<?xml version="1.0" encoding="iso-8859-1"?><rss version="2.0"><channel><title>Royal College of Nursing - News - UK</title><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/uk</link><description>UK wide news from the RCN</description><pubDate>Thu, 1 Jan 1970 01:00:00 BST</pubDate><webMaster>webteam@rcn.org.uk</webMaster><category>UK news</category><ttl>10</ttl><image><title>Royal College of Nursing - UK news</title><url>http://www.rcn.org.uk/images/rss/RCN_.gif</url><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/uk</link></image><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/article/uk/facebook_q_and_a_on_pensions_vote</link><description>Members can take part in a Facebook question and answer session today  (Friday 3 February) from 1-2pm to find out more about the the Government’s proposed changes to the NHS pension scheme.</description><pubDate>Fri, 03 Feb 2012 14:31:32 +0000</pubDate><title>Facebook Q&amp;amp;A on pensions vote</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/article/uk/rcn_health_bill_amendments_are_merely_tinkering</link><description>The Government has not gone far enough in its recent amendments to the Health and Social Care Bill, the Royal College of Nursing has said.</description><pubDate>Thu, 02 Feb 2012 10:40:57 +0000</pubDate><title>RCN: health bill amendments are ‘merely tinkering’</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/article/uk/celebrate_international_womens_day</link><description>The Royal College of Nursing is set to celebrate International Women’s Day, which takes place on 8 March.</description><pubDate>Thu, 02 Feb 2012 08:33:46 +0000</pubDate><title>Celebrate International Women’s Day</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/article/uk/new_bulletin_is_out_now</link><description>The February 2012 issue of RCN Bulletin has now been published.</description><pubDate>Wed, 01 Feb 2012 10:33:33 +0000</pubDate><title>New Bulletin is out now</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/article/uk/public_vote_opens_for_nursing_award2</link><description>Members of the public can now vote for one of four nurses who have been selected as finalists in the Claire Rayner Patient’s Choice Award, organised by the RCN Publishing journal, Nursing Standard.</description><pubDate>Wed, 01 Feb 2012 00:15:18 +0000</pubDate><title>Public vote opens for nursing award</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/article/uk/rcn_celebrates_lgbt_history_month</link><description>The RCN will once again show its support for LGBT (lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender) History Month, taking place in February.</description><pubDate>Mon, 30 Jan 2012 16:00:01 +0000</pubDate><title>RCN celebrates LGBT History Month</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/article/uk/voting_begins_on_nhs_pension_proposals</link><description>The Royal College of Nursing is today (30 January) sending out voting papers asking members whether they want to accept or reject the Government's NHS pension proposals.</description><pubDate>Mon, 30 Jan 2012 12:49:09 +0000</pubDate><title>Voting begins on NHS pension proposals</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/article/uk/rcn_warns_of_jobs_at_risk_at_nhs_direct</link><description>The Royal College of Nursing has warned that as many as 300 frontline staff at NHS Direct could lose their jobs.</description><pubDate>Fri, 27 Jan 2012 11:29:16 +0000</pubDate><title>RCN warns of jobs at risk at NHS Direct</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/article/uk/rcn_welcomes_review_of_nursings_regulator</link><description>The Royal College of Nursing has welcomed today’s announcement in Parliament of a strategic review of the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC).</description><pubDate>Thu, 26 Jan 2012 17:10:54 +0000</pubDate><title>RCN welcomes review of nursing’s regulator</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/article/uk/rcn_backs_olympics-inspired_campaign</link><description>The Royal College of Nursing is backing a new campaign to encourage people aged over 55 with long-term conditions to lead healthier lifestyles.</description><pubDate>Thu, 26 Jan 2012 16:17:52 +0000</pubDate><title>RCN backs Olympics-inspired campaign</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/article/uk/pensions_voting_process_explained_in_new_rcn_film</link><description>The RCN has released a new film explaining the Government’s final proposals to the NHS pension scheme and the timetable for members to vote on whether they want the RCN to accept or reject the plans.</description><pubDate>Thu, 26 Jan 2012 10:50:04 +0000</pubDate><title>Government pension proposals explained in new RCN film</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/article/uk/rcn_concerns_echoed_by_mps</link><description>The Royal College of Nursing has today (24 January) responded to a Health Select Committee report into Public Expenditure saying it agrees that forging ahead with reforms has caused disruption and distraction at a time of austerity within the NHS.</description><pubDate>Tue, 24 Jan 2012 09:29:23 +0000</pubDate><title>RCN concerns echoed by MPs</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/article/uk/staff_left_behind_as_public_health_changes_continue</link><description>The Royal College of Nursing has welcomed the direction of travel behind a new report on public health in England, but said staff need to be fully consulted on the intention to transfer services to councils.</description><pubDate>Mon, 23 Jan 2012 17:33:52 +0000</pubDate><title>Staff left behind as public health changes continue</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/article/uk/rcn_leads_agenda_for_change_tribunal_test_case</link><description>The Royal College of Nursing is leading a test case at an employment tribunal which could have major implications for employers who try to move away from Agenda for Change (AfC) terms and conditions in the NHS.</description><pubDate>Fri, 20 Jan 2012 17:21:55 +0000</pubDate><title>RCN leads Agenda for Change tribunal test case</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/article/uk/success_for_rcn_legal_in_action_against_nmc</link><description>Prompt action by the RCN’s legal team has resulted in a change of policy at the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC).</description><pubDate>Fri, 20 Jan 2012 11:01:04 +0000</pubDate><title>Success for RCN legal team in action against NMC</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/article/uk/rcn_moves_to_oppose_health_bill</link><description>The Royal College of Nursing today (19 January) moved to oppose the Health and Social Care Bill in England as serious concerns expressed by members have failed to be addressed during the parliamentary process, listening exercise or political engagement.</description><pubDate>Thu, 19 Jan 2012 00:15:12 +0000</pubDate><title>RCN moves to oppose health bill</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/article/uk/name_your_space</link><description>RCN members are being offered the opportunity to nominate figures from nursing history who they think should be acknowledged at the organisation’s UK headquarters in London</description><pubDate>Wed, 18 Jan 2012 10:49:36 +0000</pubDate><title>Name your space</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/article/uk/timetable_announced_for_vote_on_pensions_proposals</link><description>The Royal College of Nursing today announced the timetable for the members’ vote in which they will decide whether they wish to accept or reject the Government’s “final” pensions proposals.</description><pubDate>Tue, 17 Jan 2012 16:25:37 +0000</pubDate><title>Timetable announced for vote on pensions proposals</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/article/uk/nurses_call_for_care_quality_commission_to_be_strengthened</link><description>A new survey has shown that nurses believe the Care Quality Commission (CQC) needs to improve to become truly effective.</description><pubDate>Mon, 16 Jan 2012 09:22:29 +0000</pubDate><title>Nurses call for Care Quality Commission to be strengthened</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/article/uk/rcn_to_consult_members_on_governments_pensions_offer</link><description>All RCN members will have the opportunity to vote on whether to accept or reject the Government’s ‘final’ proposals for the NHS pension scheme.</description><pubDate>Tue, 10 Jan 2012 17:40:46 +0000</pubDate><title>RCN to consult members on Government’s pensions offer</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/article/uk/new-look_rcn_bulletin_is_out_now!</link><description>The new-look RCN Bulletin should be arriving on members’ doormats from today (Wednesday 11 January).</description><pubDate>Wed, 11 Jan 2012 05:30:12 +0000</pubDate><title>New-look RCN Bulletin is out now!</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/article/uk/rcn_welcomes_nhs_future_forum_report</link><description>The Royal College of Nursing has welcomed new proposals from the NHS Future Forum which recommend promoting healthy lifestyles to patients in England.</description><pubDate>Tue, 10 Jan 2012 10:29:27 +0000</pubDate><title>RCN welcomes NHS Future Forum report</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/article/uk/get_involved_with_nutrition_and_hydration_week</link><description>The Royal College of Nursing is encouraging nursing staff to get involved in a National Patient Safety Agency (NPSA) and Patient Safety First week focused on nutrition and hydration.</description><pubDate>Wed, 18 Jan 2012 15:00:13 +0000</pubDate><title>Get involved with nutrition and hydration week</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/article/uk/new_ehealth_resource_now_available</link><description>A new interactive resource from the RCN will help nursing staff understand eHealth.</description><pubDate>Wed, 11 Jan 2012 08:00:13 +0000</pubDate><title>New eHealth resource now available</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/article/uk/last_chance_to_nominate_your_representative_of_the_year2</link><description>RCN members now only have a few more weeks to acknowledge an RCN representative who has gone the extra mile to help members. Members who nominate a winner will receive £100, and those who nominate a commendee will receive £50.</description><pubDate>Mon, 09 Jan 2012 10:07:44 +0000</pubDate><title>Last chance to nominate your representative of the year</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/article/uk/staffing_key_to_pms_quality_drive,_says_rcn</link><description>The Royal College of Nursing has backed David Cameron’s moves to free up nurses to put care first, but has warned that achieving the improvements suggested by the Prime Minister will depend on staffing levels and skill mix.</description><pubDate>Fri, 06 Jan 2012 09:18:12 +0000</pubDate><title>Staffing key to PM’s quality drive, says RCN</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/article/uk/januarys_activate_is_out_now</link><description>The January issue of Activate, the newsletter for RCN activists, is now available to download and read online.</description><pubDate>Wed, 11 Jan 2012 09:19:56 +0000</pubDate><title>January’s Activate is out now</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/article/uk/rcn_appalled_at_attacks_on_lone_working_nursing_staff</link><description>The Royal College of Nursing has said that assaults on nursing staff are completely unacceptable, as new survey findings show that over 60 per cent of nurses working in the community have been subjected to abuse in the past two years.</description><pubDate>Thu, 05 Jan 2012 00:15:11 +0000</pubDate><title>RCN ‘appalled’ at attacks on lone working nursing staff</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/article/uk/nursing_acknowledged_in_new_year_honours</link><description>Congratulations to the RCN members who were recognised in the New Year Honours list.</description><pubDate>Tue, 03 Jan 2012 12:30:06 +0000</pubDate><title>Nursing acknowledged in New Year Honours</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/article/uk/register_today_to_receive_your_rcn_pocket_diary_from_2013</link><description>RCN members have until 1 February 2012 to tell the RCN if they would like to receive an RCN pocket diary from 2013 onwards.</description><pubDate>Fri, 23 Dec 2011 10:58:44 +0000</pubDate><title>Register today to receive your RCN pocket diary from 2013</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/article/uk/new_pensions_briefing_available_for_rcn_members</link><description>The Royal College of Nursing has produced a briefing on the current pensions proposals to help members and activists understand the current Government offer.</description><pubDate>Thu, 22 Dec 2011 16:36:22 +0000</pubDate><title>New pensions briefing available for RCN members</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/article/uk/updated_pension_faqs_for_rcn_members</link><description>Updated FAQs for members on NHS pensions have been added to the RCN’s Frontline First website.</description><pubDate>Tue, 20 Dec 2011 17:04:40 +0000</pubDate><title>Updated pension FAQs for RCN members</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/article/uk/rcn_calls_for_language_and_skills_testing_within_european_law</link><description>The Royal College of Nursing has welcomed European Commission proposals to update legislation to recognise nurses’ qualifications across the European Union (EU), but has warned that patient safety must be maintained.</description><pubDate>Tue, 20 Dec 2011 15:12:12 +0000</pubDate><title>RCN welcomes new proposals on nurses right to practise across the EU</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/article/uk/message_to_members_on_nhs_pensions</link><description>RCN General Secretary &amp; Chief Executive Dr Peter Carter and Chair of RCN Council Professor Kathleen McCourt have sent the following email to RCN members about the Government’s latest position on NHS pensions:</description><pubDate>Mon, 19 Dec 2011 18:09:21 +0000</pubDate><title>Message to members on NHS pensions</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/article/uk/new_factsheet_available_on_statement_writing</link><description>New guidance on statement writing is now available for RCN members.</description><pubDate>Mon, 19 Dec 2011 11:41:33 +0000</pubDate><title>New factsheet available on statement writing</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/article/uk/rcn_supports_call_for_mandatory_regulation_for_health_care_support_workers</link><description>The Royal College of Nursing is calling on the Government to accept an amendment to the Health and Social Care Bill to ensure mandatory regulation for health care support workers.</description><pubDate>Mon, 19 Dec 2011 11:16:26 +0000</pubDate><title>RCN supports call for mandatory regulation for health care support workers</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/article/uk/new_learning_zone_resource_on_dignity</link><description>RCN members have access to a new online learning resource to help them understand the RCN’s Dignity Charter.</description><pubDate>Thu, 15 Dec 2011 17:27:51 +0000</pubDate><title>New Learning Zone resource on dignity</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/article/uk/rcn_expresses_concern_over_dementia_report</link><description>The Royal College of Nursing has said it is ‘extremely worrying’ that the majority of staff who responded to a recent survey say that their training and development in the field of dementia care is not sufficient.</description><pubDate>Fri, 16 Dec 2011 00:15:11 +0000</pubDate><title>RCN expresses concern over dementia report</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/article/uk/rcn_shares_concerns_about_health_services_in_london</link><description>The Royal College of Nursing has responded to a report published today (13 December) by the King’s Fund which says that clear leadership is needed to steer the capital’s health service through an intense period of change.</description><pubDate>Tue, 13 Dec 2011 10:34:23 +0000</pubDate><title>RCN shares concerns about health services in London</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/article/uk/rcn_signs_human_rights_act_letter</link><description>The Royal College of Nursing has co-signed an open letter to defend the Human Rights Act.</description><pubDate>Sat, 10 Dec 2011 00:15:13 +0000</pubDate><title>RCN signs Human Rights Act letter</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/article/uk/rcn_opposes_chancellors_push_for_local_pay_deals</link><description>The Royal College of Nursing has responded to a letter from Chancellor George Osborne to the pay review body opposing his proposal to a move from a national NHS pay deal to one based on regional negotiation.</description><pubDate>Thu, 08 Dec 2011 16:04:28 +0000</pubDate><title>RCN opposes Chancellor’s push for local pay deals</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/article/uk/rcn_government_move_on_pensions_is_divisive_and_provocative</link><description>The Royal College of Nursing has attacked the latest offer on pensions from the Government, describing the offer announced today as ‘divisive and provocative'.</description><pubDate>Thu, 08 Dec 2011 12:04:39 +0000</pubDate><title>RCN: Government move on pensions is ‘divisive and provocative’</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/article/uk/rcns_influence_recognised_in_hsj_top_100_list</link><description>RCN Chief Executive &amp; General Secretary Dr Peter Carter has been named as one of the most influential people working in the field of health. He has been voted as number 19 in the Health Service Journal (HSJ) prestigious Top 100 list.</description><pubDate>Thu, 08 Dec 2011 10:32:12 +0000</pubDate><title>RCN’s influence recognised in HSJ Top 100 list</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/article/uk/rcn_improve_patient_care_with_the_right_skill_mix</link><description>The Royal College of Nursing has welcomed the Government’s commitment to giving patients more information about their care, but has said it is 'vital' that new benchmarks in England, announced today, do not become additional targets that will place further pressure on an already stretched NHS workforce.</description><pubDate>Wed, 07 Dec 2011 14:43:52 +0000</pubDate><title>RCN: improve patient care with the right skill mix</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/article/uk/watch_the_rcn_give_evidence_to_the_health_select_committee</link><description>RCN Chief Executive &amp; General Secretary Dr Peter Carter will give evidence to the Health Select Committee this afternoon (7 December).</description><pubDate>Wed, 07 Dec 2011 12:26:43 +0000</pubDate><title>Watch the RCN give evidence to the Health Select Committee</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/article/uk/nominations_open_for_regional_seats_on_students_committee</link><description>Nominations are now open for the London and South West seats on the RCN Students Committee.</description><pubDate>Mon, 05 Dec 2011 10:25:16 +0000</pubDate><title>Nominations open for regional seats on Students Committee</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/article/uk/nurses_still_afraid_to_raise_concerns,_says_rcn</link><description>The Royal College of Nursing has expressed concern that many nursing staff are afraid to raise their concerns about staffing levels and patient safety in the workplace.</description><pubDate>Mon, 05 Dec 2011 00:15:12 +0000</pubDate><title>Nurses still afraid to raise concerns, says RCN</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/article/uk/rcn_urges_the_government_to_take_action_on_alcohol_abuse</link><description>The Royal College of Nursing has called on the Government to do more to tackle alcohol abuse in the UK.</description><pubDate>Fri, 02 Dec 2011 14:01:30 +0000</pubDate><title>RCN urges the Government to take action on alcohol abuse</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/article/uk/nice_publishes_new_standards_on_end_of_life_care</link><description>New quality standards for end of life care for adults have been published by the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE).</description><pubDate>Fri, 02 Dec 2011 11:34:51 +0000</pubDate><title>NICE publishes new standards on end of life care</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/article/uk/considering_health_visiting_as_a_future_career</link><description>The Royal College of Nursing is holding a series of seven practical workshops in the New Year to promote health visiting as a career and give members the information they need to change direction.</description><pubDate>Fri, 02 Dec 2011 11:03:21 +0000</pubDate><title>Considering health visiting as a future career?</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/article/uk/frontline_nurses_attend_nursing_debate_at_house_of_lords</link><description>A group of 11 nurses attended yesterday’s debate in the House of Lords on frontline nursing care.</description><pubDate>Fri, 02 Dec 2011 10:38:00 +0000</pubDate><title>Frontline nurses attend nursing debate at House of Lords</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/article/uk/lords_to_debate_staffing_ratios</link><description>The House of Lords will today be debating the Health and Social Care Bill again as it passes through Committee stage.</description><pubDate>Wed, 30 Nov 2011 10:59:06 +0000</pubDate><title>Lords to debate staffing ratios</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/article/uk/rcn_bulletin_now_online2</link><description>The lead story in the 30 November issue focuses on the RCN’s warning of an NHS crisis, in light of the latest figures from the Frontline First campaign which reveal 56,000 NHS posts are being axed.</description><pubDate>Wed, 30 Nov 2011 11:01:12 +0000</pubDate><title>RCN Bulletin now online</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/article/uk/rcn_supports_world_aids_day4</link><description>The Royal College of Nursing is lending its support to World Aids Day, which is taking place today (1 December).</description><pubDate>Thu, 01 Dec 2011 00:15:13 +0000</pubDate><title>RCN supports World Aids Day</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/article/uk/rcn_one_per_cent_pay_cap_a_hammer_blow</link><description>The Royal College of Nursing has said that the Chancellor’s imposition of a one per cent cap on public sector pay is a hammer blow to the morale of nursing staff.</description><pubDate>Tue, 29 Nov 2011 14:23:47 +0000</pubDate><title>RCN: one per cent pay cap a “hammer blow”</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/article/uk/new_guidance_on_sharps_injuries_now_available_from_the_rcn</link><description>The Royal College of Nursing has published new guidance on the prevention of sharps injuries.</description><pubDate>Tue, 29 Nov 2011 14:36:56 +0000</pubDate><title>New guidance on sharps injuries now available from the RCN</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/article/uk/rcn_risky_and_irresponsible_staffing_levels_on_older_peoples_wards</link><description>The Royal College of Nursing has branded staffing levels on some older people’s wards as risky and irresponsible.</description><pubDate>Mon, 28 Nov 2011 10:13:15 +0000</pubDate><title>RCN: risky and irresponsible staffing levels on older people’s wards</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/article/uk/day_of_action_dos_and_donts_for_rcn_members</link><description>The Royal College of Nursing has issued advice for members who are participating in the Day of Action on 30 November.</description><pubDate>Wed, 30 Nov 2011 13:51:40 +0000</pubDate><title>RCN members support pensions Day of Action</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/article/uk/new_guidance_for_nurses_working_in_sexual_and_reproductive_health</link><description>Two new sets of RCN guidance are now available for nursing staff working in the field of sexual and reproductive health.</description><pubDate>Mon, 28 Nov 2011 00:15:11 +0000</pubDate><title>New guidance for nurses working in sexual and reproductive health</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/article/uk/new_advice_available_on_the_single_equality_act</link><description>The RCN has published a new briefing on the Single Equality Act.</description><pubDate>Fri, 25 Nov 2011 09:42:58 +0000</pubDate><title>New advice available on the Single Equality Act</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/article/uk/new_rcn_guidance_for_senior_nurses_on_supervision</link><description>New guidance from the Royal College of Nursing will help make a business case for ward sisters and team leaders to take on a supervisory role in the workplace.</description><pubDate>Fri, 25 Nov 2011 09:34:35 +0000</pubDate><title>New RCN guidance for senior nurses on supervision</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/article/uk/rcns_david_cooper_wins_hr_director_of_the_year</link><description>The Royal College of Nursing is proud to announce that its Director of Human Resources, David Cooper, has won Personnel Today’s award for HR Director of the Year.</description><pubDate>Thu, 24 Nov 2011 16:40:38 +0000</pubDate><title>RCN’s David Cooper wins HR Director of the Year</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/article/uk/rcn_responds_to_oecd_report</link><description>The Royal College of Nursing has responded to a health report published by the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD).</description><pubDate>Thu, 24 Nov 2011 15:54:07 +0000</pubDate><title>RCN responds to OECD report</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/article/uk/deputy_president_rewarded_for_30_years_in_the_nhs</link><description>Cecilia Anim, RCN Deputy President and Chair of the North Central Inner London branch, has been rewarded for more than 30 years working in the NHS.</description><pubDate>Thu, 24 Nov 2011 13:22:10 +0000</pubDate><title>Deputy President rewarded for 30 years in the NHS</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/article/uk/florence_nightingale_teddy_on_sale_for_girls_education_charity</link><description>The International Council of Nurses (ICN) is raising funds to support the education of the orphaned daughters of nurses in developing countries</description><pubDate>Thu, 24 Nov 2011 11:45:30 +0000</pubDate><title>ICN supports girls' education charity</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/article/uk/rcn_council_meeting_to_discuss_pensions_action</link><description>The Royal College of Nursing today confirmed that its governing Council will meet on 10 January to discuss action over government proposals on NHS pensions.