RCN responds to publication of Lord Darzi’s progress report

Published: 01 July 2009

The Royal College of Nursing insists that quality patient care must be maintained throughout the economic downturn and to make this happen nurses must be empowered and given the right level of support. The College is calling for new ways of working to be embedded into working life before financial pressures take hold. 

The comments come following the publication of Lord Darzi's report, High Quality Care for All: Our Journey So Far.

RCN Chief Executive & General Secretary, Dr Peter Carter says that nurses have always strived to deliver quality care:

"In the tough economic climate we must not take our eye off the ball and let the focus on quality slip. If we are to make quality a reality rather than an aspiration, it is vital that nurses are empowered and given the right level of support."

The RCN maintains that clinical leadership is key to driving up patient care and welcomes the news that nurses are set to have greater control over budgets. Dr Carter adds:

"Their frontline perspective means nurses know where money should be spent to achieve the best care for patients. However, adequate support and training for these professionals is needed, particularly while the threat of public spending cuts looms."

However, the RCN warns that whilst there have been significant improvements in the NHS, there are areas where further work is needed; with more clarification regarding the practicalities of what delivering care closer to home needed.