RCN: Quality care for patients is at the heart of nursing

Published: 04 January 2013

Providing the best quality care for patients has always been at the heart of nursing, the Royal College of Nursing has said, as Prime Minister David Cameron announced extra support and training for nursing in England.

Dr Peter Carter, RCN Chief Executive & General Secretary, said:

“Day after day our members tell us that they want to focus their energy on the needs of their patients, spending more time at the bedside caring for them and their families. The Prime Minister is right to acknowledge what an ‘incredible job nurses do - and how much we ask of them’, and we welcome today’s announcements to provide extra support and training for the nursing profession.”

The RCN is particularly pleased to see a commitment to improved training and development for health care assistants and has welcomed the announcement that patients and staff will be asked for their views and recommendations about care settings.

“Patients and staff know what good quality, dignified care looks like and this ‘family and friends’ test will be one important piece of the jigsaw that provides an overall picture of quality care,” said Dr Carter.

The RCN has also welcomed the focus on better district nursing. “Strong community care is crucial in enabling more people to be cared for at home and at the same timer easing the strain on hospitals,” added Dr Carter.