</description><pubDate>Thu, 24 Nov 2011 10:00:12 +0000</pubDate><title>RCN Council: meeting to discuss pensions action</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/article/uk/rcn_comments_on_changes_to_employment_law</link><description>The Royal College of Nursing has responded to comments by Business Secretary Vince Cable outlining proposed changes to employment law.</description><pubDate>Thu, 24 Nov 2011 08:55:00 +0000</pubDate><title>RCN comments on changes to employment law</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/article/uk/rcn_refutes_scaremongering_claims</link><description>The Royal College of Nursing has refuted government claims that RCN figures on cuts to nursing posts amounts to scaremongering and is based on unreliable evidence.</description><pubDate>Thu, 24 Nov 2011 09:29:22 +0000</pubDate><title>RCN refutes ‘scaremongering’ claims</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/article/uk/rcn_says_appalling_home_care_must_end</link><description>The Royal College of Nursing has described as ‘extremely worrying’ today’s report from the Equality and Human Rights Commission on the home care system in England.</description><pubDate>Wed, 23 Nov 2011 14:18:59 +0000</pubDate><title>RCN says ‘appalling’ home care must end</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/article/uk/changes_to_rcn_membership_categories</link><description>The RCN is introducing a simplified membership structure. From 1 January 2012 there will only be three categories of member: nurses, health practitioners (such as health care assistants and assistant practitioners) and students. Associate membership of the RCN will cease to exist.</description><pubDate>Wed, 23 Nov 2011 11:10:51 +0000</pubDate><title>Changes to RCN membership categories</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/article/uk/nursing_staff_must_be_given_time_to_care,_says_rcn_in_wales</link><description>The RCN in Wales is urging politicians in Wales, irrespective of their party, to support and endorse its new campaign, Time to Care.</description><pubDate>Wed, 23 Nov 2011 10:14:05 +0000</pubDate><title>Nursing staff must be given time to care, says RCN in Wales</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/article/uk/write_to_rcn_bulletin_today</link><description>RCN members with views on nursing issues and the RCN are being encouraged to express their opinions in a new letters page to be introduced in RCN Bulletin from January.</description><pubDate>Mon, 21 Nov 2011 13:05:14 +0000</pubDate><title>Write to RCN Bulletin today</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/article/uk/rcn_launches_new_community_publication</link><description>The Royal College of Nursing has called for a renewed investment in community nursing as a new RCN report highlights the value of community nurses.</description><pubDate>Mon, 21 Nov 2011 13:32:22 +0000</pubDate><title>RCN calls for investment in community nursing</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/article/uk/read_the_rcns_latest_future_forum_response_on_integration</link><description>The RCN’s response to the latest Future Forum on integration is now available on the RCN website.</description><pubDate>Fri, 18 Nov 2011 09:34:27 +0000</pubDate><title>Read the RCN’s latest Future Forum response on integration</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/article/uk/rcn_nhs_heading_for_crisis_point_as_job_losses_mount</link><description>The Royal College of Nursing has warned that the NHS is heading for crisis point with, with 56,058 NHS positions across the UK due to be cut.</description><pubDate>Sun, 20 Nov 2011 00:15:11 +0000</pubDate><title>RCN: NHS heading for crisis point as job losses mount</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/article/uk/rcn_welcomes_hca_training_plans</link><description>The Royal College of Nursing has welcomed government plans to improve and standardise training for health care assistants in England but says there should be a statutory requirement to comply.</description><pubDate>Wed, 16 Nov 2011 13:48:54 +0000</pubDate><title>RCN welcomes HCA training plans</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/article/uk/rcn_extend_hospital_visiting_times</link><description>The Royal College of Nursing has said that hospital visiting times should be extended so relatives can be more involved in the care of patients.</description><pubDate>Tue, 15 Nov 2011 11:15:30 +0000</pubDate><title>RCN: Extend hospital visiting times</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/article/uk/rcn_prepares_moves_for_pensions_ballot</link><description>The Royal College of Nursing’s governing Council met today to discuss continuing concerns over NHS pensions. Council decided that if current pensions negotiations fail by the end of December they will meet in January to authorise a ballot for industrial action.</description><pubDate>Thu, 10 Nov 2011 15:15:31 +0000</pubDate><title>RCN prepares moves for pensions ballot</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/article/uk/website_maintenance10</link><description>Due to planned technical maintenance taking place late morning on Friday 11 November, video content on the RCN website will not be available at this time.</description><pubDate>Thu, 10 Nov 2011 12:23:59 +0000</pubDate><title>Website maintenance</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/article/uk/rcn_employers_must_protect_staff_from_violence</link><description>Everything must be done to prevent members of the public from carrying out threatening or violent acts against NHS staff, the Royal College of Nursing has said.</description><pubDate>Thu, 10 Nov 2011 11:57:31 +0000</pubDate><title>RCN: Employers must protect staff from violence</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/article/uk/rcn_bulletin_now_live</link><description>The latest issue of RCN Bulletin is now online.</description><pubDate>Wed, 09 Nov 2011 12:35:49 +0000</pubDate><title>RCN Bulletin now live</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/article/uk/new_guidance_on_pin_site_care</link><description>The Royal College of Nursing has published new guidance on pin site care based on expert opinion.</description><pubDate>Wed, 09 Nov 2011 10:39:12 +0000</pubDate><title>New guidance on pin site care</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/article/uk/complete_the_whistleblowing_survey_today2</link><description>RCN members only have until 21 November to complete an important online survey which looks at members’ experiences of raising concerns within the workplace, employers’ whistleblowing (disclosure) policies in place and nurses’ knowledge of them.</description><pubDate>Wed, 09 Nov 2011 09:22:10 +0000</pubDate><title>Complete the whistleblowing survey today</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/article/uk/rcn_get_the_skill_mix_right</link><description>The RCN’s views on nurse staffing levels and skill mix were discussed on primetime BBC television last night (7 November).</description><pubDate>Tue, 08 Nov 2011 14:37:54 +0000</pubDate><title>RCN: Get the skill mix right</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/article/uk/southern_cross_update</link><description>The Royal College of Nursing is continuing to support members affected by the transfer of care homes from Southern Cross to new operators.</description><pubDate>Tue, 08 Nov 2011 09:50:36 +0000</pubDate><title>Southern Cross update</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/article/uk/facebook_q_and_a_with_dr_peter_carter</link><description>Dr Peter Carter, RCN Chief Executive &amp; General Secretary, will be answering members’ questions live on Facebook.</description><pubDate>Thu, 03 Nov 2011 15:50:53 +0000</pubDate><title>Facebook Q&amp;amp;A with Dr Peter Carter</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/article/uk/rcn_responds_to_public_sector_pensions_offer</link><description>The Royal College of Nursing said today that revised government proposals on public sector pensions were a positive move, but that negotiations must continue to ensure a fair deal for nursing staff.</description><pubDate>Wed, 02 Nov 2011 15:16:23 +0000</pubDate><title>RCN responds to public sector pensions offer</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/article/uk/nursing_standard_up_for_stonewall_award</link><description>Nursing Standard, produced by the Royal College of Nursing’s publishing company, has been shortlisted for Publication of the Year in the 2011 Stonewall Awards.</description><pubDate>Tue, 01 Nov 2011 16:23:36 +0000</pubDate><title>Nursing Standard up for Stonewall award</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/article/uk/rcn_agm_offers_full_membership_to_health_care_assistants</link><description>Members of the RCN have today voted overwhelmingly to make health care assistants, health care support workers and assistant practitioners full members of the RCN.</description><pubDate>Wed, 26 Oct 2011 17:46:00 +0100</pubDate><title>RCN AGM offers full membership to health care assistants</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/article/uk/rcn_calls_for_adequate_staffing_levels_for_childrens_nurses</link><description>The Royal College of Nursing has attacked current staffing levels for children’s nurses in UK hospitals, saying it is ‘deeply disturbing’ that some hospitals are lacking adequate numbers of children’s nurses.</description><pubDate>Thu, 27 Oct 2011 00:15:15 +0100</pubDate><title>RCN calls for adequate staffing levels for children’s nurses</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/article/uk/rcn_member_wins_mary_seacole_development_award</link><description>An exceptional member of the Royal College of Nursing has won a Mary Seacole Development Award, allowing her to pursue a project to increase accessibility and improve health outcomes for the Arabic population with type 2 diabetes in north Kensington.</description><pubDate>Wed, 26 Oct 2011 11:17:11 +0100</pubDate><title>RCN member wins Mary Seacole Development Award</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/article/uk/rcn_awards_nomination_deadline_extended</link><description>The deadline for RCN award nominations has been extended to 14 November for nominations considered at the December panel meeting.</description><pubDate>Tue, 25 Oct 2011 08:34:57 +0100</pubDate><title>RCN awards nomination deadline extended</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/article/uk/new_rcn_chair_of_council_announced</link><description>Kathleen McCourt has been elected the new RCN Chair of Council.</description><pubDate>Mon, 24 Oct 2011 10:37:58 +0100</pubDate><title>New RCN Chair of Council announced</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/article/uk/faqs_on_indemnity_scheme_updated</link><description>The Royal College of Nursing has updated its FAQs on changes that will be made to the RCN indemnity scheme and which will affect members employed in general practice.</description><pubDate>Mon, 24 Oct 2011 10:09:29 +0100</pubDate><title>FAQs on indemnity scheme updated</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/article/uk/rcn_launches_new_nhs_pensions_modellers</link><description>The Royal College of Nursing has launched two NHS pension modellers to help members understand the impact of the proposed employee contribution increases and scheme changes</description><pubDate>Mon, 24 Oct 2011 12:39:36 +0100</pubDate><title>RCN launches new NHS pensions modellers</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/article/uk/rcn_nurses_distressed_and_angry_at_pension_attacks</link><description>The Royal College of Nursing has outlined the anger felt by nursing staff at Government attacks on NHS pensions and reiterated that industrial action was inevitable unless their concerns were addressed by the Government.</description><pubDate>Fri, 21 Oct 2011 15:09:37 +0100</pubDate><title>RCN: Nurses ‘distressed and angry’ at pension attacks</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/article/uk/rcn_calls_for_fair_trial_of_bahrain_nurses</link><description>The Royal College of Nursing has called for a full and fair trial for the health care professionals facing trial in Bahrain this weekend.</description><pubDate>Fri, 21 Oct 2011 17:12:11 +0100</pubDate><title>RCN calls for fair trial of Bahrain nurses</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/article/uk/rcn_bulletin_prize_draw_have_you_had_your_say_yet</link><description>RCN members have until 2 November to have their say on the content, look and feel of the membership magazine, RCN Bulletin.</description><pubDate>Fri, 21 Oct 2011 12:05:18 +0100</pubDate><title>RCN Bulletin prize draw – have you had your say yet?</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/article/uk/rcn_bulletin_now_online</link><description>The latest issue of RCN Bulletin is now available online with new interactive page-turning software for viewing and navigation ease.</description><pubDate>Wed, 19 Oct 2011 12:48:36 +0100</pubDate><title>RCN Bulletin now online</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/article/uk/rcn_launches_guidance_on_assisted_suicide</link><description>The RCN has launched new UK-wide guidance for nurses and health care assistants on how to respond to requests from patients in relation to assisted suicide.</description><pubDate>Thu, 20 Oct 2011 00:15:11 +0100</pubDate><title>RCN: new guidance for nursing staff on assisted suicide</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/article/uk/rcn_continues_to_influence_over_health_and_social_care_bill</link><description>Calls by the Royal College of Nursing for two significant amendments to the Health and Social Care Bill have now been tabled for consideration by the House of Lords after gaining significant support by peers at a meeting this week.</description><pubDate>Wed, 19 Oct 2011 11:19:12 +0100</pubDate><title>RCN continues to influence over Health and Social Care Bill</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/article/uk/rcn_welcomes_health_visiting_regulation_reform</link><description>The Royal College of Nursing has welcomed plans by the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) to reform regulation of health visitors.</description><pubDate>Wed, 19 Oct 2011 11:03:33 +0100</pubDate><title>RCN welcomes health visiting regulation reform</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/article/uk/rcn_responds_to_nhs_future_forum_consultation</link><description>The Royal College of Nursing has today (18 October) published its response to the second listening exercise conducted by the NHS Future Forum.</description><pubDate>Tue, 18 Oct 2011 17:25:14 +0100</pubDate><title>RCN responds to NHS Future Forum consultation</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/article/uk/apologies_for_email_error</link><description>Some members of the Royal College of Nursing have received emails, inadvertently sent on 18 October, about new membership numbers and welcoming them to the RCN.
These emails were sent in error and no further action is required by those who have received them.
The RCN would like to apologise for any inconvenience caused.</description><pubDate>Tue, 18 Oct 2011 16:54:04 +0100</pubDate><title>Apologies for email error</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/article/uk/attend_the_agm_to_have_your_say</link><description>The Royal College of Nursing’s annual general meeting (AGM) is just over a week away, and members can have their say on three important resolutions by attending and casting their vote in person.  The meeting will be held on Wednesday 26 October at RCN headquarters in London. Members are being asked to vote on three vital changes to make the RCN stronger and better positioned to meet the needs of nursing staff in the future.</description><pubDate>Tue, 18 Oct 2011 14:14:21 +0100</pubDate><title>Attend the AGM to have your say</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/article/uk/cuts_to_neonatal_specialists_are_deeply_shocking_says_rcn</link><description>The Royal College of Nursing has said a report by special care baby charity Bliss reflects the desperate state of affairs within neonatal units.</description><pubDate>Mon, 17 Oct 2011 10:03:49 +0100</pubDate><title>Cuts to neonatal specialists are “deeply shocking” says RCN</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/article/uk/rcn_comments_on_pensions_meeting</link><description>The Royal College of Nursing is planning support for a Day of Action over public sector pensions and is asking members to sign up to show solidarity for the cause.</description><pubDate>Wed, 19 Oct 2011 10:14:23 +0100</pubDate><title>RCN supports pensions Day of Action</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/article/uk/health_and_social_care_bill_latest</link><description>The Royal College of Nursing will continue to brief members of the House of Lords in an attempt to gain key amendments to the Health and Social Care Bill as the legislation moves to the Committee of the Whole House for further scrutiny later this month. The bill has now received its Second Reading in the House of Lords and will be debated again next on the provisional date of 25 October.  The term Committee of the Whole House means that the bill will be debated, clause by clause, in the main chamber of the House of Lords by all Peers who wish to take part.</description><pubDate>Thu, 13 Oct 2011 14:21:01 +0100</pubDate><title>Health and Social Care Bill latest</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/article/uk/rcn_nurses_must_highlight_their_concerns</link><description>The Royal College of Nursing says that nurses are personally accountable for their own practice and must raise concerns where operational pressures are preventing the delivery of good care.</description><pubDate>Thu, 13 Oct 2011 09:43:58 +0100</pubDate><title>RCN: nurses must highlight their concerns</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/article/uk/nearly_1,000_raised_for_east_africa_drought_appeal</link><description>Members of the Royal College of Nursing raised nearly £1,000 for the Disaster Emergency Committee's east Africa drought appeal, following requests for donations earlier this year.</description><pubDate>Wed, 12 Oct 2011 16:33:28 +0100</pubDate><title>Nearly £1,000 raised for east Africa drought appeal</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/article/uk/public_asked_to_nominate_nursing_stars</link><description>RCN members are being asked to spread the word about today’s launch of the Nursing Standard Claire Rayner Patient’s Choice Award 2012.</description><pubDate>Wed, 12 Oct 2011 08:43:42 +0100</pubDate><title>Public asked to nominate nursing stars</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/article/uk/nominate_today_for_rcn_awards</link><description>Nominate somebody for an RCN award before 31 October and your nomination will be considered at the December panel meeting.</description><pubDate>Mon, 10 Oct 2011 09:38:04 +0100</pubDate><title>Nominate today for RCN awards</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/article/uk/report_on_ms_services_is_worrying</link><description>The Royal College of Nursing has said it is ‘worrying’ that NHS services for people with multiple sclerosis have shown little or no improvement in the last five years.</description><pubDate>Mon, 10 Oct 2011 00:15:11 +0100</pubDate><title>Report on MS services is ‘worrying’</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/article/uk/rcn_welcomes_andy_burnham_as_new_shadow_health_secretary</link><description>The RCN has welcomed the appointment of the Rt Hon Andy Burnham MP as the new Shadow Secretary of State for Health.</description><pubDate>Fri, 07 Oct 2011 16:27:52 +0100</pubDate><title>RCN welcomes Andy Burnham as new Shadow Health Secretary</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/article/uk/members_concerns_highlighted_to_lords</link><description>The Royal College of Nursing has issued a briefing on the Health and Social Care Bill to highlight the concerns of its members to more than 800 members of the House of Lords.</description><pubDate>Tue, 11 Oct 2011 09:25:10 +0100</pubDate><title>Lords debate health bill</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/article/uk/sentences_overturned_for_health_care_workers_in_bahrain</link><description>A 15 year jail sentence passed on Rula al-Saffar, the head of the Bahraini Nurses’ Association, has been overturned following international pressure from a number of organisations, including the RCN.</description><pubDate>Fri, 07 Oct 2011 10:05:12 +0100</pubDate><title>Sentences overturned for health care workers in Bahrain</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/article/uk/updated_guidance_on_industrial_action_by_other_unions</link><description>The Royal College of Nursing has published updated advice for RCN members who may be at work when industrial action is taken by their work colleagues in other unions.</description><pubDate>Tue, 11 Oct 2011 09:28:54 +0100</pubDate><title>Updated guidance on industrial action by other unions</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/article/uk/nhs_staff_to_play_a_star_role_in_olympic_opening_ceremony</link><description>The organisers of London 2012 are seeking talented nursing staff to play a key role in a special NHS segment of the Olympics opening ceremony. The spectacle, directed by filmmaker Danny Boyle, will include a section celebrating the importance and impact the NHS and its thousands of health care professionals have had on the UK.</description><pubDate>Thu, 06 Oct 2011 15:41:13 +0100</pubDate><title>NHS staff to play a star role in Olympic opening ceremony</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/article/uk/advice_for_rcn_members_unable_to_contact_the_nmc2</link><description>The Royal College of Nursing has issued advice to RCN members who are having difficulty in getting in touch with the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) using their telephone line.</description><pubDate>Thu, 06 Oct 2011 11:27:05 +0100</pubDate><title>Advice for RCN members unable to contact the NMC</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/article/uk/rcn_responds_to_nmc_comments_on_industrial_action</link><description>The Royal College of Nursing has said that nurses can be assured that the RCN would only ask them to take industrial action that is carefully considered, democratically agreed and which does not harm patients.</description><pubDate>Thu, 06 Oct 2011 11:18:54 +0100</pubDate><title>RCN responds to NMC comments on industrial action</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/article/uk/safety_reps_conference_agenda_now_available</link><description>The agenda for the RCN’s annual conference for safety representatives is now available.</description><pubDate>Mon, 03 Oct 2011 14:45:51 +0100</pubDate><title>Safety reps’ conference agenda now available</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/article/uk/rcn_warns_of_rising_pressure_as_staff_cuts_mount</link><description>The Royal College of Nursing has revealed that one in 20 UK nurses expects to be made redundant during the next 12 months.</description><pubDate>Mon, 03 Oct 2011 10:16:32 +0100</pubDate><title>RCN warns of rising pressure as staff cuts mount</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/article/uk/head_of_bahraini_nurses_association_freed,_but_faces_trial</link><description>The Royal College of Nursing has called for a fair trial for the President of the Bahrain Nursing Society, Mrs Al Saffar, and her health care colleagues who have been released from prison but still face trial before a military-run ‘special tribunal’.</description><pubDate>Fri, 07 Oct 2011 10:11:29 +0100</pubDate><title>Association faces 15 years imprisonment</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/article/uk/ballot_on_industrial_action_inevitable_if_pension_talks_fail</link><description>The Royal College of Nursing’s governing Council said today that industrial action balloting is ‘inevitable’ if rising anger about government proposals on NHS pensions are not addressed in the ongoing negotiations.</description><pubDate>Fri, 30 Sep 2011 14:39:09 +0100</pubDate><title>Ballot on industrial action ‘inevitable’ if pension talks fail</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/article/uk/nominate_now_for_rep_of_the_year</link><description>RCN members have until the beginning of February to make their nominations for the 2011 RCN Representative of the Year awards.</description><pubDate>Fri, 30 Sep 2011 08:35:45 +0100</pubDate><title>Nominate now for Rep of the Year</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/article/uk/rcn_comment_on_nurse_training</link><description>The Royal College of Nursing today clarified comments attributed to RCN Chief Executive &amp; General Secretary  Dr Peter Carter in this week’s Nursing Standard magazine, which suggested some newly qualified nurses lack caring skills.</description><pubDate>Thu, 29 Sep 2011 11:50:21 +0100</pubDate><title>RCN comment on nurse training</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/article/uk/annual_report_is_now_online</link><description>The Royal College of Nursing’s annual report for 2010-2011, detailing the activity of the RCN, its trading subsidiaries and the RCN Foundation, is now available to read online.</description><pubDate>Wed, 28 Sep 2011 11:33:41 +0100</pubDate><title>Annual report is now online</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/article/uk/rcn_safety_reps_set_to_highlight_the_importance_of_safe_maintenance</link><description>RCN safety representatives are being reminded that the European Week of Safety and Health 2011 takes place next month.</description><pubDate>Wed, 28 Sep 2011 10:11:40 +0100</pubDate><title>RCN safety reps set to highlight the importance of safe maintenance</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/article/uk/apply_now_for_bursaries_and_scholarships</link><description>Applications are now open for a range of bursaries and scholarships for RCN members to support projects which improve patient care, and support nursing studies.</description><pubDate>Tue, 27 Sep 2011 12:23:59 +0100</pubDate><title>Apply now for bursaries and scholarships</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/article/uk/rcn_seeks_member_views_on_pension_next_steps</link><description>The Royal College of Nursing is seeking members’ views on the next steps the RCN should take over the Government’s proposed changes to NHS pensions.