RCN welcomes forum’s focus on empowering nurses

Published: 25 May 2012

The Royal College of Nursing has welcomed publication of the Nursing and Care Quality Forum’s initial report, saying the report recognises the importance of empowering nurses to provide the highest standards of care across the board.

Dr Peter Carter, RCN Chief Executive & General Secretary, said: “We are pleased to have been part of this important forum which recognises that the vast majority of nurses provide excellent care. We welcome the recommendations which will build on this and improve the ability of nurses, by giving them the right resources and skills, to provide dignified and compassionate care across the board. In particular we welcome the focus on the leadership culture of whole organisations – from board to ward - as pivotal to ensuring that nurses and other staff are able to provide high quality care.”

The report recommends introducing a “friends and family” test of NHS services and this is endorsed by the RCN as an important measure of how people perceive the care they provided by their organisation. The report also echoes the RCN’s views on the importance of staffing levels and skill mix and supports degree-level entry to nursing.

“Giving nurses the time and resources to care – for example freeing them up to guarantee that they spend dedicated time with their patients and get the right administrative support – is crucial in ensuring confidence in care providers,” added Dr Carter.

The RCN looks forward to contributing to the work as it develops and says there must be a focus on acting on these results to ensure that continuous improvements are made.

Further information

The RCN is undertaking a This is Nursing programme of work looking at seven areas including:

Watch the This is Nursing film.

The Prime Minister and Health Secretary Andrew Lansley announced in January their intention to set up the Nursing Care Quality Forum as part of a new drive to free up nurses to provide the care patients and relatives expect. The forum has its own independent chair and a membership of 22 health care professionals. It will be expected to use research, establish an evidence base, listen to a wide range of views and help implement best practice.

Read more about the Nursing and Care Quality Forum on the Department of Health website.