RCN: NHS expansion distracts from UK issues

Published: 21 August 2012

The Royal College of Nursing has warned that Department of Health and UK Trade and Investment plans to allow NHS hospitals in England to expand abroad will be a distraction for some trusts.

The comments were made in response to the announcement that high-profile NHS hospitals in England are to be encouraged by the government to set up profit-making branches abroad to help fund services in the UK.

RCN Chief Executive & General Secretary Dr Peter Carter said the proposals recognise the excellent services provided by the NHS but warned the RCN will need to look closely at which hospitals are included in these plans.

“While it might make sense for some, for others this would be a massive distraction from their core purpose which is providing safe and high quality health care for people in the UK. This sends out a mixed message for those trusts which are struggling to balance their books. We have consistently raised concerns that the removal of the private income cap could mean that a trust’s gaze is diverted away from patient care,” he said.

The RCN has said that many trusts in England are struggling to deliver their part of the government’s £20 billion efficiency drive and has said that these trusts should concentrate on fixing local issues first.