</description><pubDate>Tue, 27 Sep 2011 12:15:18 +0100</pubDate><title>RCN seeks member views on pension next steps</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/article/uk/rcn_launches_new_commitment_to_dementia_care</link><description>The Royal College of Nursing has launched a new commitment to the care of people with dementia in general hospitals.</description><pubDate>Wed, 21 Sep 2011 09:31:14 +0100</pubDate><title>RCN launches new commitment to dementia care</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/article/uk/climate_and_health_learn_more_and_take_action</link><description>Climate is increasingly on the health care agenda and the Royal College of Nursing would like its members to find out more and learn how they can take action.</description><pubDate>Tue, 20 Sep 2011 16:57:52 +0100</pubDate><title>Climate and health: learn more and take action</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/article/uk/agm_vote_to_better_manage_members_money</link><description>The Royal College of Nursing is aware that many members are facing pay freezes and job cuts, and along with many others are having to manage money more carefully than before.</description><pubDate>Mon, 19 Sep 2011 10:15:54 +0100</pubDate><title>AGM vote to better manage members’ money</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/article/uk/rcn_supports_new_bowel_cancer_campaign</link><description>RCN support for new bowel cancer campaign</description><pubDate>Fri, 16 Sep 2011 10:12:46 +0100</pubDate><title>RCN supports new bowel cancer campaign</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/article/uk/rcn_concerns_over_burden_on_services</link><description>The Royal College of Nursing (RCN) today responded to the Care Quality Commission (CQC) annual report to parliament, The State of Health Care and Adult Social Care in England.</description><pubDate>Thu, 15 Sep 2011 17:17:33 +0100</pubDate><title>RCN concerns over burden on services</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/article/uk/rcn_announces_new_council_members</link><description>Results of RCN Council elections 2011</description><pubDate>Thu, 15 Sep 2011 14:49:55 +0100</pubDate><title>RCN announces new Council members</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/article/uk/pensions_government_must_find_fair_deal</link><description>The Royal College of Nursing has responded to news that public sector unions are consulting their members about industrial action over pensions, saying options for negotiation will be considered step by step.</description><pubDate>Wed, 14 Sep 2011 16:33:11 +0100</pubDate><title>Pensions: ‘Government must find fair deal’</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/article/uk/rcn_comments_on_chase_farm_decision</link><description>The Royal College of Nursing has said all patients should continue to receive the highest possible standards of care, following the government's decision to close A&amp;E and maternity services at London's Chase Farm Hospital.</description><pubDate>Mon, 12 Sep 2011 17:26:13 +0100</pubDate><title>RCN comments on Chase Farm decision</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/article/uk/nmc_should_be_able_to_test_literacy</link><description>The Royal College of Nursing has said the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) should be able to test international registrants for English literacy to maintain high standards of care and patient safety.</description><pubDate>Fri, 09 Sep 2011 12:56:07 +0100</pubDate><title>NMC should be able to test literacy</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/article/uk/rcn_welcomes_end_of_ban_on_gay_men_giving_blood</link><description>The ending on the lifetime ban on gay and bisexual men giving blood is a ‘step in the right direction’, according to the Royal College of Nursing.</description><pubDate>Thu, 08 Sep 2011 16:58:57 +0100</pubDate><title>RCN welcomes end of ban on gay men giving blood</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/article/uk/vote_yes_now</link><description>There are three important resolutions at this year’s Royal College of Nursing AGM and members  who cannot attend the event in person are still able to vote by completing and returning a proxy voting form.</description><pubDate>Thu, 08 Sep 2011 13:46:09 +0100</pubDate><title>Vote ‘yes’ now</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/article/uk/apply_now_for_safety_reps_conference</link><description>RCN safety representatives now have until 30 September to register for the RCN UK Safety Representative conference.</description><pubDate>Thu, 08 Sep 2011 13:04:23 +0100</pubDate><title>Apply now for safety reps’ conference</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/article/uk/rcn_says_concerns_remain_over_health_bill</link><description>The Royal College of Nursing has reiterated its concerns over the Government’s planned NHS reforms following David Cameron’s suggestion that the RCN and other organisations supported the Health and Social Care Bill.</description><pubDate>Thu, 08 Sep 2011 09:25:59 +0100</pubDate><title>RCN says concerns remain over Health Bill</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/article/uk/rcn_bulletin_out_now!</link><description>RCN Bulletin, the Royal College of Nursing’s fortnightly magazine for its members, is back from its summer break with the latest news and views for nursing staff.</description><pubDate>Wed, 07 Sep 2011 02:00:10 +0100</pubDate><title>RCN Bulletin – out now!</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/article/uk/rcns_online_induction_for_hcas_shortlisted_for_award</link><description>The RCN’s First steps for health care assistants online learning resource as been shortlisted for a prestigious e-learning award.</description><pubDate>Tue, 06 Sep 2011 16:21:40 +0100</pubDate><title>RCN’s online induction for HCAs shortlisted for award</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/article/uk/nominate_now_for_nursing_standard_nurse_of_the_year</link><description>RCN members are being encouraged to nominate their colleagues for the Nursing Standard Nurse of the Year 2012 awards.</description><pubDate>Wed, 07 Sep 2011 08:01:27 +0100</pubDate><title>Nominate now for Nursing Standard Nurse of the Year</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/article/uk/new_clinical_standards_on_alcohol_use</link><description>A new quality standard on alcohol dependence and harmful alcohol use has been published on the  National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE) website.</description><pubDate>Tue, 06 Sep 2011 13:59:01 +0100</pubDate><title>New clinical standards on alcohol use</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/article/uk/rcn_demands_changes_to_health_bill</link><description>The Royal College of Nursing has joined other royal colleges and health organisations to demand that amendments are made to the Health and Social Care Bill before MPs debate the proposed health reforms in England this week.</description><pubDate>Tue, 06 Sep 2011 10:14:57 +0100</pubDate><title>RCN demands changes to Health Bill</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/article/uk/southern_cross_an_update_for_rcn_members</link><description>Southern Cross, the troubled care home provider, announced new operators for 691 of its care homes last week.</description><pubDate>Mon, 05 Sep 2011 09:44:13 +0100</pubDate><title>Southern Cross: an update for RCN members</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/article/uk/rcn_prompt_action_to_deal_with_failure_is_needed</link><description>The Royal College of Nursing says that with the health service facing radical changes, it is more important than ever that failure in care and threats to financial stability are dealt with swiftly and properly.</description><pubDate>Fri, 02 Sep 2011 10:33:24 +0100</pubDate><title>RCN: Act promptly to deal with failure</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/article/uk/agm_packs_in_the_post</link><description>RCN members should look out for their AGM packs arriving in the post.</description><pubDate>Thu, 01 Sep 2011 10:19:22 +0100</pubDate><title>AGM packs in the post</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/article/uk/radio_interview_highlights_rcn_work_in_prison_nursing</link><description>A radio interview with Ann Norman, RCN Learning Disability and Criminal Justice Nursing Adviser, is now available on the internet.</description><pubDate>Wed, 31 Aug 2011 14:26:16 +0100</pubDate><title>Radio interview highlights RCN work in prison nursing</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/article/uk/new_study_finds_increased_role_for_practice_nurses_in_treating_depression_has_mutual_benefits</link><description>Structured contact with practice nurses can help people with chronic and recurrent depression in their recovery, a study by the Royal College of Nursing and Mind has shown.</description><pubDate>Wed, 31 Aug 2011 14:05:03 +0100</pubDate><title>New study finds increased role for practice nurses in treating depression has mutual benefits</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/article/uk/nominate_now_for_rcn_awards</link><description>Nominations for prestigious RCN awards are now open and RCN members are being asked to consider nominating someone who has made an exceptional contribution to the advancement of nursing and/or health care or to the work of the RCN.</description><pubDate>Wed, 31 Aug 2011 13:03:09 +0100</pubDate><title>Nominate now for RCN awards</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/article/uk/rcn_decline_in_scottish_nursing_posts_is_bad_news_for_patients</link><description>The Royal College of Nursing says the rapid acceleration in the number of nursing posts being lost in Scotland is bad news for patients.</description><pubDate>Tue, 30 Aug 2011 13:53:50 +0100</pubDate><title>RCN: Decline in Scottish nursing posts is bad news for patients</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/article/uk/applications_open_for_rcn_professional_bursary_scheme</link><description>The RCN professional bursary scheme is now accepting applications for grants from nurses involved in the enhancement of primary care nurse development and the care of older people; people with dementia; and people with long term/chronic conditions with a particular focus on obesity and diabetes.</description><pubDate>Tue, 30 Aug 2011 09:14:28 +0100</pubDate><title>Applications open for RCN professional bursary scheme</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/article/uk/website_maintenance9</link><description>Due to planned technical maintenance taking place this weekend, some RCN website services will not be available between 8pm on Saturday 27 August and 8am Sunday 28 August.</description><pubDate>Fri, 26 Aug 2011 15:02:12 +0100</pubDate><title>Website maintenance</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/article/uk/rcn_and_other_unions_to_discuss_pensions_response</link><description>The Royal College of Nursing joined other health service unions yesterday to discuss the next steps in responding to the Government’s proposed changes to the NHS pension scheme.</description><pubDate>Fri, 26 Aug 2011 13:59:30 +0100</pubDate><title>RCN and other unions form pension campaign group</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/article/uk/new_funding_for_learning_agreements</link><description>The Royal College of Nursing has secured funding from the Union Learning Fund to support the development and negotiation of learning agreements with employers.</description><pubDate>Thu, 25 Aug 2011 11:21:42 +0100</pubDate><title>New funding for learning agreements</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/article/uk/cqc_consultation_now_on</link><description>The Royal College of Nursing is currently undertaking it’s biggest ever consultation with members about the Care Quality Commission (CQC) in England.</description><pubDate>Mon, 22 Aug 2011 09:11:06 +0100</pubDate><title>CQC consultation now on</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/article/uk/submit_an_agenda_item_for_congress_2012</link><description>Members can now submit agenda items for next year’s Royal College of Nursing Congress.</description><pubDate>Thu, 18 Aug 2011 11:34:18 +0100</pubDate><title>Submit an agenda item for Congress 2012</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/article/uk/suicide_prevention_rcn_seeks_members_views</link><description>The Royal College of Nursing is asking members from a range of backgrounds to help inform an RCN response to an important consultation on suicide prevention in England.</description><pubDate>Thu, 18 Aug 2011 08:32:17 +0100</pubDate><title>Suicide prevention: RCN seeks members’ views</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/article/uk/hca_subscription_reduced</link><description>The Royal College of Nursing has decided to reduce the membership subscription for health care assistants, in recognition of the financial pressures many members are under.</description><pubDate>Fri, 19 Aug 2011 09:39:29 +0100</pubDate><title>HCA subscription reduced</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/article/uk/new_nice_standard_on_copd_now_available</link><description>The NICE chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) quality standard is now available on the NICE website.</description><pubDate>Fri, 12 Aug 2011 08:40:07 +0100</pubDate><title>New NICE standard on COPD now available</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/article/uk/rcn_bulletin_keeping_you_in_touch</link><description>The latest issue of RCN Bulletin is now available on the RCN website.</description><pubDate>Wed, 10 Aug 2011 16:46:35 +0100</pubDate><title>RCN Bulletin keeping you in touch</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/article/uk/new_rcn_guide_on_sexuality_for_older_people</link><description>The Royal College of Nursing has published new guidance to help nursing staff work effectively with issues of sexuality, intimate relationships and sex, particularly for older people living in care homes.</description><pubDate>Wed, 10 Aug 2011 15:36:11 +0100</pubDate><title>New RCN guide on sexuality for older people</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/article/uk/last_chance_to_have_your_say_on_working_in_care_homes_in_england</link><description>RCN members in England have just one more week to complete a survey to help inform the RCN’s position on working in care homes.</description><pubDate>Wed, 10 Aug 2011 13:45:12 +0100</pubDate><title>Last chance to have your say on working in care homes in England</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/article/uk/inform_the_rcn_response_to_public_services_proposals</link><description>The Royal College of Nursing is seeking feedback from members on the UK Government White Paper on 'open public services'.</description><pubDate>Wed, 10 Aug 2011 09:46:46 +0100</pubDate><title>Inform the RCN response to public services proposals</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/article/uk/civil_disturbances</link><description>The Royal College of Nursing has said that in the face of continuing civil disturbance in London and other inner-city areas, it expects health care organisations to be reviewing risk assessments and measures to protect the safety of staff, especially community nursing staff working alone on evening or twilight shifts.</description><pubDate>Wed, 10 Aug 2011 09:23:18 +0100</pubDate><title>Civil disturbances</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/article/uk/new_report_defines_standards_in_prescription_charts</link><description>A new report has defined the standards guiding the design of prescription charts.</description><pubDate>Mon, 08 Aug 2011 15:20:36 +0100</pubDate><title>New report defines standards in prescription charts</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/article/uk/rcn_welcomes_new_equality_toolkit</link><description>The Royal College of Nursing has welcomed the launch of a new toolkit that will ensure equality within the workforce in the NHS in England.</description><pubDate>Mon, 08 Aug 2011 10:56:37 +0100</pubDate><title>RCN welcomes new equality toolkit</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/article/uk/rcn_members_dont_forget_to_vote3</link><description>Don’t forget to vote and have your say in the RCN Council, Student Committee and Board elections.</description><pubDate>Mon, 08 Aug 2011 10:06:29 +0100</pubDate><title>RCN members: don’t forget to vote</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/article/uk/help_with_a_new_public_health_publication</link><description>The Royal College of Nursing is seeking examples of innovative public health practice to highlight the depth and breadth of public health nursing roles.</description><pubDate>Wed, 03 Aug 2011 10:39:17 +0100</pubDate><title>Help with a new public health publication</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/article/uk/have_your_say_on_the_mutual_recognition_of_eu_nursing_qualifications</link><description>RCN members are being encouraged to respond to an important survey about the mutual recognition of nursing qualifications in European Union countries.</description><pubDate>Fri, 29 Jul 2011 14:54:57 +0100</pubDate><title>Have your say on the mutual recognition of EU nursing qualifications</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/article/uk/rcn_responds_to_cqc_report_into_castlebeck</link><description>The Royal College of Nursing has expressed concern over findings of a report into services provided by Castlebeck Care Group.</description><pubDate>Thu, 28 Jul 2011 16:42:39 +0100</pubDate><title>RCN responds to CQC report into Castlebeck</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/article/uk/rcn_welcomes_support_for_hca_regulation</link><description>The Royal College of Nursing has responded to the Health Select Committee’s annual accountability hearing with the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) by supporting its recommendation for a system of mandatory, not voluntary, regulation of health care assistants.</description><pubDate>Thu, 04 Aug 2011 11:25:29 +0100</pubDate><title>RCN welcomes support for HCA regulation</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/article/uk/rcn_responds_to_dh_consultation_on_pensions</link><description>The Royal College of Nursing has responded angrily to the assumptions made in the Government’s consultation on proposals to increase contribution rates from April 2012 for nursing staff in the NHS Pension Scheme.</description><pubDate>Tue, 02 Aug 2011 12:16:42 +0100</pubDate><title>RCN responds to DH consultation on pensions</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/article/uk/rcn_elections_voting_now_open</link><description>Voting has opened for this year’s Council, RCN Students Committee and board elections. You can visit the elections 2011 page for more information about voting.</description><pubDate>Wed, 27 Jul 2011 09:35:32 +0100</pubDate><title>RCN elections – voting now open</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/article/uk/rcn_welcomes_new_pensions_talks</link><description>The Royal College of Nursing has welcomed the UK Government’s proposals that future discussions on pension reform should take place within the specific public sector pension schemes.</description><pubDate>Tue, 26 Jul 2011 08:24:14 +0100</pubDate><title>RCN responds to pensions letter</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/article/uk/rcn_launches_a_range_of_new_publication</link><description>The RCN is continuing to provide high quality material for its members and has, in the last week, launched a range of new publications.</description><pubDate>Thu, 21 Jul 2011 14:33:50 +0100</pubDate><title>RCN launches a range of new publications</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/article/uk/cn_launches_new_research_on_older_nurses</link><description>The Royal College of Nursing has published new research which provides important information about the employment patterns, preferences and retirement decisions of nurses approaching retirement age.</description><pubDate>Thu, 21 Jul 2011 14:20:18 +0100</pubDate><title>RCN launches new research on older nurses</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/article/uk/rcn_welcomes_new_commission_on_dignity_in_care</link><description>The Royal College of Nursing welcomes the new commission on improving dignity in the care provided to older patients in hospitals and care homes.</description><pubDate>Wed, 20 Jul 2011 17:29:55 +0100</pubDate><title>RCN welcomes new commission on dignity in care</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/article/uk/rcn_students_will_struggle_under_new_bursary_arrangements</link><description>The Government’s revised plans for NHS student bursaries do not provide solutions to existing problems, or stave off problems of the future, according to the Royal College of Nursing.</description><pubDate>Mon, 18 Jul 2011 15:02:58 +0100</pubDate><title>RCN: students will struggle under new bursary arrangements</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/article/uk/rcn_warns_of_nursing_workforce_crisis</link><description>The Royal College of Nursing has warned that the NHS in England could lose nearly 100,000 nurses over the next 10 years, with potentially disastrous consequences for patient care.</description><pubDate>Mon, 18 Jul 2011 00:15:26 +0100</pubDate><title>RCN warns of nursing workforce crisis</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/article/uk/public_health_is_vital_for_nations_wellbeing</link><description>A Government update on the Public Health White Paper has been welcomed by the Royal College of Nursing, but the RCN  believes there are still ‘significant gaps to be filled’.</description><pubDate>Fri, 15 Jul 2011 16:21:05 +0100</pubDate><title>‘Public health is vital for nation’s wellbeing’</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/article/uk/rcn_bulletin_online_keeps_you_in_touch</link><description>The latest issue of RCN Bulletin, packed with the latest news and views for members of the Royal College of Nursing, can now be read online.</description><pubDate>Wed, 13 Jul 2011 12:10:26 +0100</pubDate><title>RCN Bulletin online keeps you in touch</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/article/uk/southern_cross_update_for_rcn_members</link><description>RCN members who have worked for Southern Cross are being advised to contact RCN Direct on 0345 772 6100 if they have concerns about their future employment.</description><pubDate>Tue, 19 Jul 2011 16:22:57 +0100</pubDate><title>Southern Cross update for RCN members</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/article/uk/africa_drought_appeal</link><description>A Disasters Emergency Committee appeal has been launched as it is reported that 10 million people in East Africa are suffering their worst drought in over half a century.</description><pubDate>Thu, 14 Jul 2011 12:35:22 +0100</pubDate><title>East Africa drought appeal</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/article/uk/nurses_on_commissioning_boards_agreed_by_government</link><description>An amendment to the Health and Social Care Bill, which means nurses will sit on English commissioning boards, has been passed by the Government - following a successful campaign by the Royal College of Nursing.</description><pubDate>Fri, 08 Jul 2011 15:07:30 +0100</pubDate><title>Nurses on commissioning boards agreed by Government</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/article/uk/southern_cross_consider_residents_needs,_says_rcn</link><description>The Royal College of Nursing is calling for action to be taken to minimise the need for residents at Southern Cross care homes to be moved from one home to another.</description><pubDate>Fri, 08 Jul 2011 15:27:53 +0100</pubDate><title>Southern Cross: consider residents’ needs, says RCN</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/article/uk/ask_peter_carter_your_questions_in_live_webchat</link><description>Nurses from across the world have an opportunity to put their questions to RCN Chief Executive &amp; General Secretary Dr Peter Carter later this week.</description><pubDate>Thu, 07 Jul 2011 08:31:52 +0100</pubDate><title>Ask Peter Carter your questions in live webchat</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/article/uk/rcn_elections_candidates_announced</link><description>The provisional list of candidates for this year’s Council, RCN Student Committee and board elections has been announced.</description><pubDate>Tue, 05 Jul 2011 11:40:34 +0100</pubDate><title>RCN elections – candidates announced</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/article/uk/rcn_publishes_evidence_of_the_importance_of_health_visitors</link><description>The Royal College of Nursing has today published evidence of the important role that health visitors play in the lives of children and families.</description><pubDate>Tue, 05 Jul 2011 11:01:48 +0100</pubDate><title>RCN publishes evidence of the importance of health visitors</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/article/uk/social_care_should_be_simplified</link><description>The Royal College of Nursing has said any future social care system should provide integrated care with the health service.</description><pubDate>Mon, 04 Jul 2011 16:10:49 +0100</pubDate><title>‘Social care should be simplified’</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/article/uk/rcn_supports_dementia_awareness_week</link><description>The Royal College of Nursing is supporting Dementia Awareness Week 2011, which is taking place this week in England and Wales.</description><pubDate>Mon, 04 Jul 2011 15:59:23 +0100</pubDate><title>RCN supports Dementia Awareness Week</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/article/uk/mr_congress_scoops_members_award</link><description>RCN events manager Brian French, best known for organising Congress for more than 25 years, scooped the Members’ Award for outstanding customer service at the RCN’s Staff Awards for Excellence.</description><pubDate>Fri, 01 Jul 2011 10:13:58 +0100</pubDate><title>‘Mr Congress’ scoops members’ award</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/article/uk/rcn_strikes_gold_at_hr_awards</link><description>The Royal College of Nursing has won three awards at this week’s prestigious HR Excellence Awards.