<?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 +0100</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/rcn_welcomes_new_patient_care_technology_fund</link><description>The Royal College of Nursing has welcomed a new government initiative, designed to reward NHS hospitals that develop their technology plans collaboratively, and from the ground up.</description><pubDate>Fri, 17 May 2013 14:23:40 +0100</pubDate><title>RCN welcomes new patient care technology fund</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/article/uk/rcn_services_weekend_disruption</link><description>Due to planned technical maintenance taking place this weekend, some RCN services will not be available between 6pm on Friday 17 May and noon on Saturday 18 May.</description><pubDate>Fri, 17 May 2013 11:57:33 +0100</pubDate><title>RCN services: weekend disruption</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/article/uk/new_resource_to_help_navigate_the_new_nhs</link><description>The Royal College of Nursing has developed online information to help members navigate the new structure of the NHS in England.</description><pubDate>Wed, 15 May 2013 09:48:59 +0100</pubDate><title>New resource to help navigate the new NHS</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/article/uk/rcn_to_evaluate_pilots_on_pre-degree_care_experience</link><description>The RCN is to form part of a national steering group evaluating a pilot scheme for nursing students to spend time working as health care assistants (HCAs) before taking up their degree.</description><pubDate>Tue, 14 May 2013 17:40:43 +0100</pubDate><title>RCN to evaluate pilots on pre-degree care experience</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/article/uk/rcn_welcomes_health_and_social_care_integration_plans</link><description>The RCN has welcomed the announcement of plans to integrate health and social care by 2018 but called for clarity on community workforce planning and local funding.</description><pubDate>Tue, 14 May 2013 16:55:06 +0100</pubDate><title>RCN welcomes health and social care integration plans</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/article/uk/nurses_condemn_unsafe_staffing_levels</link><description>Senior nurses have issued an unprecedented warning about hospital ward staffing levels in England.</description><pubDate>Mon, 13 May 2013 14:33:39 +0100</pubDate><title>Nurses condemn unsafe staffing levels</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/article/uk/celebrate_nursing_on_12_may</link><description>Patients and nursing staff up and down the country will be celebrating Nurses’ Day, an international day of appreciation for the difference nursing staff make to the lives of those they care for.</description><pubDate>Fri, 10 May 2013 11:27:34 +0100</pubDate><title>Celebrate nursing on 12 May</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/article/uk/rcn_welcomes_full_implementation_of_regulations_to_protect_nursing_staff</link><description>Regulations to protect nurses and health care assistants from needlestick injuries come into force on 11 May.</description><pubDate>Thu, 09 May 2013 10:50:13 +0100</pubDate><title>RCN welcomes full implementation of regulations to protect nursing staff</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/article/uk/apply_now_for_mary_seacole_awards</link><description>RCN members who are registered nurses, midwives or health visitors in England are being encouraged to apply for the Mary Seacole Awards programme for 2013-14.</description><pubDate>Wed, 08 May 2013 16:16:31 +0100</pubDate><title>Apply now for Mary Seacole awards</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/article/uk/rcn_responds_to_queens_speech</link><description>The Royal College of Nursing will look closely at the proposals for health reforms outlined in the Queen’s speech during the State Opening of Parliament today, and will continue to represent the interests of members and patients during this challenging time for the health service.</description><pubDate>Wed, 08 May 2013 15:52:54 +0100</pubDate><title>RCN responds to Queen’s speech</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/article/uk/mps_consult_rcn_members_on_health_and_social_care_integration</link><description>RCN members met with Labour MPs Andy Burnham and Liz Kendall for a roundtable discussion on health and social care integration.</description><pubDate>Wed, 08 May 2013 13:00:14 +0100</pubDate><title>MPs consult RCN members on health and social care integration</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/article/uk/rcn_wales_nurse_of_the_year_awards_2013</link><description>RCN members are being encouraged to nominate their colleagues for an award in this year’s RCN in Wales Nurse of the Year Awards.