RCN offers support to Haiti

Published: 14 January 2010

The Royal College of Nursing and the nursing profession in the UK are expressing support for the Haitian and international nurses and all those working in the aftermath of the earthquake and after-shocks which occurred this week. RCN President Maura Buchanan says: "We are shocked by the terrible loss of life caused by these events. Our thoughts are with everyone who has been affected by this tragedy and trust that the necessary support comes to them urgently.”

RCN Chief Executive Dr Peter Carter says: “We were deeply saddened to hear of the loss of life, injury and devastation caused by the earthquake in Haiti and all those who are suffering are in our thoughts at this unimaginably difficult time. I would like to send a heartfelt message of solidarity and support to all Haitian nurses and their colleagues from overseas who are working hard to relieve the pain and anguish of victims.”

The RCN is encouraging those who wish to make a donation to the relief efforts, to support the Disasters Emergency Committee (DEC) Haiti Earthquake appeal. You can donate online from the DEC website or telephone 0370 60 60 900. 

Only health care staff with the appropriate training and experience and who are registered with humanitarian aid bodies are encouraged to travel to offer practical nursing support.

Additional information

The Haitian Nurses' Association, the Association Nationale des Infirmières Licenciées d'Haïti is a fellow member of the International Council of Nurses.

Read more about Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF), who run hospitals in Haiti. 

Further information on helping

Find out more about working with humanitarian organisations in the future. Read the RCN publication Working with humanitarian organisations: a guide for nurses, midwives and health care professionals (PDF 1.2MB) [see how to access PDF files].  A list of recommended agencies can be found towards the end of the publication. The publication is free to download but you may also purchase a hard copy version for £2.40. Telephone RCN Direct: 0345 772 6100.

Find out more about volunteering for the Disasters Emergency Committee on the DEC website.

More information on what people can do to help from the UK is available on the Department for International Development website. This also includes advice on volunteering.

Read about the Working Overseas: Changing lives - take your skills further conference in RCN events.