</description><pubDate>Thu, 30 Jun 2011 14:39:12 +0100</pubDate><title>RCN strikes gold at HR awards</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/article/uk/tell_your_pension_story</link><description>The Royal College of Nursing is calling on its members to say what proposed pension changes would mean to them, to help reflect member views around the negotiating table.</description><pubDate>Thu, 30 Jun 2011 12:05:51 +0100</pubDate><title>Tell your pension story</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/article/uk/last_chance_to_complete_survey_on_violence</link><description>RCN members have only a few more days to complete an important survey on workplace violence.</description><pubDate>Thu, 30 Jun 2011 10:45:47 +0100</pubDate><title>Last chance to complete survey on violence</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/article/uk/free_seminar_on_the_nhs_equality_system</link><description>Members of the Royal College of Nursing have an opportunity to attend a free seminar which will help them understand the new Equality Delivery System (EDS), due to be implemented in the NHS in England this year.</description><pubDate>Thu, 30 Jun 2011 09:46:53 +0100</pubDate><title>Free seminar on the NHS equality system</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/article/uk/read_all_about_it_in_rcn_bulletin_online</link><description>The latest issue of RCN Bulletin – the fortnightly magazine exclusively for members of the Royal College of Nursing – is now available online.</description><pubDate>Wed, 29 Jun 2011 09:03:36 +0100</pubDate><title>Read all about it in RCN Bulletin Online</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/article/uk/rcn_issues_advice_for_members_affected_by_industrial_action</link><description>The Royal College of Nursing and many other trade unions are not involved in any industrial action on 30 June. The RCN is not involved in any formal dispute with employers at this point.</description><pubDate>Fri, 24 Jun 2011 13:57:03 +0100</pubDate><title>RCN issues advice for members affected by industrial action</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/article/uk/new_online_resource_to_help_members_with_research</link><description>The Royal College of Nursing has launched an online resource to help members research the latest updates in their clinical practice.</description><pubDate>Fri, 24 Jun 2011 12:54:06 +0100</pubDate><title>New online resource to help members with research</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/article/uk/rcn_members_sought_with_ltc_and_multimedia_expertise</link><description>RCN members with an interest in remote support for people with long term conditions are being encouraged to assist the College in a new project.</description><pubDate>Thu, 23 Jun 2011 10:50:27 +0100</pubDate><title>RCN members sought with LTC and multimedia expertise</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/article/uk/rcn_supports_global_maternal_health_conference</link><description>The RCN is being represented at the 29th Triennial Congress of the International Confederation of Midwives</description><pubDate>Tue, 21 Jun 2011 16:11:21 +0100</pubDate><title>RCN supports global maternal health conference</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/article/uk/new_film_explains_rcns_position_on_pensions</link><description>The Royal College of Nursing has restated its view that there is no need for another major change to nurses’ pensions.</description><pubDate>Thu, 23 Jun 2011 12:43:36 +0100</pubDate><title>RCN: no need for another major change to nurses’ pensions</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/article/uk/nhs_should_keep_safeguarding_responsibility</link><description>Designated safeguarding professionals should be part of commissioning consortia if the NHS in England is reformed, according to the Royal College of Nursing and the Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health.</description><pubDate>Mon, 20 Jun 2011 15:59:33 +0100</pubDate><title>NHS should keep safeguarding responsibility</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/article/uk/information_survey_now_open</link><description>The Royal College of Nursing is asking its members to feed back information on their skill and confidence levels in finding, using and managing information</description><pubDate>Mon, 20 Jun 2011 09:12:10 +0100</pubDate><title>Information survey now open</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/article/uk/rcn_publishes_guidance_on_consent_for_research</link><description>The Royal College of Nursing has published new guidance for nurses undertaking research and who need to seek informed consent from patients for their work.</description><pubDate>Thu, 16 Jun 2011 15:29:14 +0100</pubDate><title>RCN publishes guidance on consent for research</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/article/uk/new_rcn_bulletin_now_online</link><description>The latest issue of RCN Bulletin is now available online.</description><pubDate>Wed, 15 Jun 2011 10:42:17 +0100</pubDate><title>New RCN Bulletin now online</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/article/uk/rcn_responds_to_nhs_reform_announcement</link><description>The Royal College of Nursing has said the Government is 'absolutely right' to give nursing staff a guaranteed place on commissioning boards.</description><pubDate>Tue, 14 Jun 2011 15:32:04 +0100</pubDate><title>RCN responds to NHS reform announcement</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/article/uk/rcn_responds_to_future_forum</link><description>The Royal College of Nursing’s Chief Executive &amp; General Secretary, Dr Peter Carter, has responded to the publication of the NHS Future Forum response.</description><pubDate>Mon, 13 Jun 2011 14:51:36 +0100</pubDate><title>RCN responds to Future Forum</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/article/uk/nursing_acknowledged_in_honours_list</link><description>Congratulations to the RCN members and staff who received awards in the Queen’s birthday honours list.</description><pubDate>Wed, 15 Jun 2011 11:17:06 +0100</pubDate><title>Nursing acknowledged in honours list</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/article/uk/rcn_expresses_concern_over_health_care_staff_on_trial_in_bahrain</link><description>The Royal College of Nursing has expressed its concern for the welfare of nurses and doctors in Bahrain who are facing a military trial after treating injured protestors.</description><pubDate>Fri, 10 Jun 2011 16:28:58 +0100</pubDate><title>RCN expresses concern over health care staff on trial in Bahrain</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/article/uk/rcn_launches_guidance_for_terminology_in_electronic_patient_records</link><description>The RCN Information in Nursing forum has published guidance for nursing staff on the use of standardised terminologies in electronic patient records.</description><pubDate>Fri, 10 Jun 2011 15:22:56 +0100</pubDate><title>RCN launches guidance for terminology in electronic patient records</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/article/uk/pauline_is_rcn_northern_ireland_nurse_of_the_year_2011</link><description>Pauline Haslett has won the RCN Northern Ireland Nurse of the Year Award 2011.</description><pubDate>Fri, 10 Jun 2011 08:09:57 +0100</pubDate><title>Pauline is RCN Northern Ireland Nurse of the Year 2011</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/article/uk/rcn_advises_staff_at_southern_cross</link><description>The Royal College of Nursing has responded to the news that Southern Cross, the UK’s largest independent care home provider, has significant financial problems.</description><pubDate>Fri, 10 Jun 2011 12:52:05 +0100</pubDate><title>Update for RCN members working at Southern Cross</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/article/uk/rcn_responds_to_david_camerons_nhs_speech</link><description>The Royal College of Nursing has responded to a speech by Prime Minister David Cameron, who said nurses will have a role in commissioning NHS services in England.</description><pubDate>Tue, 07 Jun 2011 16:12:01 +0100</pubDate><title>RCN responds to David Cameron’s NHS speech</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/article/uk/rcn_holds_regional_workshops_on_vte_prevention</link><description>The Royal College of Nursing is holding a series of regional workshops on venous thromboembolism (VTE) prevention.</description><pubDate>Tue, 07 Jun 2011 15:54:09 +0100</pubDate><title>RCN holds regional workshops on VTE prevention</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/article/uk/have_your_say_on_the_equalities_act</link><description>The Royal College of Nursing is encouraging RCN members to contribute to the Government’s Red Tape Challenge and feed back how the Equality Act 2010 is working in practice.</description><pubDate>Tue, 07 Jun 2011 10:50:15 +0100</pubDate><title>Have your say on the Equalities Act</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/article/uk/apply_now_for_monica_baly_bursary</link><description>RCN members are being encouraged to apply for a bursary for the promotion of scholarship in nursing history.</description><pubDate>Mon, 06 Jun 2011 15:27:38 +0100</pubDate><title>Apply now for Monica Baly bursary</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/article/uk/rcn_reiterates_call_for_nurses_to_have_a_place_on_consortia_boards</link><description>The Royal College of Nursing is reiterating its call for a nurse to have a guaranteed place on every GP consortia board in England.</description><pubDate>Mon, 06 Jun 2011 15:29:57 +0100</pubDate><title>RCN reiterates call for nurses to have a place on consortia boards</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/article/uk/rcn_launches_new_sexual_health_resource</link><description>The RCN has launched a new online resource to help nursing staff working in all disciplines help understand and address sexual health issues.</description><pubDate>Mon, 06 Jun 2011 12:34:10 +0100</pubDate><title>RCN launches new sexual health resource</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/article/uk/rcn_nurses_deserve_a_seat_on_the_board</link><description>The Royal College of Nursing has called for nurses to have a formal role on commissioning consortia boards in England.</description><pubDate>Wed, 01 Jun 2011 10:35:56 +0100</pubDate><title>RCN: Nurses deserve a seat on the board</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/article/uk/rcn_comments_on_shocking_panorama_report</link><description>The Royal College of Nursing has said that the abuse revealed in last night’s BBC1 Panorama programme, Undercover care: the abuse exposed, is ‘more shocking than anything we could have imagined.’</description><pubDate>Wed, 01 Jun 2011 10:02:47 +0100</pubDate><title>RCN comments on ‘shocking’ Panorama report</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/article/uk/read_the_latest_issue_of_rcn_bulletin</link><description>The latest issue of RCN Bulletin is now available to read on the RCN website.</description><pubDate>Wed, 01 Jun 2011 09:47:52 +0100</pubDate><title>Read the latest issue of RCN Bulletin</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/article/uk/charter_for_end_of_life_care_published_by_rcn_and_rcgp</link><description>The Royal College of Nursing and the Royal College of General Practitioners have released a new charter for end of life care that sets out best practice standards that all patients deserve from their primary health care team.</description><pubDate>Wed, 01 Jun 2011 09:07:27 +0100</pubDate><title>Charter for end of life care published by RCN and RCGP</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/article/uk/rcn_launches_new_complaints_system</link><description>The Royal College of Nursing has launched a new feedback process to improve the way in which complaints are handled by the organisation.</description><pubDate>Wed, 01 Jun 2011 10:42:48 +0100</pubDate><title>RCN launches new feedback system</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/article/uk/prize_draw_for_rcn_members_who_work_in_the_community</link><description>RCN members who work alone in a community setting are being asked to complete a short online survey to help the RCN review what protection from violence and aggression is now available for these workers.</description><pubDate>Wed, 01 Jun 2011 16:09:56 +0100</pubDate><title>Prize draw for RCN members who work in the community</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/article/uk/rcn_publishes_guidance_on_wipes</link><description>The Royal College of Nursing has published guidance to help nursing staff understand and make informed decisions on the selection and use of wipes.</description><pubDate>Tue, 31 May 2011 08:17:00 +0100</pubDate><title>RCN publishes guidance on wipes</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/article/uk/rcn_publishes_guidance_for_nursing_staff_working_with_people_with_learning_disabilities</link><description>The Royal College of Nursing has published the second edition of Meeting the health needs of people with learning disabilities. RCN guidance for nursing staff.</description><pubDate>Fri, 27 May 2011 10:02:15 +0100</pubDate><title>RCN publishes guidance for nursing staff working with people with learning disabilities</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/article/uk/last_chance_to_book_for_equality_conference</link><description>RCN members have only a few more days to book their places on a free conference where they will have an opportunity to give feedback on the RCN’s gender equality performance.</description><pubDate>Fri, 27 May 2011 09:23:41 +0100</pubDate><title>Last chance to book for equality conference</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/article/uk/rcn_responds_to_listening_exercise</link><description>The Royal College of Nursing has called for ‘decisive action through significant amendments’ in its formal response to the NHS Future Forum – which is running the Health and Social Care Bill ‘listening’ exercise.</description><pubDate>Thu, 26 May 2011 15:55:42 +0100</pubDate><title>RCN responds to ‘listening’ exercise</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/article/uk/shocking_report_on_the_care_of_older_people</link><description>The Royal College of Nursing has described the findings of a new report on the care of older people in England as ‘truly shocking’.</description><pubDate>Thu, 26 May 2011 09:42:23 +0100</pubDate><title>‘Shocking’ report on the care of older people</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/article/uk/rcn_launches_new_mental_health_film</link><description>The Royal College of Nursing is calling for sustained investment in mental health services, as a new RCN video is launched to promote the outstanding work of nurses who work in the mental health sector.</description><pubDate>Wed, 25 May 2011 13:12:08 +0100</pubDate><title>RCN launches new mental health film</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/article/uk/rcn_invest_in_specialist_nurses</link><description>The Royal College of Nursing has called for NHS trusts to continue investing in specialist nursing services. The RCN says this will keep patients well and out of hospital.</description><pubDate>Tue, 24 May 2011 09:16:20 +0100</pubDate><title>RCN: Invest in specialist nurses</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/article/uk/rcn_members_asked_for_help_with_food_labelling_survey</link><description>RCN members who give dietary advice to patients and clients are being asked to complete a survey investigating the use of food labelling.</description><pubDate>Fri, 20 May 2011 09:44:32 +0100</pubDate><title>RCN members asked for help with food labelling survey</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/article/uk/look_out_for_the_employment_survey</link><description>RCN members are being asked to check their email inboxes to see if they have been selected to take part in this year’s RCN Employment Survey.</description><pubDate>Thu, 02 Jun 2011 10:39:51 +0100</pubDate><title>Look out for the employment survey</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/article/uk/measles_outbreak_in_europe</link><description>Nursing staff need to be aware of where they can access latest advice on measles, the RCN says, as the number of incidences of the disease in Europe is rising.</description><pubDate>Fri, 20 May 2011 09:34:29 +0100</pubDate><title>Measles outbreak in Europe</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/article/uk/rcn_launches_bulletin_online</link><description>RCN members can now download and read RCN Bulletin online, with additional information on some of each issue’s main stories</description><pubDate>Wed, 18 May 2011 09:15:06 +0100</pubDate><title>RCN launches Bulletin Online</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/article/uk/innovation_in_outcomes_competition</link><description>RCN members are being encouraged to enter a competition to find new indicators for some of the health outcomes in the NHS Outcomes Framework.</description><pubDate>Tue, 17 May 2011 11:13:38 +0100</pubDate><title>Innovation in outcomes competition</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/article/uk/new_charges_for_additional_pension_forecasts</link><description>NHS Pensions is introducing a new charging tariff for forecasts and transfer values, from 1 June.</description><pubDate>Mon, 23 May 2011 14:37:41 +0100</pubDate><title>New charges for additional pension forecasts</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/article/uk/register_for_blood_clots_webinar</link><description>Don’t forget to register for RCN’s free webinar which is being held to highlight the contribution that nurses and nursing can make to reduce the incidence of venous thromboembolism (VTE), or blood clots, in health care.</description><pubDate>Mon, 16 May 2011 09:40:20 +0100</pubDate><title>Register for blood clots webinar</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/article/uk/free_gender_equality_conference_for_rcn_members</link><description>A free conference will provide an opportunity for RCN members to give their constructive feedback on the RCN’s gender equality performance.</description><pubDate>Fri, 13 May 2011 15:37:55 +0100</pubDate><title>Free gender equality conference for RCN members</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/article/uk/achievements_should_be_recognised_on_nurses_day</link><description>The Royal College of Nursing has praised the vital work of nurses as it marks International Nurses’ Day.</description><pubDate>Thu, 12 May 2011 09:31:06 +0100</pubDate><title>Achievements should be recognised on Nurses’ Day</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/article/uk/rcn_report_highlights_need_for_support_worker_regulation</link><description>The Royal College of Nursing has published a report of its findings following a scoping exercise of the assistant practitioner (AP) workforce.</description><pubDate>Tue, 10 May 2011 14:31:13 +0100</pubDate><title>RCN report highlights need for support worker regulation</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/article/uk/rcn_highlights_the_importance_of_vte</link><description>The Royal College of Nursing has published information on best practice in preventing deaths from venous thromboembolism (VTE) as this year’s National Thrombosis week focuses on the high number of deaths caused by VTE in the under 40s.</description><pubDate>Fri, 06 May 2011 15:07:06 +0100</pubDate><title>RCN highlights the importance of VTE</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/article/uk/website_maintenance8</link><description>Due to planned technical maintenance taking place, some RCN website services will not be available between 2.30pm on Friday 6 May and 8am on Saturday 7 May.</description><pubDate>Fri, 06 May 2011 17:01:15 +0100</pubDate><title>Website maintenance</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/article/uk/rcn_launches_e-card_to_celebrate_nurses_day</link><description>The Royal College of Nursing has launched an e-card which will be used by nursing staff across the UK to invite family and friends to celebrate Nurses’ Day next week.</description><pubDate>Thu, 05 May 2011 11:46:09 +0100</pubDate><title>RCN launches e-card to celebrate Nurses’ Day</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/article/uk/opportunity_for_rcn_member_from_jersey</link><description>The Royal College of Nursing is looking for an enthusiastic member from Jersey to join the RCN South East Board.</description><pubDate>Tue, 03 May 2011 08:56:05 +0100</pubDate><title>Opportunity for RCN member from Jersey</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/article/uk/rcn_conference_addresses_spirituality_and_mental_health</link><description>A forthcoming RCN conference will address key issues relating to spirituality and mental health.</description><pubDate>Thu, 28 Apr 2011 13:40:16 +0100</pubDate><title>RCN conference addresses spirituality and mental health</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/article/uk/rcn_publishes_new_standards_on_care_of_children</link><description>The Royal College of Nursing has published new standards to promote the highest level of care and wellbeing for children.</description><pubDate>Thu, 28 Apr 2011 12:37:19 +0100</pubDate><title>RCN publishes new standards on care of children</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/article/uk/bereavement_nurse_wins_nursing_standard_nurse_of_the_year_2011</link><description>Bereavement nurse Fiona Murphy has won the Nursing Standard Nurse of the Year award for 2011.</description><pubDate>Thu, 28 Apr 2011 23:00:16 +0100</pubDate><title>Bereavement nurse wins Nursing Standard Nurse of the Year 2011</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/article/uk/dont_forget_to_vote_on_5_may</link><description>Elections take place in Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland on 5 May and this is an opportunity for RCN members to influence who will lead on issues relating to health in these countries.</description><pubDate>Tue, 26 Apr 2011 09:55:45 +0100</pubDate><title>Don’t forget to vote on 5 May</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/article/uk/your_views_needed_on_disability_equality</link><description>RCN members are being asked to respond to questions on disability to help the RCN fight for disability equality in workplaces.</description><pubDate>Thu, 21 Apr 2011 15:54:58 +0100</pubDate><title>Your  views needed on disability equality</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/article/uk/rcn_works_with_nice_on_quality_standards</link><description>The Royal College of Nursing has worked with the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE) to jointly publish quality standards for a range of key clinical issues.</description><pubDate>Thu, 21 Apr 2011 15:47:36 +0100</pubDate><title>RCN works with NICE on quality standards</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/article/uk/rcn_elections_2011_stand_up_for_nursing</link><description>The RCN is looking for members to fill roles on RCN Council and the RCN Students Committee. There are also a number of vacancies for safety representatives and a steward on the England regional boards.</description><pubDate>Wed, 20 Apr 2011 16:45:12 +0100</pubDate><title>RCN elections 2011 – stand up for nursing</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/article/uk/record_success_for_rcns_legal_team</link><description>The RCN’s legal team in England and Wales has won a record amount of compensation for members in the last year.</description><pubDate>Wed, 20 Apr 2011 12:18:37 +0100</pubDate><title>Record success for RCN’s legal team</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/article/uk/would_you_like_to_learn_from_nurses_abroad</link><description>Two scholarship schemes offering chances to learn from nurses abroad are now accepting applications from emergency and ophthalmic nurses.</description><pubDate>Tue, 19 Apr 2011 14:19:41 +0100</pubDate><title>Would you like to learn from nurses abroad?</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/article/uk/rcn_publishes_guidance_on_spiritual_care</link><description>The Royal College of Nursing has published a guide to help nursing staff address questions about spiritual care.</description><pubDate>Wed, 20 Apr 2011 11:52:31 +0100</pubDate><title>RCN publishes guidance on spiritual care</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/article/uk/transforming_community_services_-_keep_your_rcn_details_up_to_date</link><description>Thousands of RCN members working in community services transferred to new employers last month as a result of the Transforming Community Services initiative in England</description><pubDate>Thu, 21 Apr 2011 11:59:35 +0100</pubDate><title>Check your RCN details are up to date</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/article/uk/health_secretary_listens_to_members_concerns</link><description>A group of members met Health Secretary Andrew Lansley at RCN Congress to voice the concerns of nursing staff about the Health and Social Care Bill and current problems in the NHS and wider health care service.</description><pubDate>Fri, 15 Apr 2011 12:06:34 +0100</pubDate><title>Health Secretary listens to members' concerns</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/article/uk/congress_debates_industrial_action_ballot</link><description>Royal College of Nursing members backed calls for a ballot on industrial action if a national increment freeze is imposed by the government.</description><pubDate>Fri, 15 Apr 2011 09:43:05 +0100</pubDate><title>Congress debates industrial action ballot</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/article/uk/huge_support_for_no_confidence_vote_on_reforms</link><description>Feelings ran high at Congress yesterday as members backed overwhelmingly a vote of no confidence in Andrew Lansley’s management of the proposed health reforms in England.</description><pubDate>Fri, 15 Apr 2011 12:05:00 +0100</pubDate><title>Huge support for no confidence vote on reforms</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/article/uk/campbell_fight_mental_health_cuts</link><description>A speech by former government spin doctor, Alastair Campbell, stirred up Congress as he spoke passionately about the threat of cuts to mental health services, and called for nurses to stand together to fight them.</description><pubDate>Wed, 13 Apr 2011 18:32:58 +0100</pubDate><title>Campbell: fight mental health cuts</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/article/uk/specialist_nursing_services_being_slashed</link><description>Crucial specialist nursing services are being slashed by the NHS despite their work saving money and improving patient care.