RCN issues budget briefing to MPs

Published: 16 April 2009

The Royal College of Nursing has issued a briefing to Members of Parliament ahead of next week's Chancellor's Budget.

The briefing covers health spending, the impact of the recession on health, and how the economic downturn is affecting nurses financially. The RCN is also using the document to raise concerns that the economic downturn may result in a reduction in health spending by the Government which could lead to a serious impact on patient care and safety.

The RCN is also calling on the Government to:

Tackle the negative impact the economic downturn has on the health of the nation and recognise the vital role nurses and other health care staff have to play in coping with changes in demand for healthcare services.

Ensure that schemes to help people having difficulty with mortgage repayments include those people still in employment.
Review the tax credits system in light of problems with overpayment and asks the Government to consider a moratorium on those who incurred overpayments.
Tackle the issue of student nurse hardship in order to make nursing an attractive career and help address the problem the profession faces with recruitment and retention.

Chancellor Alistair Darling will make his Budget statement to the House of Commons on 22 April 2009 at 12:30pm.