</description><pubDate>Tue, 07 May 2013 13:40:37 +0100</pubDate><title>Nominations open for RCN in Wales Nurse of the Year Awards </title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/article/uk/nhs_development_programme_applications_open</link><description>Applications are open for a number of development programmes developed by the NHS Leadership Academy.</description><pubDate>Fri, 03 May 2013 14:40:45 +0100</pubDate><title>NHS development programme applications open</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/article/uk/new_guidance_to_help_avoid_medicines_waste</link><description>Nursing staff and other health professionals have been urged to provide more help for patients with their medicines to improve outcomes and avoid medicines waste.</description><pubDate>Tue, 07 May 2013 08:38:27 +0100</pubDate><title>New guidance to help avoid medicines waste</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/article/uk/new_virtual_group_to_discuss_the_cqc_and_monitor</link><description>The Royal College of Nursing has set up a virtual group for nurses with an interest in the work of the Care Quality Commission (CQC) and Monitor in England.</description><pubDate>Fri, 03 May 2013 14:08:19 +0100</pubDate><title>New virtual group to discuss the CQC and Monitor</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/article/uk/rcn_introduces_value-for-money_membership_card</link><description>The Royal College of Nursing has introduced a new membership “card for life”.</description><pubDate>Wed, 01 May 2013 16:01:59 +0100</pubDate><title>RCN introduces value-for-money membership card</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/article/uk/bulletin_now_online</link><description>The May issue of RCN Bulletin, the monthly magazine for members, is published today, packed with news, views and features.</description><pubDate>Wed, 01 May 2013 09:57:14 +0100</pubDate><title>Bulletin now online</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/article/uk/rcn_members_poem_goes_viral_on_youtube</link><description>A poem read by a second year nursing student at RCN Congress in Liverpool has gone viral on the internet, racking up more than 86,000 views in less than 48 hours.</description><pubDate>Fri, 26 Apr 2013 10:21:47 +0100</pubDate><title>RCN member's poem goes viral on Youtube</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/article/uk/rcn_comments_on_continued_use_of_nhs_direct</link><description>News that NHS Direct will be remaining open to support NHS 111 highlights the RCN's serious patient safety concerns about the new service.</description><pubDate>Fri, 26 Apr 2013 09:44:26 +0100</pubDate><title>RCN comments on continued use of NHS Direct</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/article/uk/rcn_expresses_continuing_concerns_about_competition_in_the_nhs</link><description>The RCN has issued a briefing ahead of a House of Lords motion to annul new competition regulations being introduced in the NHS.</description><pubDate>Mon, 29 Apr 2013 19:45:12 +0100</pubDate><title>RCN expresses continuing concerns about competition in the NHS</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/article/uk/a_and_e_pressures_critical,_says_rcn</link><description>Staff at over-stretched emergency departments are being forced to take desperate measures to cope with the demands of a system running at full capacity.</description><pubDate>Wed, 24 Apr 2013 09:33:25 +0100</pubDate><title>A&amp;amp;E pressures critical, says RCN</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/article/uk/council_authorised_to_withdraw_rcn_from_icn</link><description>RCN members voted to authorise RCN Council to withdraw the organisation from membership of the International Council of Nurses (ICN) at an Extraordinary General Meeting in Liverpool.</description><pubDate>Tue, 23 Apr 2013 19:23:15 +0100</pubDate><title>Council authorised to withdraw RCN from ICN</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/article/uk/rcn_council_elections_nominations_open</link><description>Nominations are now open for seats on the Royal College of Nursing’s governing Council in the RCN Council elections 2013.</description><pubDate>Mon, 22 Apr 2013 14:02:25 +0100</pubDate><title>RCN Council elections nominations open</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/article/uk/nurses_crucial_to_uptake_of_mmr_vaccine,_says_rcn</link><description>The Royal College of Nursing is urging nursing staff to play their part in helping ensure all children and young people are fully vaccinated against measles, mumps and rubella (MMR). Where uptake of the MMR vaccine has been low, large numbers of children will be at risk of contracting measles.