</description><pubDate>Wed, 13 Apr 2011 00:15:26 +0100</pubDate><title>Specialist nursing services 'being slashed'</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/article/uk/website_maintenance7</link><description>Due to planned technical maintenance taking place this evening, some RCN website services will not be available between 8pm on Wednesday 13 April and 1am Wednesday 14 April.</description><pubDate>Wed, 13 Apr 2011 00:15:15 +0100</pubDate><title>Website maintenance</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/article/uk/nhs_reforms_enough_is_enough</link><description>The Government’s health reforms risk becoming the biggest disaster in the history of Britain’s public services if Royal College of Nursing concerns are not heeded, RCN Chief Executive &amp; General Secretary Dr Peter Carter has said.</description><pubDate>Mon, 11 Apr 2011 15:00:17 +0100</pubDate><title>NHS reforms: “enough is enough”</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/article/uk/more_than_half_of_nhs_job_cuts_are_on_clinical_frontline</link><description>The Royal College of Nursing has exposed the myth that NHS frontline care and services are protected, and says cuts will lead to ‘fewer services, fewer nurses and a worse NHS’.</description><pubDate>Mon, 11 Apr 2011 00:15:03 +0100</pubDate><title>More than half of NHS job cuts are on clinical frontline</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/article/uk/nurses_long_hours_prop_up_the_nhs</link><description>The NHS is propped up by the goodwill of nursing staff who work longer than their contracted hours and provide last-minute shift cover, the Royal College of Nursing has found.</description><pubDate>Sun, 10 Apr 2011 00:15:19 +0100</pubDate><title>Nurses’ long hours prop up the NHS</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/article/uk/rcn_congress_opens_in_liverpool</link><description>RCN members from across the UK have arrived in Liverpool as RCN Congress 2011 gets underway.</description><pubDate>Sun, 10 Apr 2011 20:07:08 +0100</pubDate><title>RCN Congress opens in Liverpool</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/article/uk/rcn_president_welcomes_you_to_congress_in_liverpool</link><description>RCN President Andrea Spyropoulos is looking forward to welcoming RCN members to her home town in Liverpool as nursing staff from across the UK meet for RCN Congress next week.</description><pubDate>Sun, 10 Apr 2011 20:09:09 +0100</pubDate><title>RCN President welcomes you to Congress in Liverpool</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/article/uk/rcn_nhs_missing_out_on_5.5m_a_year_in_potential_savings</link><description>The Royal College of Nursing has revealed that the NHS could potentially save up to £5.5 million a year if health organisations improve the way they dispose of waste.</description><pubDate>Wed, 06 Apr 2011 15:17:45 +0100</pubDate><title>RCN: NHS missing out on £5.5m a year in potential savings</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/article/uk/rcn_seeks_comments_on_fair_deal_proposals</link><description>The Royal College of Nursing is seeking member comments to use in its response to the HM Treasury consultation on the current Fair Deal arrangements. The consultation follows Lord Hutton’s interim report on public service pensions.</description><pubDate>Tue, 05 Apr 2011 12:15:29 +0100</pubDate><title>RCN seeks comments on Fair Deal proposals</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/article/uk/principles_of_nursing_practice_-_find_out_more</link><description>RCN members have the opportunity to explore the benefits and implementation of the RCN’s Principles of Nursing Practice in a forthcoming event at RCN Congress.</description><pubDate>Tue, 05 Apr 2011 09:53:44 +0100</pubDate><title>Principles of Nursing Practice - find out more</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/article/uk/rcn_welcomes_commissioning_recommendation</link><description>The Royal College of Nursing has welcomed a Health Select Committee report which agreed that nurses must be represented and involved on local commissioning boards.</description><pubDate>Wed, 06 Apr 2011 14:33:49 +0100</pubDate><title>RCN welcomes commissioning recommendation</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/article/uk/rcn_responds_to_nurse_education_consultation</link><description>The Royal College of Nursing has submitted its response to the Government’s plans to shake up nurse education in England.</description><pubDate>Mon, 04 Apr 2011 14:51:18 +0100</pubDate><title>RCN responds to nurse education consultation</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/article/uk/new_midwifery_and_womens_health_adviser_joins_the_rcn</link><description>The Royal College of Nursing has appointed Carmel Bagness to the position of RCN Adviser for Midwifery and Women’s Health.</description><pubDate>Mon, 04 Apr 2011 15:36:52 +0100</pubDate><title>New midwifery and women’s health adviser joins the RCN</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/article/uk/rcn_memorial_campaign_attracts_media_attention</link><description>The Royal College of Nursing’s call for a permanent memorial to honour nurses who have served in conflict has featured on BBC Radio 4’s Today programme.</description><pubDate>Fri, 01 Apr 2011 12:39:12 +0100</pubDate><title>RCN memorial campaign attracts media attention</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/article/uk/rcn_calls_for_more_clarity_over_public_health_budget</link><description>Plans to ring-fence money for public health are well-intentioned, the Royal College of Nursing has said, but it is unclear which services would be covered, how the money would be safeguarded, and how a public health ‘premium’ would work in practice.</description><pubDate>Thu, 31 Mar 2011 16:50:35 +0100</pubDate><title>RCN calls for more clarity over public health budget</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/article/uk/support_for_people_with_mental_health_needs_in_justice_system_welcomed</link><description>Dr Peter Carter has welcomed a government commitment to divert people with mental health needs from the justice system and to improve treatment and support in the community.</description><pubDate>Wed, 30 Mar 2011 16:39:49 +0100</pubDate><title>Support for people with mental health needs in justice system welcomed</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/article/uk/rcn_launches_nurses_day_campaign</link><description>The Royal College of Nursing has launched a major new online campaign to celebrate Nurses’ Day which takes place on 12 May.</description><pubDate>Thu, 31 Mar 2011 14:48:40 +0100</pubDate><title>RCN launches Nurses’ Day campaign</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/article/uk/last_chance_to_pre-register_for_congress</link><description>Find out how you can keep up to speed with developments at RCN Congress without even being there.</description><pubDate>Thu, 31 Mar 2011 10:27:00 +0100</pubDate><title>Keep up with Congress</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/article/uk/nurses_day_website</link><description>Royal College of Nursing members and the public should keep their eyes peeled for the new Nurses' Day website.</description><pubDate>Mon, 28 Mar 2011 09:00:17 +0100</pubDate><title>Nurses' Day website</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/article/uk/rcn_welcomes_improved_tax_position_for_mileage</link><description>The RCN welcomes the increase in tax allowances for mileage rates for members who use their cars for work.</description><pubDate>Thu, 24 Mar 2011 14:47:38 +0000</pubDate><title>RCN welcomes improved tax position for mileage</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/article/uk/spread_the_word_about_school_toilet_award</link><description>RCN members who are school nurses are being encouraged to spread the word about a new award for school toilets.</description><pubDate>Thu, 24 Mar 2011 08:54:16 +0000</pubDate><title>Spread the word about school toilet award</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/article/uk/retention_and_exit_terms_policy</link><description>The Royal College of Nursing has commented on the recently published Department of Health  Retention and exit terms (RETS) policy.</description><pubDate>Wed, 23 Mar 2011 13:40:28 +0000</pubDate><title>Retention and exit terms policy</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/article/uk/changes_to_nhs_injury_benefits</link><description>The Royal College of Nursing is warning that a change in NHS temporary injury allowance payments may result in a reduction of take home pay for some RCN members.</description><pubDate>Wed, 23 Mar 2011 13:54:00 +0000</pubDate><title>Changes to NHS injury benefits</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/article/uk/rcn_publishes_advice_for_royal_wedding_work</link><description>The Royal College of Nursing has published advice for RCN members who are obliged to work on the royal wedding public holiday on 29 April.</description><pubDate>Wed, 23 Mar 2011 09:46:21 +0000</pubDate><title>RCN publishes advice for royal wedding work</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/article/uk/congress_fringe_schedule_is_now_online</link><description>The RCN Congress fringe programme is now online, and contains a wide range of events to inform practice, develop specialties and help you meet colleagues who will be at the event in Liverpool next month.</description><pubDate>Wed, 23 Mar 2011 09:08:15 +0000</pubDate><title>Congress fringe schedule is now online</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/article/uk/23,000_sign_letter_to_chancellor_before_budget</link><description>Three Royal College of Nursing members handed a letter co-signed by nearly 23,000 members to 11 Downing Street, to express concerns about cuts to NHS frontline services.</description><pubDate>Wed, 23 Mar 2011 15:58:01 +0000</pubDate><title>RCN: Budget ‘missed opportunity’ to protect NHS</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/article/uk/nurses_being_hit_left,_right_and_centre_as_pay_freeze_starts</link><description>The Royal College of Nursing says that freezing pay, reducing pensions and cutting jobs means that nursing staff being hit ‘left, right and centre’.</description><pubDate>Mon, 21 Mar 2011 16:04:32 +0000</pubDate><title>Nurses being hit ‘left, right and centre’ as pay freeze starts</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/article/uk/pay_tribute_to_nursing_war_heroes</link><description>The Royal College of Nursing has launched a petition calling for a permanent memorial for nursing staff who have delivered care in conflict. The petition has been set up to gain support for a memorial dedicated to those who have served their country in wartime</description><pubDate>Mon, 21 Mar 2011 12:15:34 +0000</pubDate><title>Pay tribute to nursing war heroes</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/article/uk/rcn_responds_to_eu_legislation_proposals</link><description>The RCN has responded to a review of European Union (EU) legislation which includes proposals for harmonising education requirements for general nurses across Europe.</description><pubDate>Mon, 21 Mar 2011 11:44:42 +0000</pubDate><title>RCN responds to EU legislation proposals</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/article/uk/rcn_negotiates_royal_wedding_bank_holiday_for_independent_sector</link><description>Nursing staff working for independent sector employers which have recognition agreements with the Royal College of Nursing will treat 29 April - the royal wedding - as a normal bank holiday.</description><pubDate>Fri, 18 Mar 2011 14:16:22 +0000</pubDate><title>RCN negotiates royal wedding bank holiday for independent sector</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/article/uk/warning_signs_for_the_nhs_in_cqc_survey,_says_rcn</link><description>The Royal College of Nursing welcomes the news that NHS staff still feel they can make a difference to the lives of patients but warns that staff are now highlighting issues such as violence against staff and hygiene practices.</description><pubDate>Wed, 16 Mar 2011 15:52:17 +0000</pubDate><title>Warning signs for the NHS in CQC survey, says RCN</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/article/uk/rcn_set_to_join_march</link><description>Hundreds of RCN members are set to join public sector workers at a TUC rally in London on 26 March.</description><pubDate>Fri, 25 Mar 2011 13:40:40 +0000</pubDate><title>RCN set to join march</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/article/uk/head_principles_of_nursing_practice_find_out_more</link><description>RCN members have the opportunity to explore the benefits and implementation of the RCN’s Principles of Nursing Practice in a forthcoming event.</description><pubDate>Fri, 11 Mar 2011 14:06:49 +0000</pubDate><title>Principles of Nursing Practice - find out more</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/article/uk/rcn_hutton_report_a_hammer_blow_to_morale</link><description>The Royal College of Nursing has described the proposed changes in today’s report on public sector pensions as ‘another hammer blow to the morale of dedicated nurses.’</description><pubDate>Fri, 11 Mar 2011 13:55:10 +0000</pubDate><title>RCN: Hutton report a hammer blow to morale</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/article/uk/rcn_members_voice_concerns_about_nhs_funding</link><description>RCN members say there is growing evidence that pressure to save money in the NHS in England is affecting the quality and safety of care.</description><pubDate>Tue, 08 Mar 2011 11:08:58 +0000</pubDate><title>RCN members voice concerns about NHS funding</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/article/uk/making_nursing_fairer</link><description>The RCN Diversity Committee is forming two task and finish groups to take on project work, and they are looking for members to join them.</description><pubDate>Mon, 07 Mar 2011 08:45:14 +0000</pubDate><title>Making nursing fairer</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/article/uk/rcn_achieves_best_company_to_work_for_status</link><description>The Royal College of Nursing has been judged as one of the best companies to work for in the UK.</description><pubDate>Mon, 07 Mar 2011 08:06:26 +0000</pubDate><title>RCN achieves ‘best company to work for’ status</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/article/uk/feedback_sought_on_protecting_children</link><description>The Royal College of Nursing is seeking feedback from RCN members on the issue of the role of designated professionals in safeguarding and protecting children in England.</description><pubDate>Fri, 04 Mar 2011 16:11:47 +0000</pubDate><title>Feedback sought on protecting children</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/article/uk/apply_now_for_humanitarian_fund</link><description>Nursing staff are being encouraged to apply for a grant from the BMA Humanitarian Fund.</description><pubDate>Fri, 04 Mar 2011 13:44:46 +0000</pubDate><title>Apply now for Humanitarian Fund</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/article/uk/successful_start_for_rcn_legal_roadshows</link><description>The RCN legal roadshows have been acclaimed as a great success by members, with more than 97 per cent of those attending describing the events as either excellent or good.</description><pubDate>Fri, 04 Mar 2011 12:14:04 +0000</pubDate><title>Successful start for RCN legal roadshows</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/article/uk/afc,_preceptorship_and_incremental_pay_progression_time_is_running_out</link><description>RCN members who may have a legal claim relating to accelerated pay progression through the first two increments of pay band five in their Agenda for Change (AfC) contract are being urged to contact the RCN now.</description><pubDate>Thu, 10 Mar 2011 13:15:32 +0000</pubDate><title>AfC, preceptorship and incremental pay progression: time is running out</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/article/uk/public_vote_opens_for_nursing_award</link><description>Members of the public can now vote for one of four nurses who have been selected as finalists in the Claire Rayner Patient’s Choice Award, organised by the RCN Publishing journal, Nursing Standard.</description><pubDate>Fri, 04 Mar 2011 11:42:32 +0000</pubDate><title>Public vote opens for nursing award</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/article/uk/district_nursing_pioneer_to_be_honoured_at_act_of_worship</link><description>A pioneer of district nursing in Liverpool will be at the centre of this year’s’ act of worship at RCN Congress. The traditional eve of Congress service, at Liverpool’s Anglican Cathedral on Sunday 10 April at 3pm, will honour the roots and traditions of nursing and the RCN, and remember Agnes Jones, who helped found district nursing.</description><pubDate>Thu, 03 Mar 2011 12:13:13 +0000</pubDate><title>District nursing pioneer to be honoured at act of worship</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/article/uk/rcn_expresses_support_for_new_zealand_nurses</link><description>The Royal College of Nursing has written to the New Zealand Nurses’ Organisation to express support and condolences to nursing staff working in New Zealand following the recent earthquake in Christchurch.</description><pubDate>Mon, 28 Feb 2011 16:18:05 +0000</pubDate><title>RCN expresses support for New Zealand nurses</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/article/uk/rcn_condemns_mean_spirited_employers</link><description>The Royal College of Nursing has condemned the approach taken by NHS Employers in England to staff working on the day of the royal wedding.</description><pubDate>Fri, 25 Feb 2011 16:09:23 +0000</pubDate><title>RCN condemns mean spirited employers</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/article/uk/sign_up_to_letter_to_chancellor</link><description>RCN members are being encouraged to co-sign a letter to the Chancellor of the Exchequer, George Osbourne, ahead of the Budget announcement delete on 23 March.</description><pubDate>Fri, 25 Feb 2011 14:17:50 +0000</pubDate><title>Sign up to letter to Chancellor</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/article/uk/advice_on_fighting_cuts_now_available</link><description>A checklist for local action, produced jointly by the NHS trade unions, has been published on the RCN website.</description><pubDate>Tue, 22 Feb 2011 16:03:08 +0000</pubDate><title>Advice on fighting cuts now available</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/article/uk/hcas_day_at_rcn_congress</link><description>Health care assistants (HCAs) and assistant practitioners (APs) from across the UK are being encouraged to register for HCAs’ Day at RCN Congress this year.</description><pubDate>Wed, 23 Feb 2011 09:20:15 +0000</pubDate><title>HCAs’ Day at RCN Congress</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/article/uk/dementia_care_survey_deadline_extended</link><description>RCN members working in acute settings across the UK now have until 25 February to complete a short online survey on dementia care.</description><pubDate>Fri, 18 Feb 2011 13:38:32 +0000</pubDate><title>Dementia care survey deadline extended</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/article/uk/new_film_celebrates_lgbt_history_month</link><description>The Royal College of Nursing has launched a new film to highlight the importance of LGBT (lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender) History Month.</description><pubDate>Fri, 18 Feb 2011 13:29:12 +0000</pubDate><title>New film celebrates LGBT History month</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/article/uk/job_losses_will_hit_patient_care,_warns_rcn</link><description>The Royal College of Nursing is quoted today in a front-page article published by The Guardian.</description><pubDate>Fri, 18 Feb 2011 11:54:32 +0000</pubDate><title>Job losses will hit patient care, warns RCN</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/article/uk/last_chance_to_have_your_say_on_cross-border_working</link><description>The Royal College of Nursing is seeking views on the current system allowing European Union (EU) nurses to register and seek work in other EU countries.</description><pubDate>Fri, 18 Feb 2011 11:44:18 +0000</pubDate><title>Last chance to have your say on cross-border working</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/article/uk/rcn_says_ombudsmans_report_should_be_a_wake-up_call_for_the_nhs</link><description>The Royal College of Nursing says there can be no hiding place for inhumane treatment or poor care in the NHS.</description><pubDate>Tue, 15 Feb 2011 09:12:55 +0000</pubDate><title>RCN says ombudsman’s report should be a wake-up call for the NHS</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/article/uk/rcn_holds_sustainability_conference</link><description>Nursing staff should talk to patients, colleagues and managers to ensure sustainability is considered in any health service redesign, according to Dr David Pencheon, Director of the NHS Sustainable Development Unit</description><pubDate>Fri, 11 Feb 2011 10:26:34 +0000</pubDate><title>RCN holds sustainability conference</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/article/uk/rcn_gives_evidence</link><description>The Royal College of Nursing will give evidence to the Health and Social Care Public Bill Committee today.</description><pubDate>Thu, 10 Feb 2011 13:36:57 +0000</pubDate><title>RCN gives evidence</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/article/uk/watch_the_rcn_give_evidence_at_health_select_committee</link><description>RCN Chief Executive &amp; General Secretary Dr Peter Carter gives evidence to the Health Select Committee’s inquiry into commissioning today (8 February).</description><pubDate>Tue, 08 Feb 2011 10:47:55 +0000</pubDate><title>Watch the RCN give evidence at Health Select Committee</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/article/uk/rcn_extends_personal_injury_scheme</link><description>The RCN legal advice and assistance scheme has been extended to provide support to members whenever and wherever they suffer an accident through the carelessness of another.</description><pubDate>Wed, 09 Feb 2011 05:00:34 +0000</pubDate><title>RCN extends personal injury scheme</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/article/uk/rcn_staff_awards_nominations_now_open</link><description>RCN members are being encouraged to nominate RCN and RCN Publishing staff for awards that recognise outstanding customer service</description><pubDate>Mon, 07 Feb 2011 10:10:23 +0000</pubDate><title>RCN Staff Awards – nominations now open</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/article/uk/nurses_express_concerns_about_quality_care</link><description>Nurses working in the NHS believe there are not enough staff to deliver good quality care to patients, according to a new snapshot survey published by the Royal College of Nursing.</description><pubDate>Tue, 15 Feb 2011 08:42:40 +0000</pubDate><title>Nurses express concerns about quality care</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/article/uk/assisted_suicide_frequently_asked_questions</link><description>The Royal College of Nursing recently moved to a neutral position on the issue of assisted suicide following an extensive and detailed consultation with its members. The decision was made by RCN Council at a meeting on 24 July. Below are some answers to the frequently asked questions that have been posed since the decision was taken.</description><pubDate>Wed, 29 Jul 2009 11:28:16 +0100</pubDate><title>Assisted suicide: Frequently asked questions</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/article/uk/new_rcn_social_networks_launched</link><description>The Royal College of Nursing has launched an exciting new set of online tools</description><pubDate>Tue, 28 Jul 2009 15:00:04 +0100</pubDate><title>New RCN social networks launched</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/article/uk/rcn_agm_moves_to_london</link><description>The RCN’s Annual General Meeting (AGM) 2009 has been moved to London.</description><pubDate>Mon, 27 Jul 2009 16:53:09 +0100</pubDate><title>RCN AGM moves to London</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/article/uk/royal_college_of_nursing_moves_to_neutral_position_on_assisted_suicide</link><description>The Royal College of Nursing (RCN) moved to a neutral position on assisted suicide following a discussion at its Council meeting today (24 July).</description><pubDate>Wed, 29 Jul 2009 11:34:06 +0100</pubDate><title>RCN moves to neutral position on assisted suicide</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/article/uk/rcn_welcomes_mental_health_consultation</link><description>The Department of Health's renewed emphasis on mental health and wellbeing has been welcomed by the Royal College of Nursing, which says it looks forward to working with the Government on new initiatives to bring about improvements.</description><pubDate>Thu, 23 Jul 2009 13:11:44 +0100</pubDate><title>RCN welcomes mental health consultation</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/article/uk/rcn_mental_health_services_must_learn_from_regulator_report</link><description>The Royal College of Nursing says that 'woefully low' staffing levels in mental health settings are unacceptable.</description><pubDate>Tue, 21 Jul 2009 11:27:38 +0100</pubDate><title>RCN: Mental health services must learn from regulator report</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/article/uk/rcn_signs_up_to_hse_pledge</link><description>The RCN has signed up to the Health and Safety Executive's (HSE) pledge on the Health and Safety of Great Britain.</description><pubDate>Tue, 21 Jul 2009 10:23:35 +0100</pubDate><title>RCN signs up to HSE pledge</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/article/uk/rcn_comments_on_dire_predictions_for_public_finances</link><description>The Royal College of Nursing says that investments in UK health services must continue.</description><pubDate>Mon, 20 Jul 2009 16:18:05 +0100</pubDate><title>RCN comments on dire predictions for public finances</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/article/uk/rcn_issues_swine_flu_guidance_for_children_in_itu</link><description>The Royal College of Nursing has issued a position statement which addresses caring for children within adult general intensive care units during a pandemic flu outbreak.