Secretary Dr Peter Carter said:

“The RCN has been closely monitoring the involvement of nursing in CCGs since securing a requirement of at least one qualified nurse on each governing body; this was crucial for the future of commissioning. We have been working closely with the Chief Nursing Officer to ensure that nurses are properly represented and appointed.”

The RCN acknowledged that this was work in progress but emphasised the importance of wider nursing involvement in commissioning and support at every level, to ensure commissioning will be driven on a clinical basis.

The RCN is committed to working with the Chief Nursing Officer so that nurses are sufficiently represented and high quality patient care and safety is at the heart of all CCG operations.