RCN launches position statement on human rights and nursing at Midlands Congress event

Published: 17 May 2012

The Royal College of Nursing launched its position statement on human rights and nursing (PDF 507 KB) (see how to access PDF files) to a packed room at a lunchtime event at RCN Congress in Harrogate on Wednesday (16 May).

The event was organised by RCN West Midlands, RCN East Midlands and the RCN's policy and international department.

Guest speaker Monika Kosinska, from the European Public Health Alliance, said: "Congratulations to the RCN. This is a seminal moment in terms of human rights and nursing in the UK. Nurses have long been champions of human rights, and this document will support them in advocating for them."

Maureen Beecham, of the National Council for Women, shared cases from the patient perspective and highlighted the difficulties that can arise in clinical settings, saying: "If you cannot give patients the basic care you need to, you now have a tool to use at policy level. We all know when something is substandard and we should speak up and not be desensitised to it."

Ellie Keen, from the British Institute of Human Rights, spoke about how nurses need to respect and protect the rights of patients and monitor the systems they work within, saying: "By far the greatest majority of abuses which are going on stem from the system itself."

The event ended with a call to action for members to go back to their workplaces and take action on human rights and nursing practice.