</description><pubDate>Mon, 20 Jul 2009 16:07:18 +0100</pubDate><title>RCN issues swine flu guidance for children in ITU</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/article/uk/rcn_launches_revised_aesthetic_medicine_guidelines</link><description>The Royal College Nursing has launched a revised edition of the publication RCN competences: An integrated career and competence framework for nurses in aesthetic medicine.</description><pubDate>Mon, 20 Jul 2009 15:03:16 +0100</pubDate><title>RCN launches revised aesthetic medicine guidelines</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/article/uk/rcn_university_application_rise_is_misleading</link><description>The Royal College of Nursing has written to the Guardian in response to an article which reported that applications for nursing degrees have increased by 24%.</description><pubDate>Mon, 20 Jul 2009 14:46:44 +0100</pubDate><title>RCN: University application rise is misleading</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/article/uk/talk_is_cheap</link><description>Telephoning the RCN is now cheaper from mobiles, and could even be free as part of some evening and weekend landline call packages.</description><pubDate>Wed, 15 Jul 2009 00:15:08 +0100</pubDate><title>Talk is cheap</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/article/uk/rcn_welcomes_new_nmc_chief_executive_and_registrar_appointment</link><description>The Royal College of Nursing welcomes the appointment of Professor Dickon Weir-Hughes as the new Nursing and Midwifery (NMC) Chief Executive and Registrar.</description><pubDate>Tue, 14 Jul 2009 11:43:37 +0100</pubDate><title>RCN welcomes new NMC Chief Executive and Registrar appointment</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/article/uk/rcn_members_discuss_leadership_in_mental_health</link><description>Health care staff from across the UK heard how the RCN clinical leadership programme can be used in a mental health setting at a conference in RCN headquarters last week.</description><pubDate>Tue, 14 Jul 2009 08:50:39 +0100</pubDate><title>RCN members discuss leadership in mental health</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/article/uk/rcn_campaigning_shapes_sharps_agreement</link><description>An European-wide agreement between employers and trade unions to provide health care staff with better protection from needlestick injuries has today been signed in Brussels.</description><pubDate>Fri, 17 Jul 2009 12:00:04 +0100</pubDate><title>RCN campaigning shapes sharps agreement</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/article/uk/rcn_counters_public_sector_pay_myth</link><description>The Royal College of Nursing says it will take every opportunity to ensure that myths surrounding public sector pay and pensions are countered with fact.</description><pubDate>Wed, 08 Jul 2009 08:22:47 +0100</pubDate><title>RCN counters public sector pay myth</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/article/uk/rcn_improvements_still_needed_in_nursing_regulation</link><description>The Royal College of Nursing says there is still room for improvement in the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) and has described waiting times for fitness to practice hearings as 'worrying'.</description><pubDate>Mon, 06 Jul 2009 08:11:09 +0100</pubDate><title>RCN: Improvements still needed in nursing regulation</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/article/uk/rcn_responds_to_government_decision_on_pay_review_body</link><description>The Royal College of Nursing says it expects governments in the UK to ensure the recommendations of the NHS Pay Review Body are paid in full and citing the current financial climate as a reason for rejecting recommendations is not acceptable.</description><pubDate>Fri, 03 Jul 2009 16:28:13 +0100</pubDate><title>RCN responds to Government decision on Pay Review Body</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/article/uk/rcn_responds_to_scotland_alcohol_statistics</link><description>The Royal College of Nursing says that urgent action is needed to reduce the rates of alcohol consumption in Scotland.</description><pubDate>Thu, 02 Jul 2009 08:00:04 +0100</pubDate><title>RCN responds to Scotland alcohol statistics</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/article/uk/rcn_responds_to_publication_of_lord_darzis_progress_report</link><description>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.</description><pubDate>Wed, 01 Jul 2009 09:27:11 +0100</pubDate><title>RCN responds to publication of Lord Darzi’s progress report</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/article/uk/durban_calling</link><description>For the first time RCN members can get a unique insight into the International Council of Nurses (ICN) Congress care of a daily blog.</description><pubDate>Mon, 29 Jun 2009 13:13:28 +0100</pubDate><title>Durban calling</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/article/uk/scottish_government_listens_to_nursing_voice</link><description>The Scottish Government has announced a new approach to the modernisation of community nursing in Scotland, but having listened to the grave concerns of the Royal College of Nursing in Scotland, the specialist skills of health visitors, district nurses and school nurses will not now be lost.</description><pubDate>Fri, 26 Jun 2009 15:54:40 +0100</pubDate><title>Scottish Government listens to nursing voice</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/article/uk/how_would_you_save_money_in_the_nhs</link><description>The Royal College of Nursing is encouraging its members to participate in a BBC programme which will explore how savings could be made in the NHS.</description><pubDate>Fri, 26 Jun 2009 08:24:05 +0100</pubDate><title>How would you save money in the NHS?</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/article/uk/the_rcn_goes_to_glastonbury</link><description>If you're one of the 137,500 people attending Glastonbury this weekend, keep an eye out for RCN members working as part of the Festival Medical Services (FMS) team.</description><pubDate>Thu, 25 Jun 2009 17:16:26 +0100</pubDate><title>The RCN goes to Glastonbury</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/article/uk/rcn_proud_of_our_diversity</link><description>The RCN is PROUD to support the many Pride events that are taking place this summer.</description><pubDate>Thu, 25 Jun 2009 17:10:30 +0100</pubDate><title>RCN: Proud of our diversity</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/article/uk/rcn_launches_hiv-associated_facial_lipoatrophy_publication</link><description>The RCN has launched new guidance on HIV-associated facial lipoatrophy.</description><pubDate>Mon, 22 Jun 2009 14:26:57 +0100</pubDate><title>RCN launches HIV-associated facial lipoatrophy publication</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/article/uk/rcn_praises_health_care_staff_as_infections_continue_to_fall</link><description>The Royal College of Nursing says the hard work and innovation of health care staff in tackling infections such as MRSA and C.difficile has helped significantly reduce infection rates.</description><pubDate>Thu, 18 Jun 2009 16:01:55 +0100</pubDate><title>RCN praises health care staff as infections continue to fall</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/article/uk/artist_chosen_for_mary_seacole_memorial_statue</link><description>Martin Jennings has been chosen as the artist who will to design the Mary Seacole Statue Memorial.</description><pubDate>Mon, 22 Jun 2009 15:00:03 +0100</pubDate><title>Artist chosen for Mary Seacole memorial statue</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/article/uk/rcn_launches_new_sexual_health_skills_framework</link><description>The RCN has launched new guidance to help sexual and reproductive health nurses provide safe and effective practice.</description><pubDate>Mon, 22 Jun 2009 08:00:03 +0100</pubDate><title>RCN launches new sexual health skills framework</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/article/uk/rcn_afc_has_improved_the_nhs</link><description>The Royal College of Nursing says Agenda for Change has made the NHS a better place for patients and staff but warns that trusts must make good use of the knowledge and skills framework to ensure health care staff can access relevant training.</description><pubDate>Thu, 18 Jun 2009 08:06:27 +0100</pubDate><title>RCN: AfC has improved the NHS</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/article/uk/alcohol_e-learning_resource_now_available</link><description>The Department of Health in England has launched an e-learning resource to assist health professionals working with patients who have alcohol related concerns.</description><pubDate>Wed, 17 Jun 2009 15:47:30 +0100</pubDate><title>Alcohol e-learning resource now available</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/article/uk/refugee_week_now_on</link><description>Refugee week is now taking place and is supported by the Royal College of Nursing.</description><pubDate>Mon, 15 Jun 2009 15:31:19 +0100</pubDate><title>Refugee week now on</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/article/uk/rcn_welcomes_calls_for_full_disclosure_of_management_consultancy_costs_in_health</link><description>RCN welcomes calls for full disclosure of management consultancy costs in health</description><pubDate>Fri, 05 Jun 2009 09:30:32 +0100</pubDate><title>RCN welcomes calls for full disclosure of management consultancy costs in health</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/article/uk/elections_nursing_counts</link><description>On 4 June the UK goes to the polls to elect 72 politicians to the European Parliament.</description><pubDate>Wed, 03 Jun 2009 16:45:13 +0100</pubDate><title>Elections: Nursing counts</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/article/uk/rcn_publishes_equality_bill_briefing</link><description>The Royal College of Nursing has published a briefing on the Equality Bill which is due to move into Public Bill Committee stage in the House of Commons on 2 June 2009. The briefing has already been sent to the 20 MPs on the Committee.</description><pubDate>Fri, 29 May 2009 16:21:00 +0100</pubDate><title>RCN publishes Equality Bill briefing</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/article/uk/take_part_in_the_alcohol_code_of_practice_survey</link><description>The Royal College of Nursing is conducting a survey to investigate members' views on what should be included in a mandatory code of practice for the drinks industry, proposed by the UK Government.</description><pubDate>Thu, 28 May 2009 16:11:24 +0100</pubDate><title>Take part in the alcohol code of practice survey</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/article/uk/dr_mona_grey_obe_frcn_srn_scm</link><description>The Royal College of Nursing is sad to receive news of the announcement of the death of Dr Mona Grey OBE FRCN SRN SCM.</description><pubDate>Thu, 28 May 2009 11:16:29 +0100</pubDate><title>Dr Mona Grey OBE FRCN SRN SCM</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/article/uk/uk_joint_reps_conference_2009_-_last_remaining_places</link><description>A small number of places are still available on the on the UK Joint Representatives' Conference being held on 19-20 June 2009 in Hinckley.</description><pubDate>Thu, 28 May 2009 08:13:54 +0100</pubDate><title>UK Joint Reps Conference 2009 - last remaining places</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/article/uk/military_and_civilian_health_partnership_awards_2009</link><description>RCN members are being encouraged to enter the military and civilian health partnership awards which recognise outstanding achievement among health care professionals caring for service personnel, veterans and their dependents. The awards are run jointly by the Ministry of Defence and the four UK government health departments.</description><pubDate>Tue, 26 May 2009 11:43:48 +0100</pubDate><title>Military and civilian health partnership awards 2009</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/article/uk/enter_the_nursing_times_awards</link><description>All RCN members are being encouraged to enter the Nursing Times awards which recognise and reward individuals for work that raises the standard of nursing practice and health care in the UK.</description><pubDate>Fri, 22 May 2009 12:00:15 +0100</pubDate><title>Enter the Nursing Times awards</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/article/uk/rcn_members_make_your_vote_count</link><description>The RCN is a significant voting force in June's European parliamentary elections, with up to 50,000 members in a single constituency.</description><pubDate>Fri, 22 May 2009 08:47:40 +0100</pubDate><title>RCN members: make your vote count</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/article/uk/record_numbers_watch_congress_online2</link><description>Over 27,000 individuals watched RCN Congress live from Harrogate and over 5,300 have since watched an archived session, with this figure continuing to rise.</description><pubDate>Thu, 21 May 2009 15:33:19 +0100</pubDate><title>Record numbers watch Congress online</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/article/uk/rcn_nhs_surplus_must_go_straight_to_frontline_services</link><description>The Royal College of Nursing says the 2007/ 08 NHS generated surplus of £1.7 billion must be reinvested in frontline services.</description><pubDate>Thu, 21 May 2009 15:19:44 +0100</pubDate><title>RCN: NHS surplus must go straight to frontline services</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/article/uk/rcn_better_regulation_needed_in_the_drinks_industry</link><description>The RCN says that self regulation by the drinks industry is not working and is calling for effective regulation to ensure that retailers do not engage in unscrupulous practises which encourage customers to drink to excess.</description><pubDate>Thu, 21 May 2009 13:34:52 +0100</pubDate><title>RCN:  Better regulation needed in the drinks industry</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/article/uk/2009_rcn_council_elections_call_for_nominations</link><description>Elections take place this year for 15 seats on Council. One seat is up for election in the East Midlands, Eastern, London, North West, Northern, South East, South West, Wales, West Midlands and Yorkshire &amp; the Humber.</description><pubDate>Thu, 21 May 2009 08:27:50 +0100</pubDate><title>2009 RCN Council elections: call for nominations</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/article/uk/swine_flu_nmc_and_rsph_communications_now_available</link><description>New information is now available from the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) on influenza pandemics.</description><pubDate>Mon, 18 May 2009 15:20:32 +0100</pubDate><title>Swine flu: NMC and RSPH communications now available</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/article/uk/rcn_congress_2009_closes</link><description>RCN Congress 2009 has now closed. This year's historic event saw RCN members, including nurses, health care assistants and students, from across the UK meet to learn, develop professionally and share excellent nursing practice.</description><pubDate>Thu, 14 May 2009 18:00:03 +0100</pubDate><title>RCN Congress 2009 closes</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/article/uk/michael_parkinson_addresses_congress</link><description>Sir Michael Parkinson, the Department of Health's Dignity Ambassador, has addressed Congress today (13 May 2009).</description><pubDate>Wed, 13 May 2009 17:44:02 +0100</pubDate><title>Michael Parkinson addresses Congress</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/article/uk/two_artists_now_bidding_to_work_on_the_mary_seacole_memorial_statue</link><description>Baroness Valerie Amos, Chair of the Mary Seacole Memorial Statue appeal, has announced that the shortlist of artists hoping to be chosen to work on the Mary Seacole Memorial Statue has now been narrowed down to two.</description><pubDate>Wed, 13 May 2009 12:36:04 +0100</pubDate><title>Two artists now bidding to work on the Mary Seacole Memorial Statue</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/article/uk/rcn_school_nurses_feeling_the_strain_of_public_health_demands</link><description>An RCN survey of over a thousand school nurses shows the average state school nurse has to look after more than 2,500 school children, leaving two thirds feeling overstretched and unsupported.</description><pubDate>Wed, 13 May 2009 00:15:06 +0100</pubDate><title>RCN: School nurses feeling the strain of public health demands</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/article/uk/international_nurses_day_-_politicians_lend_their_support</link><description>The Royal College of Nursing has received numerous messages of support from politicians across the UK in recognition of International Nurses' Day.</description><pubDate>Tue, 12 May 2009 09:18:30 +0100</pubDate><title>International Nurses' Day - politicians lend their support</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/article/uk/peter_carter_more_nurses_means_better_care</link><description>RCN Chief Executive &amp; General Secretary, Dr Peter Carter, has told delegates at this year's RCN Congress, that more nurses means better care for patients.</description><pubDate>Mon, 11 May 2009 18:43:31 +0100</pubDate><title>Peter Carter: More nurses means better care</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/article/uk/rcn_launches_phone_line_to_support_whistleblowing_nurses</link><description>The RCN has launched a dedicated telephone line to allow RCN members to talk in confidence about serious and immediate worries that patient safety is being put at risk in their workplace.</description><pubDate>Mon, 11 May 2009 15:06:07 +0100</pubDate><title>RCN launches phone line to support whistleblowing nurses</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/article/uk/brown_and_cameron_address_delegates_in_historic_day_at_congress</link><description>Gordon Brown has today (11 May 2009) become the first Prime Minister to address Congress in the RCN's 93-year history.</description><pubDate>Mon, 11 May 2009 15:40:01 +0100</pubDate><title>Brown and Cameron address delegates in historic day at Congress</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/article/uk/rcn_honours_exceptional_individuals</link><description>The Royal College of Nursing has today honoured individuals in an awards ceremony which  recognised distinction, expertise and an exceptional contribution to nursing, health care and  service to the RCN.</description><pubDate>Sun, 10 May 2009 18:00:04 +0100</pubDate><title>RCN honours exceptional individuals</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/article/uk/count_on_care_says_rcn_president</link><description>The Royal College of Nursing President, Maura Buchanan has reflected on the theme of this year's RCN Congress - Counting on care - in her opening speech to delegates.</description><pubDate>Sun, 10 May 2009 19:00:03 +0100</pubDate><title>‘Count on care’ says RCN President</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/article/uk/rcn_congress_opens_in_harrogate</link><description>Today (Sunday 10 May 2009) sees the opening of RCN Congress. RCN members will meet to learn, develop professionally and share excellent nursing practice.</description><pubDate>Sun, 10 May 2009 14:00:04 +0100</pubDate><title>RCN Congress opens in Harrogate</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/article/uk/nhs_spending_on_management_consultants_is_shocking</link><description>The Royal College of Nursing describes the amount of money the NHS in England spends on management consultants as ‘utterly shocking’.</description><pubDate>Sun, 10 May 2009 00:16:47 +0100</pubDate><title>NHS spending on management consultants is ‘shocking’</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/article/uk/rcn_health_care_staff_must_have_the_time_and_resources_to_clean</link><description>The Royal College of Nursing says it is essential that health care staff have the time and space to clean everyday hospital equipment to keep the patient environment protected from health care associated infections.</description><pubDate>Sat, 09 May 2009 00:15:10 +0100</pubDate><title>RCN: Health care staff must have the time and resources to clean</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/article/uk/rcn_appoints_new_director_for_northern_ireland</link><description>Janice Smyth has been appointed Director of the Royal College of Nursing in Northern Ireland. Currently Deputy Director, Janice joined the RCN in 2005 with specific responsibility for employment relations.</description><pubDate>Fri, 08 May 2009 11:37:30 +0100</pubDate><title>RCN appoints new Director for Northern Ireland</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/article/uk/self_harm__new_online_learning_resource_launched</link><description>A new RCN self harm online learning resource is now available. Located on the RCN website, this Learning Zone resource is aimed at nurses, students and health care assistants.</description><pubDate>Fri, 08 May 2009 10:00:05 +0100</pubDate><title>Self harm – new online learning resource launched</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/article/uk/rcn_responds_to_introduction_of_uniforms_in_wales</link><description>The Royal College of Nursing has said that nurse uniforms instill a sense of pride and boost morale. The comments come as colour-coded nursing staff uniforms, intended to help patients differentiate between staff roles, were unveiled in Wales.</description><pubDate>Thu, 07 May 2009 17:22:11 +0100</pubDate><title>RCN responds to introduction of uniforms in Wales</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/article/uk/margaret_haywood_gets_health_minister_support_in_whistleblowing_debate</link><description>RCN member, Margaret Haywood, who was removed from the Nursing and Midwifery register for failing to "follow her obligations as a nurse" after she filmed at a hospital for a BBC Panorama programme, has received support  from the Health Minister, Ben Bradshaw in an Westminster Hall debate on whistleblowing.</description><pubDate>Thu, 07 May 2009 17:14:51 +0100</pubDate><title>Margaret Haywood gets health minister support in whistleblowing debate</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/article/uk/advice_on_swine_flu_swabs_for_district_nurses</link><description>The RCN is advising district nurses who have been asked to test suspected cases of swine influenza in patients’ homes to refer to the Health Protection Agency (HPA) for practical advice on swabbing.</description><pubDate>Thu, 07 May 2009 14:20:04 +0100</pubDate><title>Advice on swine flu swabs for district nurses</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/article/uk/a_new_era_for_rcn_forums__congress_launch_event</link><description>RCN forums are vital to the work of the RCN, they are run for members, by members. Forums are groups of RCN members working in a similar nursing specialty or with like interests.</description><pubDate>Wed, 06 May 2009 08:57:26 +0100</pubDate><title>A new era for RCN forums – Congress launch event</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/article/uk/rcn_members_have_your_say_on_assisted_suicide</link><description>RCN members now only have a short time to respond to the key RCN consultation on assisted suicide.</description><pubDate>Tue, 05 May 2009 15:31:51 +0100</pubDate><title>RCN members: Have your say on assisted suicide</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/article/uk/congress_fringe_events_now_available_on_the_rcn_website</link><description>Details of all the fringe events taking place at RCN Congress in Harrogate next week (10 to 14 May 2009) are now available on the RCN website.</description><pubDate>Tue, 05 May 2009 14:32:46 +0100</pubDate><title>Congress fringe events now available on the RCN website</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/article/uk/rcn_welcomes_introduction_of_lone_worker_personal_security_alarms</link><description>The Royal College of Nursing has welcomed the introduction of a lone worker alarm system designed to give health care staff the means to call for assistance when their personal security is threatened.</description><pubDate>Tue, 05 May 2009 13:54:40 +0100</pubDate><title>RCN welcomes introduction of lone worker personal security alarms</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/article/uk/mary_seacole_appeal_website</link><description>The redesigned Mary Seacole appeal website is now available to view.</description><pubDate>Tue, 05 May 2009 13:20:38 +0100</pubDate><title>Mary Seacole appeal website</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/article/uk/rcn_welcomes_johnsons_direct_action_at_mid_staffs</link><description>The Royal College of Nursing says the Health Secretary Alan Johnson is right to take direct action to improve patient care at the Mid Staffordshire hospital at the centre of last month’s damning Healthcare Commission report.</description><pubDate>Fri, 01 May 2009 10:59:03 +0100</pubDate><title>RCN welcomes Johnson’s direct action at Mid Staffs</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/article/uk/flu_pandemics_nmc_and_public_information</link><description>The Nursing and Midwifery Council has issued a position statement on the role of registered nurses and midwives during an influenza pandemic.</description><pubDate>Fri, 01 May 2009 10:47:46 +0100</pubDate><title>Flu pandemics: NMC and public information</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/article/uk/rcn_briefing_on_the_independent_safeguarding_authority_now_available</link><description>The RCN has produced two new briefings covering information on the Independent Safeguarding Authority and the Protection of Vulnerable Groups (Scotland) Act 2007.</description><pubDate>Fri, 01 May 2009 10:03:42 +0100</pubDate><title>RCN briefing on the Independent Safeguarding Authority now available</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/article/uk/head_what_do_you_think_about_rcn_library_services</link><description>The RCN is always looking at ways of improving services so they meet your needs.</description><pubDate>Fri, 01 May 2009 08:00:03 +0100</pubDate><title>What do you think about RCN library services?</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/article/uk/swine_flu__useful_information_for_rcn_members</link><description>The situation surrounding the swine influenza outbreak is still unfolding.