RCN welcomes review of emergency services in England

Published: 18 January 2013

The Royal College of Nursing has welcomed moves to simplify the system of urgent and emergency care in England.

RCN Chief Executive & General Secretary Dr Peter Carter said the College would also welcome a tiered system for specialist and emergency care, involving an increased use of walk-in centres and out-of-hours primary care services.

Dr Carter added: “Many of the problems currently being experienced in urgent and emergency care are caused by an increased demand and a reduction in the number of beds in the acute sector. This is set to become a growing challenge for the health service over the coming decades.”

The RCN supports the move to provide more care at home and away from hospitals, but has warned there needs to be a sustained investment in community services.

The RCN is urging the Government to focus on ensuring there are adequate numbers of health care staff to deliver the best possible patient care and is looking forward to working with the NHS Commissioning Board to shape health care services for the future.