</description><pubDate>Tue, 28 Apr 2009 14:23:05 +0100</pubDate><title>Swine flu - useful information for RCN members</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/article/uk/over_15,000_sign_petition_to_support_struck_off_rcn_member</link><description>Just one week after its launch, more than 15,500 people have signed the petition in support of RCN member, Margaret Haywood.</description><pubDate>Mon, 27 Apr 2009 15:03:22 +0100</pubDate><title>Over 15,000 sign petition to support struck off RCN member</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/article/uk/rcn_welcomes_cctv_trial_in_wales</link><description>The Royal College of Nursing has welcomed the announcement of the introduction of a year long trial which aims to reduce the number of attacks on health care staff in Wales.</description><pubDate>Fri, 24 Apr 2009 13:41:42 +0100</pubDate><title>RCN welcomes CCTV trial in Wales</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/article/uk/rcn_responds_to_budget</link><description>Following today’s budget Royal College of Nursing Chief Executive &amp; General Secretary Dr Peter Carter said:</description><pubDate>Wed, 22 Apr 2009 18:23:27 +0100</pubDate><title>RCN responds to budget</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/article/uk/have_your_say_in_the_england_nhs_occupational_health_review</link><description>RCN members in England are being encouraged to participate in the NHS Health and Well-being Review which aims to investigate and improve the health of NHS staff.</description><pubDate>Fri, 24 Apr 2009 14:58:42 +0100</pubDate><title>Have your say in the England NHS occupational health review</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/article/uk/sign_the_petition_to_support_struck_off_nurse_-_a_special_message_from_rcn_chief_executive_-and-_general_secretary,_dr_peter_carter</link><description>Last week, many of you will have seen extensive media coverage around RCN member Margaret Haywood who was removed from the nursing register for breaking patient confidentiality.</description><pubDate>Mon, 20 Apr 2009 13:54:11 +0100</pubDate><title>Sign the petition to support struck off nurse - a special message from RCN Chief Executive &amp;amp; General Secretary, Dr Peter Carter</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/article/uk/rcn_members_have_your_say_on_mental_health_in_england</link><description>RCN members with an interest in mental health will be pleased to hear about the launch of a new strategy in England entitled 'New Horizons', announced by Care Services Minister, Phil Hope.</description><pubDate>Mon, 20 Apr 2009 10:36:48 +0100</pubDate><title>RCN members: have your say on mental health in England</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/article/uk/rcn_launches_public_petition_in_support_of_struck-off_nurse</link><description>The Royal College of Nursing (RCN) has today launched a public petition in support of the nurse who was struck off after exposing poor patient care on BBC Panorama.</description><pubDate>Fri, 17 Apr 2009 17:25:26 +0100</pubDate><title>RCN launches public petition in support of struck-off nurse</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/article/uk/rcn_member_considering_legal_options_after_being_struck_off</link><description>RCN member, Margaret Haywood, who has been removed from the Nursing and Midwifery register for failing to "follow her obligations as a nurse" after she filmed at a hospital for a BBC Panorama programme in 2005, is considering her legal options in light of the NMC decision.</description><pubDate>Fri, 17 Apr 2009 14:19:31 +0100</pubDate><title>RCN member considering legal options after being struck off</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/article/uk/nhs_leadership_awards__nominate_your_colleagues</link><description>RCN members in England are being encouraged to nominate their peers for the new NHS leadership awards which recognise outstanding leaders across England at every level.</description><pubDate>Fri, 08 May 2009 15:41:59 +0100</pubDate><title>NHS leadership awards - nominate your colleagues</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/article/uk/rcn_issues_budget_briefing_to_mps</link><description>The Royal College of Nursing has issued a briefing to Members of Parliament ahead of next week's Chancellor's Budget.</description><pubDate>Thu, 16 Apr 2009 17:10:43 +0100</pubDate><title>RCN issues budget briefing to MPs</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/article/uk/new_online_presence_for_nhs_social_partnership_forum</link><description>A new website which aims to promote partnership working in the NHS in England has been launched. The website will also support partnerships between trade unions and NHS staff.</description><pubDate>Thu, 16 Apr 2009 11:37:06 +0100</pubDate><title>New online presence for NHS social partnership forum</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/article/uk/nhs_mileage_consultation__change_of_closing_date_in_england</link><description>The six-week consultation on NHS mileage allowance arrangements with all the NHS unions and employers has been extended in England and will now close on 8 May 2009.</description><pubDate>Thu, 16 Apr 2009 15:58:33 +0100</pubDate><title>NHS mileage consultation – change of closing date in England</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/article/uk/rcn_the_fewer_staff_there_are,_the_more_mistakes_are_made</link><description>The Royal College of Nursing has said that not having enough staff may result in mistakes being made.</description><pubDate>Wed, 15 Apr 2009 10:13:09 +0100</pubDate><title>RCN: the fewer staff there are, the more mistakes are made</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/article/uk/rcn_calls_for_an_independent_inquiry_at_mid-staffs</link><description>The Royal College of Nursing has called for a full independent inquiry into the failings at Mid-Staffordshire NHS Foundation Trust.</description><pubDate>Wed, 15 Apr 2009 10:08:08 +0100</pubDate><title>RCN calls for an independent inquiry at Mid-Staffs</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/article/uk/rcn_calls_for_more_training_for_care_staff_following_tv_investigation</link><description>The Royal College of Nursing has commended the Panorama investigation into domiciliary care.</description><pubDate>Wed, 15 Apr 2009 08:41:38 +0100</pubDate><title>RCN calls for more training for care staff following TV investigation</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/article/uk/health_professionals_opinions_on_climate_change_and_health_sought</link><description>RCN members are being encouraged to complete a short survey on climate change and health commissioned by the Commonwealth Health Professions Alliance. The survey, which should only take a few minutes to complete, asks if you have seen any Government policy or action plan on global warming or climate change.</description><pubDate>Thu, 09 Apr 2009 16:01:12 +0100</pubDate><title>Health professionals’ opinions on climate change and health sought</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/article/uk/bogus_caller_alert</link><description>An RCN member has reported that a man calling himself a ‘chairman’ of the RCN has tried to obtain personal bank details during an unsolicited telephone call.</description><pubDate>Thu, 09 Apr 2009 12:49:45 +0100</pubDate><title>Bogus caller alert</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/article/uk/rcn_members_inform_the_rcn_response_to_violence_consultation</link><description>RCN members are being encouraged to contribute to the RCN's response to the Home Office (England) consultation Together we can end violence against women and girls.</description><pubDate>Thu, 09 Apr 2009 08:57:38 +0100</pubDate><title>RCN members: Inform the RCN response to violence consultation</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/article/uk/rcn_joins_doctors_to_condemn_low_alcohol_prices</link><description>A survey of nurses and doctors treating patients with alcohol related harm has shown that many believe that action on sales of low priced alcohol is the most important weapon for tackling the rising tide of alcohol problems.</description><pubDate>Wed, 08 Apr 2009 08:05:30 +0100</pubDate><title>RCN joins doctors to condemn low alcohol prices</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/article/uk/rcn_direct_easter_opening_hours</link><description>RCN Direct will continue to provide a service for members who need to urgent advice or assistance throughout the Easter weekend.</description><pubDate>Tue, 07 Apr 2009 15:24:39 +0100</pubDate><title>RCN Direct Easter opening hours</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/article/uk/rcn_members_want_to_comment_on_annual_leave_unsocial_hours_payments</link><description>RCN members may contact the RCN if they wish to comment on the unsocial hours payments for those on annual leave, agreed by NHS employee organisations and trade unions following a consultation in 2008.</description><pubDate>Tue, 07 Apr 2009 14:26:04 +0100</pubDate><title>RCN members: Want to comment on annual leave unsocial hours payments?</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/article/uk/rcn_calls_for_an_executive_nurse_director_on_every_pct_board</link><description>All English NHS primary care trusts must ensure they have an Executive Director of Nursing on their governing boards, says the Royal College of Nursing.</description><pubDate>Tue, 07 Apr 2009 14:02:15 +0100</pubDate><title>RCN calls for an Executive Nurse Director on every PCT board</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/article/uk/website_maintenance</link><description>Due to planned technical maintenance taking place this weekend, some RCN website services will not be available between 8pm on Friday 03 April and 8am Monday 06 April 2009.</description><pubDate>Fri, 03 Apr 2009 15:52:16 +0100</pubDate><title>Website maintenance</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/article/uk/rcn_welcomes_afc_and_equal_pay_et_judgement</link><description>The Royal College of Nursing welcomes an employment tribunal reserved judgement in the 'Hartley' case which addressed issues surrounding the fairness of the NHS pay system, Agenda for Change (AfC).</description><pubDate>Fri, 03 Apr 2009 15:44:16 +0100</pubDate><title>RCN welcomes AfC and equal pay ET judgement</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/article/uk/rcn_calls_for_action_on_racial_inequality_in_nhs_trusts</link><description>The Royal College of Nursing says that the numbers of NHS trusts meeting expected requirements on racial equality is "still not good enough".</description><pubDate>Thu, 02 Apr 2009 15:41:26 +0100</pubDate><title>RCN calls for action on racial inequality in NHS trusts</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/article/uk/help_celebrate_the_gold_anniversary_of_the_rcn_research_society</link><description>This year the RCN Research Society is celebrating its 50th anniversary.</description><pubDate>Thu, 02 Apr 2009 11:09:58 +0100</pubDate><title>Help celebrate the gold anniversary of the RCN Research Society</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/article/uk/rcn_members_have_your_say_on_rcn_forums</link><description>The Royal College of Nursing is seeking feedback from members on RCN forums and the RCN's work in the professional arena.</description><pubDate>Thu, 02 Apr 2009 10:54:20 +0100</pubDate><title>RCN members: Have your say on RCN forums</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/article/uk/rcn_welcomes_the_creation_of_the_care_quality_commission</link><description>The Royal College of Nursing comments on the introduction of the Care Quality Commission, due to assume regulatory powers today 1 April.</description><pubDate>Wed, 01 Apr 2009 08:13:31 +0100</pubDate><title>RCN welcomes the creation of the Care Quality Commission</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/article/uk/the_new_rcn_learning_zone_has_arrived</link><description>The RCN Learning Zone has been relaunched, with a brand new clear design and great new navigation which will make it easier for RCN members to use.</description><pubDate>Wed, 01 Apr 2009 00:15:04 +0100</pubDate><title>The new RCN Learning Zone has arrived</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/article/uk/staff_shortages_are_putting_patients_at_risk</link><description>Commenting on today's Nursing Standard survey of specialist nurses, Dr. Peter Carter, Chief Executive &amp; General Secretary of the Royal College of Nursing (RCN), said:</description><pubDate>Tue, 31 Mar 2009 10:05:25 +0100</pubDate><title>Staff shortages are putting patients at risk</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/article/uk/rcn_responds_to_increase_in_nhs_executive_pay</link><description>Commenting on a survey from Incomes Data Services revealing that executive pay increased by 6.4% in 2008, Dr Peter Carter, RCN Chief Executive &amp; General Secretary, says:</description><pubDate>Fri, 27 Mar 2009 10:57:04 +0000</pubDate><title>RCN responds to increase in NHS executive pay</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/article/uk/traveller_research_wins_2009_rcn_akinsanya_award</link><description>The Royal College of Nursing Research Society today announced Dr Patrice Van Cleemput as the winner of the Akinsanya Award 2009 for Innovation in Doctoral Scholarship in Nursing.</description><pubDate>Fri, 27 Mar 2009 10:15:38 +0000</pubDate><title>Traveller research wins 2009 RCN Akinsanya Award</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/article/uk/rcn_announces_winners_of_marjorie_simpson_award_2009</link><description>Three nursing researchers have been announced as joint winners of the Marjorie Simpson New Researchers' award 2009 at the RCN International Nursing Research Conference in Cardiff.</description><pubDate>Thu, 26 Mar 2009 09:01:22 +0000</pubDate><title>RCN announces winners of Marjorie Simpson Award 2009</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/article/uk/rcn_warns_of_a_community_nurse_shortage_timebomb</link><description>The Royal College of Nursing has warned the Government that it must invest in community nursing to make it an attractive career option, as RCN research shows that many staff in this sector are due to retire in the next few years.</description><pubDate>Thu, 26 Mar 2009 08:56:11 +0000</pubDate><title>RCN warns of a community nurse shortage ‘timebomb’</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/article/uk/employment_survey_-_last_chance_to_have_your_say</link><description>There are only two weeks left before the RCN closes its annual employment survey. The survey looks at changes and trends in the nursing workforce across the UK and is one of the most important pieces of research undertaken by the RCN.</description><pubDate>Thu, 26 Mar 2009 08:48:34 +0000</pubDate><title>Employment survey - last chance to have your say</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/article/uk/demand_for_mental_health_services_grows</link><description>A new study has revealed an increase of 3.4 %  in the number of people accessing services for severe and enduring mental health problems.</description><pubDate>Wed, 25 Mar 2009 15:14:37 +0000</pubDate><title>Demand for mental health services grows</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/article/uk/rcn_invest_in_staff_training_to_provide_care_for_people_with_learning_disabilities</link><description>The Royal College of Nursing has called on the Government to invest in services to prevent future tragedies relating to the care of patients with learning disabilities.</description><pubDate>Wed, 25 Mar 2009 10:46:24 +0000</pubDate><title>RCN: Invest in staff training to provide care for people with learning disabilities</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/article/uk/rcn_international_nursing_research_conference</link><description>The RCN International Nursing Research Conference takes place in Cardiff this week (24 to 27 March 2009). The conference aims to bring together colleagues from diverse clinical and academic settings from around the world to participate in critical debate.</description><pubDate>Wed, 25 Mar 2009 10:38:34 +0000</pubDate><title>RCN International Nursing Research Conference</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/article/uk/rcn_welcomes_the_healthcare_commissions_nhs_staff_survey</link><description>The Royal College of Nursing has welcomed the publication of the sixth Healthcare Commission annual survey of NHS staff.</description><pubDate>Wed, 25 Mar 2009 09:47:08 +0000</pubDate><title>RCN welcomes the Healthcare Commission’s NHS staff survey</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/article/uk/rcn_awarded_300k_for_workplace_learning_and_skills</link><description>The Royal College of Nursing has been awarded £300,000 from the Union Learning Fund for a new two year project starting in April 2009. The new project will focus on delivering learning and development opportunities for learning representatives in England.</description><pubDate>Tue, 24 Mar 2009 17:38:22 +0000</pubDate><title>RCN awarded £300K for workplace learning and skills</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/article/uk/three_year_pay_deal_remains_in_place</link><description>The Secretary of State for Health, Alan Johnson, has reiterated his firm commitment to the three year pay deal negotiated for NHS staff.</description><pubDate>Tue, 24 Mar 2009 17:30:08 +0000</pubDate><title>Three year pay deal remains in place</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/article/uk/rcn_responds_to_yougov_survey_for_dispatches</link><description>The Royal College of Nursing describes the staff shortages described in the YouGov survey conducted for the Dispatches documentary broadcast last night (Monday 23 March 2009) as "alarming".</description><pubDate>Tue, 24 Mar 2009 10:20:33 +0000</pubDate><title>RCN responds to YouGov survey for Dispatches</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/article/uk/rcn_formal_evaluation_of_top-up_care_needed</link><description>The Royal College of Nursing has reiterated its call for a formal evaluation of top-up care to ensure the system does not jeopardise NHS care.</description><pubDate>Tue, 24 Mar 2009 08:53:53 +0000</pubDate><title>RCN: Formal evaluation of top-up care needed</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/article/uk/updated_rcn_research_publication_launched2</link><description>The Royal College of Nursing has launched a new edition of a publication which addresses the important issue of ensuring that research undertaken by nurses is safe, robust and ethical.</description><pubDate>Mon, 23 Mar 2009 08:58:49 +0000</pubDate><title>Updated RCN research publication launched</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/article/uk/consultation_on_nhs_mileage</link><description>A six-week consultation on NHS mileage allowance arrangements with all the NHS unions and employers started on 16 March 2009.</description><pubDate>Fri, 20 Mar 2009 15:19:48 +0000</pubDate><title>Consultation on NHS mileage</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/article/uk/invest_in_experienced_nurses_says_rcn_following_bch_report</link><description>Patient care suffers when trust managers do not invest in experienced nurses, the Royal College of Nursing has said.</description><pubDate>Fri, 20 Mar 2009 09:34:32 +0000</pubDate><title>Invest in experienced nurses says RCN following BCH report</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/article/uk/new_rcn_mental_health_publication_launched2</link><description>The Royal College of Nursing has launched a new publication which addresses mental health issues in young people. The toolkit is aimed at nurses who are not mental health specialists but work with children and young people in community and hospital settings.</description><pubDate>Fri, 20 Mar 2009 08:00:02 +0000</pubDate><title>New RCN mental health publication launched</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/article/uk/royal_colleges_welcome_government_move_on_laming_recommendations</link><description>The Royal College of Nursing has said that Lord Laming’s report, The Protection of Children in England: A Progress Report reinforces the RCN’s long held views that child protection is not the top priority for those who fund health and social services.</description><pubDate>Mon, 16 Mar 2009 08:51:42 +0000</pubDate><title>Royal Colleges welcome Government move on Laming recommendations</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/article/uk/rcn_childrens_services_report_raises_serious_issues</link><description>The Royal College of Nursing has said that recruitment and retention issues in children’s services is leaving those in post ‘seriously overworked’.</description><pubDate>Mon, 16 Mar 2009 08:42:00 +0000</pubDate><title>RCN: Children’s services report raises serious issues</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/article/uk/rcn_and_wellchild_call_for_more_community_childrens_nurses</link><description>The Royal College of Nursing has joined with the national children’s charity, WellChild, to urge the Government to address the severe shortages of community children’s nurses.</description><pubDate>Mon, 16 Mar 2009 08:32:15 +0000</pubDate><title>RCN and WellChild call for more community children’s nurses</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/article/uk/rcn_welcomes_government_public_sector_plan</link><description>The Royal College of Nursing has said the Government is doing the right thing by entrusting decisions relating to care to frontline staff and acknowledging the experience of nurses in delivering NHS improvements.</description><pubDate>Wed, 11 Mar 2009 08:44:47 +0000</pubDate><title>RCN welcomes Government public sector plan</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/article/uk/telecare,_telehealth,_tell_me_more</link><description>We’re developing a telecare and telehealth resource for RCN members and we need to know what you want to know.</description><pubDate>Wed, 11 Mar 2009 08:28:21 +0000</pubDate><title>Telecare, telehealth, tell me more</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/article/uk/peter_carter_joins_expert_group_to_review_the_nurse_and_midwife_role</link><description>RCN Chief Executive &amp; General Secretary, Dr Peter Carter, has joined a new key group which will advise the Government on the future role of nurses and midwives in England.</description><pubDate>Tue, 10 Mar 2009 11:30:54 +0000</pubDate><title>Peter Carter joins expert group to review the nurse and midwife role</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/article/uk/rcn_welcomes_new_credit_crunch_stress_plans</link><description>The Royal College of Nursing has welcomed the announcement of more Government help for people who are affected by the economic downturn, including the introduction of more talking therapies and a new network of employment support workers.</description><pubDate>Tue, 10 Mar 2009 08:45:18 +0000</pubDate><title>RCN welcomes new credit crunch stress plans</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/article/uk/enter_the_nursing_standard_awards</link><description>RCN members are being encouraged to enter the Nursing Standard awards which celebrate groundbreaking and innovative nursing.</description><pubDate>Mon, 09 Mar 2009 16:08:12 +0000</pubDate><title>Enter the Nursing Standard awards</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/article/uk/rcn_welcomes_appointment_of_dh_diversity_adviser</link><description>The Royal College of Nursing has said that the appointment of Joan Myers to the position of Department of Health expert advisor on equality and diversity issues is ‘fantastic news’.</description><pubDate>Mon, 09 Mar 2009 15:58:20 +0000</pubDate><title>RCN welcomes appointment of DH Diversity Adviser</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/article/uk/confidential_records_turnaround_following_rcn_pressure</link><description>The Government has announced that it intends to drop proposals which may have allowed them to access medical records.</description><pubDate>Mon, 09 Mar 2009 15:44:17 +0000</pubDate><title>Confidential records turnaround following RCN pressure</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/article/uk/rcn_northern_ireland_director_appointed_to_new_post_in_public_health</link><description>Mary Hinds, Director of the RCN Northern Ireland, is leaving the Royal College of Nursing to take up the position of Director of Nursing and Allied Health Professionals (designate) at the new Regional Agency for Public Health and Social Well-being in Northern Ireland.</description><pubDate>Thu, 05 Mar 2009 16:12:31 +0000</pubDate><title>RCN Northern Ireland Director appointed to new post in public health</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/article/uk/rcn_nhs_prescription_charges_are_unfair</link><description>The Royal College of Nursing has said that the current system of prescription charging in England is ‘unfair and inconsistent’. The College said that it is important to be clear on where money comes from to fund the prescriptions before further changes are made.</description><pubDate>Thu, 05 Mar 2009 16:02:22 +0000</pubDate><title>RCN: NHS prescription charges are unfair</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/article/uk/invest_nhs_surplus_in_frontline_services_says_rcn</link><description>The Royal College of Nursing has said that it is ‘imperative’ that any NHS surplus is swiftly reinvested in frontline services to improve patient care.</description><pubDate>Thu, 05 Mar 2009 15:53:01 +0000</pubDate><title>Invest NHS surplus in frontline services says RCN</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/article/uk/school_nurses_150_take_part_in_an_rcn_survey</link><description>The Royal College of Nursing is encouraging school nurses to complete their online survey which has been commissioned to find out how things have changed since the last survey in 2005.</description><pubDate>Thu, 05 Mar 2009 08:27:43 +0000</pubDate><title>School nurses – take part in an RCN survey</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/article/uk/health_care_assistants_call_for_regulation/health_care_assistants_call_for_regulation</link><description>A new RCN survey of health care assistants has shown that 85% of health care assistants feel they should be regulated, and that 89% are prepared to pay towards professional regulation.</description><pubDate>Wed, 04 Mar 2009 09:19:24 +0000</pubDate><title>Health care assistants call for regulation</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/article/uk/royal_college_of_physicians_and_royal_college_of_nursing_survey_on_alcohol_treatment_services</link><description>The Royal College of Nursing is encouraging members to make their views known on UK alcohol treatment services by completing an online RCN / RCP survey on the subject.</description><pubDate>Fri, 27 Feb 2009 11:34:59 +0000</pubDate><title>Royal College of Physicians and Royal College of Nursing survey on alcohol treatment services</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/article/uk/invest_in_school_nurses_to_tackle_long_term_obesity_says_rcn</link><description>The Royal College of Nursing is urging the Government to invest in specialists and school nurses who can help children avoid obesity from an early age.</description><pubDate>Thu, 26 Feb 2009 11:41:12 +0000</pubDate><title>Invest in school nurses to tackle long term obesity says RCN</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/article/uk/ward_sister_and_charge_nurse_publication_launch</link><description>The Royal College of Nursing has today (26 February 2009) launched a brand new report which looks at how the ward sister and charge nurse roles are working across different types of hospital trusts in England.</description><pubDate>Thu, 26 Feb 2009 08:37:12 +0000</pubDate><title>Ward sister and charge nurse publication launch</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/article/uk/celebrating_sheelagh_brewer</link><description>The Royal College of Nursing is hosting an event to celebrate the life of Sheelagh Brewer, retired RCN Senior Employment Relations Adviser, who died earlier this month.</description><pubDate>Wed, 25 Feb 2009 06:00:08 +0000</pubDate><title>Celebrating Sheelagh Brewer</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/article/uk/book_your_congress_place_online_now</link><description>Book your place for RCN Congress online now. All members, including students and health care assistants, will be automatically directed to the correct login screen to book their place.</description><pubDate>Tue, 24 Feb 2009 13:09:16 +0000</pubDate><title>Book your Congress place online now</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/article/uk/needlestick_injuries_publication_launched</link><description>The Royal College of Nursing has launched a publication, supported by an educational grant from sanofi aventis, highlighting the issues surrounding needlestick injuries and calling for a legislative solution to this problem.</description><pubDate>Tue, 24 Feb 2009 08:59:19 +0000</pubDate><title>Needlestick injuries publication launched</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/article/uk/rcn_wales_director_is_appointed_to_national_advisory_board</link><description>The Royal College of Nursing (RCN) in Wales is pleased to announce that Tina Donnelly, Director RCN Wales, has been appointed to Welsh Assembly Government's National Advisory Board.</description><pubDate>Fri, 13 Feb 2009 15:11:45 +0000</pubDate><title>RCN Wales Director is appointed to National Advisory Board</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/article/uk/royal_college_of_nursing_echoes_call_to_improve_health_care_in_prisons</link><description>Commenting on the Healthcare Commission and Her Majesty’s Inspectorate of Prisons (HMIP) call for the NHS to provide better health care for adults in the prison system, Janet Davies, Executive Director of Nursing and Service Delivery at the Royal College of Nursing said:</description><pubDate>Thu, 12 Feb 2009 14:56:47 +0000</pubDate><title>Royal College of Nursing echoes call to improve health care in prisons</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/article/uk/royal_college_of_nursing_survey_nurses_need_admin_support_now_more_than_ever</link><description>A survey of nurses conducted by the Nursing Times has found nurses are spending more than a million hours every week on paperwork that could be done by a ward clerk.</description><pubDate>Thu, 12 Feb 2009 14:49:18 +0000</pubDate><title>Royal College of Nursing Survey: nurses need admin support now more than ever</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/article/uk/royal_college_of_nursing_welcomes_child_health_strategy</link><description>The Royal College of Nursing (RCN) today welcomes the Government’s Healthy lives: Brighter futures: The strategy for children and young people's health.</description><pubDate>Thu, 12 Feb 2009 14:37:01 +0000</pubDate><title>Royal College of Nursing welcomes Child Health Strategy</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/article/uk/rcn_welcomes_recommendations_for_nutritional_care_improvements</link><description>A report to highlight the urgent need to tackle malnutrition has been welcomed by the Royal College of Nursing.</description><pubDate>Wed, 11 Feb 2009 12:15:04 +0000</pubDate><title>RCN welcomes recommendations for nutritional care improvements</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/article/uk/rcn_research_society_announces_shortlist_for_award_in_innovation_in_doctoral_scholarship_in_nursing</link><description>The  Royal College of Nursing (RCN) Research Society has announced the shortlist  for the Akinsanya Award 2009 for Innovation in Doctoral Scholarship in Nursing.</description><pubDate>Wed, 11 Feb 2009 12:04:45 +0000</pubDate><title>RCN Research Society announces shortlist for award in innovation in doctoral scholarship in nursing</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/article/uk/nurses_lead_the_fight_against_infections,_but_government_must_provide_support</link><description>The Royal College of Nursing has joined with the Infection Prevention Society to call for 24 hour cleaning services, access to hand decontaminants and advanced training to tackle and prevent the spread of health care associated infections across the UK.</description><pubDate>Wed, 04 Feb 2009 10:44:04 +0000</pubDate><title>Nurses lead the fight against infections, but Government must provide support</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/article/uk/rcn_welcomes_new_standards_for_the_care_of_young_people_on_mental_health_wards</link><description>The Royal College of Nursing has welcomed to the launch of new standards which have been developed to help safeguard under-18s placed on adult psychiatric wards.</description><pubDate>Fri, 30 Jan 2009 16:05:41 +0000</pubDate><title>RCN welcomes new standards for the care of young people on mental health wards</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/article/uk/between_two_worlds_book_launch</link><description>A retired nurse who left the West Indies to start a new life and career in the UK in the NHS as a trainee nurse in 1950s Britain has written a book about her career and experiences.</description><pubDate>Thu, 22 Jan 2009 10:53:30 +0000</pubDate><title>Between two worlds book launch</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/article/uk/child_protection_services_not_good_enough_says_rcn</link><description>The RCN is urging the Government to take urgent action to improve child protection services in some parts of the UK.</description><pubDate>Thu, 18 Dec 2008 10:36:09 +0000</pubDate><title>Child protection services not good enough says RCN</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/article/uk/rcn_health_survey_shows_why_we_need_school_nurses</link><description>The RCN has welcomed the involvement of school nurses in healthy eating education for children in England and has urged the Government to ensure that children have access to school nurses.</description><pubDate>Thu, 18 Dec 2008 09:10:35 +0000</pubDate><title>RCN: Health survey shows why we need school nurses</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/article/uk/rcn_expresses_disappointment_at_review_body_decision</link><description>The Royal College of Nursing has expressed “extreme disappointment” at the Pay Review Body’s decision not to request a remit from the Secretary of State to review the 2009 / 2010 pay settlement.</description><pubDate>Wed, 17 Dec 2008 17:54:17 +0000</pubDate><title>RCN expresses disappointment at Review Body decision</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/article/uk/public_sector_pensions_overpayment_advice</link><description>Up to 95,000 public sector pensioners may be affected by a pensions overpayment which has been in effect since 1978. The exact amount that may have been overpaid to an individual is unlikely to be known until February 2009.</description><pubDate>Tue, 16 Dec 2008 18:20:04 +0000</pubDate><title>Public sector pensions overpayment advice</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/article/uk/rcn_offers_message_of_support_to_zimbabwe_nurses</link><description>RCN offers message of support to Zimbabwe nurses</description><pubDate>Thu, 11 Dec 2008 10:04:39 +0000</pubDate><title>RCN offers message of support to Zimbabwe nurses</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/article/uk/tv_debate_to_address_stigma_of_mental_health</link><description>RCN Mental Health Adviser, Ian Hulatt will take part in a two part BBC documentary addressing the issues of stigma and the diagnosis of mental illness.</description><pubDate>Mon, 10 Nov 2008 12:52:20 +0000</pubDate><title>TV debate to address stigma of mental health</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/article/uk/learn_to_manage_your_stress</link><description>A new stress management learning opportunity is now available in the “personal development” section on the RCN Learning Zone.</description><pubDate>Mon, 03 Nov 2008 16:54:40 +0000</pubDate><title>Learn to manage your stress</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/article/uk/reopen_pay_talks_says_rcn</link><description>The RCN with the other NHS unions is urging the Government to reopen pay talks for 2009 following an unexpected rise in inflation, which is now at its highest level in 16 years.</description><pubDate>Mon, 27 Oct 2008 10:42:34 +0000</pubDate><title>Reopen pay talks says RCN</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/article/uk/increase_investment_in_anti-smoking_measures_says_rcn</link><description>The RCN has urged the Government to investment in anti-smoking measures to ensure that health inequalities across the UK do not become further entrenched.</description><pubDate>Tue, 07 Oct 2008 15:06:16 +0100</pubDate><title>Increase investment in anti-smoking measures says RCN</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/article/uk/reminder_member_views_on_rule_12_needed</link><description>RCN members are being reminded to have their say on issues surrounding Rule 12. This follows a debate at Congress in April 2008 where those present voted to set in place arrangements to ‘amend Rule 12’.</description><pubDate>Tue, 30 Sep 2008 15:36:56 +0100</pubDate><title>Reminder: member views on Rule 12 needed</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/article/uk/put_nursing_back_on_the_shortage_list_says_rcn</link><description>The RCN has said that it would like to see all categories of nursing put back onto the migration shortage list. The College also says it will continue to push for the Government to seriously consider the adverse impact the recommended changes in the Migration Advisory Committee’s report on the migrant shortages list will have on the care sector.</description><pubDate>Wed, 10 Sep 2008 14:08:35 +0100</pubDate><title>Put nursing back on the shortage list says RCN</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/article/uk/rcn_responds_to_news_that_polyclinic_nurses_may_outnumber_doctors</link><description>The RCN has stressed that the right number of nurses and doctors working in primary care is the key to providing an excellent primary care service and has called on the UK Government to invest in community nurses to ensure high quality care is delivered.</description><pubDate>Wed, 10 Sep 2008 14:03:37 +0100</pubDate><title>RCN responds to news that polyclinic nurses may outnumber doctors</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/article/uk/opportunities_for_international_work_at_who</link><description>The World Health Organization (WHO) is offering graduate nursing students and nurse and midwifery leaders the opportunity to apply for internships and scholar programmes.</description><pubDate>Wed, 10 Sep 2008 13:55:32 +0100</pubDate><title>Opportunities for international work at WHO</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/article/uk/nmc_announces_new_standards_for_nursing_education</link><description>The Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) have announced that a new framework for pre-registration nursing education is to be developed.</description><pubDate>Wed, 10 Sep 2008 13:50:44 +0100</pubDate><title>NMC announces new standards for nursing education</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/article/uk/patient_safety_campaign_needs_you</link><description>RCN members in England are being encouraged to get involved in a campaign to make patient safety a number one priority in health organisations across the country.</description><pubDate>Wed, 03 Sep 2008 13:49:14 +0100</pubDate><title>Patient safety campaign needs you</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/article/uk/rcn_angered_by_clinics_threat_to_nurses_employment_rights</link><description>The RCN has warned it is considering legal remedies if the Priory Group goes ahead with plans to cut sick pay for its nursing staff. The College has been inundated with complaints from angry members after discovering their employer's plans which are due to be implemented next month. The Priory Group has  stated that the organisation has absence levels of “epidemic proportions”</description><pubDate>Tue, 26 Aug 2008 14:05:52 +0100</pubDate><title>RCN angered by clinics’ threat to nurses’ employment rights</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/article/uk/rcn_supports_hpv_vaccination_programme</link><description>The RCN has offered its support to the extension of the national vaccination programme against HPV (human papilloma virus). The College has, however questioned whether there are enough trained school nurses in post to facilitate the programme.</description><pubDate>Tue, 22 Jul 2008 13:28:34 +0100</pubDate><title>RCN supports HPV vaccination programme</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/article/uk/healthier_eating_kite_mark_for_nhs_canteens</link><description>A voluntary kite mark being developed for public sector canteens that encourage healthier eating will be piloted in the NHS, HM Prison Service and central government staff canteens.</description><pubDate>Tue, 08 Jul 2008 11:50:03 +0100</pubDate><title>Healthier eating kite mark for NHS canteens</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/article/uk/nhs_next_stage_review_150_report_due_today2</link><description>The report of the NHS Next Stage Review, led by Lord Ara Darzi, is due to be published today, 30 June 2008.</description><pubDate>Mon, 30 Jun 2008 14:40:27 +0100</pubDate><title>NHS Next Stage Review – report due today</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/article/uk/minister_congratulates_mental_health_service_success</link><description>The Care Services Minister Ivan Lewis has congratulated the NHS on major improvements in key mental health services.</description><pubDate>Tue, 30 Jun 2009 14:04:01 +0100</pubDate><title>Minister congratulates mental health service success</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/article/uk/july_2008_membership_payments</link><description>Membership subsription payments in July 2008</description><pubDate>Fri, 27 Jun 2008 13:54:50 +0100</pubDate><title>July 2008 membership payments</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/article/uk/rcn_launches_dignity_campaign</link><description>The Royal College of Nursing has launched a new campaign  -  Dignity: at the heart of everything we do at a conference at RCN headquarters in London today. The campaign will champion patient dignity by giving nurses practical tools to ensure compassionate care and challenge poor practice where it exists.</description><pubDate>Wed, 25 Jun 2008 00:15:46 +0100</pubDate><title>RCN launches dignity campaign</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/article/uk/pay_deal_accepted</link><description>Pay deal accepted

NHS trade unions have agreed a joint statement on pay which has now been sent to the Department of Health and NHS Employers.</description><pubDate>Thu, 19 Jun 2008 12:40:43 +0100</pubDate><title>Pay deal accepted</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/article/uk/rcn_welcomes_moves_to_measure_quality_of_nursing_care</link><description>The RCN has welcomed today's announcement on the Government's plans to develop measures specific to the quality of nursing care in areas such as compassion, safety and effectiveness.</description><pubDate>Wed, 18 Jun 2008 16:51:38 +0100</pubDate><title>RCN welcomes moves to measure quality of nursing care</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/article/uk/nursing__and__midwifery_council_-_joint_union_response_to_chre_report</link><description>Responding to the damning report by the Council for Regulation of Health Excellence (CHRE) into the conduct of the NMC (Nursing and Midwifery Council), health unions, the Royal College of Nursing, UNISON, Royal College of Midwives and Unite have issued a joint statement:</description><pubDate>Mon, 16 Jun 2008 13:33:35 +0100</pubDate><title>Nursing &amp;amp; Midwifery Council - joint union response to CHRE report</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/article/uk/rcn_accepts_three-year_pay_deal</link><description>RCN accepts three-year pay deal
 
92.7% of members who took part in the RCN’s recent pay consultation have voted in favour of the Government’s pay deal worth 7.99 per cent over three years.</description><pubDate>Tue, 10 Jun 2008 11:40:36 +0100</pubDate><title>RCN accepts three-year pay deal</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/article/uk/icn_announces_revised_dates_for_2009_congress</link><description>The International Council of Nurses (ICN) have confirmed 27 June – 04 July 2009 as the dates for their 24th quadrennial Congress in Durban. The dates have been revised by one week, to ensure the event did not clash with a major rugby match due to be held in the city at the same time.</description><pubDate>Fri, 06 Jun 2008 09:06:03 +0100</pubDate><title>ICN announces revised dates for 2009 Congress</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/article/uk/chair_and_vice_chair_of_congress_elected</link><description>Jason Warriner and Roderick (Rod) Thomson have been re-elected unopposed as Chair and Vice Chair of Congress respectively. Both will begin their two year term of office at the Agenda Committee meeting on 25 June 2008.</description><pubDate>Wed, 04 Jun 2008 11:50:22 +0100</pubDate><title>Chair and Vice Chair of Congress elected</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/article/uk/forthcoming_forum_committee_elections</link><description>The RCN are currently recruiting members to the RCN Prison nurses and Complementary therapies forum committees. The closing date for the submission of applications is 25 July 2008.</description><pubDate>Mon, 09 Jun 2008 08:00:03 +0100</pubDate><title>Forthcoming forum committee elections</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/article/uk/the_rcn_supports_beatbullyings_the_big_stand</link><description>The RCN is delighted to be supporting and participating in Beatbullying’s The Big Stand, asking every person in the UK, both young people and adults, to stand up as a national sign of defiance against bullying and of solidarity with the millions of people being bullied.</description><pubDate>Thu, 22 May 2008 10:06:50 +0100</pubDate><title>The RCN supports Beatbullying’s The Big Stand</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/article/uk/annual_nursing,_midwifery_and_healthcare_professionals_conference</link><description>This 2008 annual nursing, midwifery and healthcare professionals event, called 'Cultural change in professional practice - the information revolution',  takes place at the Westminster Central Hall in London, on Tuesday 17 June.</description><pubDate>Tue, 20 May 2008 15:17:43 +0100</pubDate><title>Annual nursing, midwifery and healthcare professionals conference</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/article/uk/rcn_welcomes_government_proposals_to_put_patients_at_centre_of_healthcare_reform</link><description>Dr Peter Carter, Chief Executive &amp; General Secretary of the RCN, responds to government announcement of its draft legislative programme.</description><pubDate>Fri, 16 May 2008 13:50:10 +0100</pubDate><title>RCN welcomes government proposals to put patients at centre of healthcare reform</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/article/uk/rcn_responds_to_lord_darzis_rules_for_change_in_the_nhs</link><description>Dr. Peter Carter, RCN Chief Executive &amp; General Secretary, responds to Lord Darzi's report setting out ground rules for how the NHS will handle changes to services.</description><pubDate>Fri, 09 May 2008 14:43:31 +0100</pubDate><title>RCN responds to Lord Darzi's rules for change in the NHS</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/article/uk/mary_seacole_awards_2008_-_closing_date_extended</link><description>Nurses, midwives and health visitors in England are invited to participate in the prestigious Mary Seacole Awards programme for 2008/09. The closing date for applications  has been extended to 14th May 2008.</description><pubDate>Wed, 07 May 2008 16:37:00 +0100</pubDate><title>Mary Seacole Awards 2008 - closing date extended</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/article/uk/rcn_congress_draws_to_a_close</link><description>RCN Congress draws to a close today with a keynote speech given by Shadow Secretary of State for Health Andrew Lansley. This follows a speech yesterday by Alan Johnson, Secretary of State for Health.</description><pubDate>Thu, 01 May 2008 12:45:50 +0100</pubDate><title>RCN Congress draws to a close</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/article/uk/specialist_nurses_targeted_to_cut_nhs_costs</link><description>An RCN survey of specialist and experienced nurses has found that vacancy freezes and fears of redundancy and downgrading are continuing to plague the NHS as it heads for a £1.8bn surplus.</description><pubDate>Wed, 30 Apr 2008 09:30:04 +0100</pubDate><title>Specialist nurses 'targeted' to cut NHS costs</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/article/uk/a_and_e_nurses_under_pressure_to_meet_four-hour_waiting_target</link><description>A survey from the RCN shows that nine out of ten emergency care nurses have felt unduly pressured to meet the four-hour waiting target.</description><pubDate>Tue, 29 Apr 2008 09:59:53 +0100</pubDate><title>Emergency care nurses under pressure to meet four-hour waiting target</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/article/uk/rcn_survey_shows_nurses_spend_more_than_a_million_hours_a_week_on_paperwork</link><description>A new survey for the RCN shows that an increase in paperwork is preventing nurses from spending enough time caring for patients.</description><pubDate>Mon, 28 Apr 2008 11:45:35 +0100</pubDate><title>RCN survey shows nurses spend more than a million hours a week on paperwork</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/article/uk/launch_of_new_rcn_strategic_plan_-_forward_together</link><description>The new RCN strategic plan for 2008 to 2013, Forward Together, has been launched at Congress today.</description><pubDate>Mon, 28 Apr 2008 11:41:05 +0100</pubDate><title>Launch of new RCN strategic plan - Forward Together</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/article/uk/rcn_congress</link><description>RCN’s annual Congress opens today and runs until Thursday 1 May 2008.</description><pubDate>Sun, 27 Apr 2008 19:49:43 +0100</pubDate><title>RCN Congress</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/article/uk/rcn_consults_members_on_pay_proposals</link><description>The RCN Membership, Representation and Diversity Committee has agreed to hold a consultation with members about the Government’s pay proposals for 2008/09 to 2010/11</description><pubDate>Fri, 18 Apr 2008 14:27:45 +0100</pubDate><title>RCN consults members on pay proposals</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/article/uk/ask_the_secretary_of_state_for_health_a_question_at_congress!</link><description>The Rt Hon Alan Johnson MP Secretary of State for Health will be speaking at this years congress and doing a short Q &amp; A with delegates. We are inviting members to email in questions beforehand.</description><pubDate>Wed, 16 Apr 2008 14:28:06 +0100</pubDate><title>Ask the Secretary of State for Health a question at Congress!</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/article/uk/rcn_responds_to_the_publication_of_new_nmc_code_of_conduct</link><description>The Nursing and Midwifery Council has launched a new Code of Conduct. The new code will come into effect on 1 May 2008.</description><pubDate>Mon, 07 Apr 2008 11:34:43 +0100</pubDate><title>RCN responds to the publication of new NMC Code of Conduct</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/article/uk/2008_budget_announced_today</link><description>The chancellor, Alistair Darling, unveiled the 2008 budget today.</description><pubDate>Wed, 12 Mar 2008 17:18:24 +0000</pubDate><title>2008 budget announced today</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/article/uk/rcn_hosts_reception_to_pay_tribute_to_inspirational_work_of_defence_nurses</link><description>The Ministry of Defence and the RCN will applaud the work of military and civilian nurses who work on the front line in Iraq and Afghanistan at a reception held in their honour tonight.</description><pubDate>Wed, 12 Mar 2008 17:11:50 +0000</pubDate><title>RCN hosts reception to pay tribute to inspirational work of defence nurses</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/article/uk/rcn_council_meeting_notes_now_available_to_download</link><description>A summary of the February RCN council meeting is now available</description><pubDate>Fri, 29 Feb 2008 15:35:19 +0000</pubDate><title>RCN Council meeting notes now available </title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/article/uk/nurses_in_aesthetic_medicine_forum_win_award</link><description>Forum is recognised for setting standards in nursing.</description><pubDate>Thu, 14 Feb 2008 16:12:12 +0000</pubDate><title>Nurses in Aesthetic Medicine Forum win award</title></item></channel></rss>