</description><pubDate>Fri, 19 Apr 2013 17:25:33 +0100</pubDate><title>Nurses crucial to uptake of MMR vaccine, says RCN</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/article/uk/rcn_end_nhs_cuts_now</link><description>The Royal College of Nursing has called for an immediate end to short-term, slash and burn cuts being made across the health service.</description><pubDate>Wed, 24 Apr 2013 09:11:48 +0100</pubDate><title>Government must act on health service warning signs, says RCN</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/article/uk/rcn_nursing_staff_must</link><description>RCN: Nursing staff must feel confident to raise concerns</description><pubDate>Tue, 23 Apr 2013 09:21:20 +0100</pubDate><title>RCN: Nursing staff must feel confident to raise concerns </title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/article/uk/mary_seacole_memorial_appeal_reaches_landmark_figure</link><description>The total amount of money raised for the Mary Seacole Memorial Statue Appeal has now passed £300,000. This is over half way towards the target of £500,000.</description><pubDate>Fri, 19 Apr 2013 15:12:04 +0100</pubDate><title>Mary Seacole memorial appeal reaches landmark figure</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/article/uk/mandatory_safe_staffing_levels_urgently_needed,_says_rcn</link><description>The number of staff on hospital wards and in the community is falling to unsafe levels regularly, in some cases on a daily basis, according to new evidence from the Royal College of Nursing.</description><pubDate>Mon, 22 Apr 2013 00:15:16 +0100</pubDate><title>Mandatory safe staffing levels urgently needed, says RCN</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/article/uk/rcn_congress_opens_in_liverpool2</link><description>Royal College of Nursing members from across the UK have arrived in Liverpool as RCN Congress 2013 gets underway.</description><pubDate>Mon, 22 Apr 2013 09:09:36 +0100</pubDate><title>RCN Congress opens in Liverpool</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/article/uk/nursing_staff_facing_paperwork_overload</link><description>Nursing staff are being prevented from caring for their patients because they are drowning in a sea of paperwork, the Royal College of Nursing has said.</description><pubDate>Sun, 21 Apr 2013 00:15:15 +0100</pubDate><title>Nursing staff facing paperwork overload</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/article/uk/apply_now_for_the_professional_bursary_scheme</link><description>The Royal College of Nursing is encouraging eligible members to apply for an important bursary.</description><pubDate>Thu, 18 Apr 2013 16:47:18 +0100</pubDate><title>Apply now for the RCN Foundation Professional Bursary Scheme</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/article/uk/dont_miss_out_on_the_rcns_extraordinary_general_meeting</link><description>Members are reminded to take part in an important decision on the RCN’s membership of the International Council of Nurses.</description><pubDate>Wed, 17 Apr 2013 16:18:00 +0100</pubDate><title>Don't miss out on the RCN's Extraordinary General Meeting</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/article/uk/rcn_expresses_support_for_stafford_staff</link><description>The Royal College of Nursing has offered its support to staff at Stafford Hospital, following the announcement that the trust that runs the hospital is to be put into administration by the health regulator Monitor</description><pubDate>Tue, 16 Apr 2013 16:18:01 +0100</pubDate><title>RCN expresses support for Stafford staff</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/article/uk/rcn_praises_tireless_work_of_nurses_in_swansea_measles_epidemic</link><description>The Royal College of Nursing has praised the dedication of nursing staff in south Wales, who are working tirelessly to provide vaccinations to curtail the current measles outbreak.</description><pubDate>Mon, 15 Apr 2013 16:04:23 +0100</pubDate><title>RCN praises ‘tireless’ work of nurses in Swansea measles epidemic</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/article/uk/national_stalking_awareness_day_spread_the_word</link><description>The Royal College of Nursing is encouraging its members to spread the message about National Stalking Awareness Day, which takes place on 18 April.</description><pubDate>Mon, 15 Apr 2013 11:42:52 +0100</pubDate><title>National Stalking Awareness Day: spread the word</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/article/uk/rcn_foundation_wins_online_funding_vote</link><description>Online campaign, Born in the NHS, has named the RCN Foundation its benefitting charity.</description><pubDate>Fri, 12 Apr 2013 11:31:08 +0100</pubDate><title>RCN Foundation wins online funding vote</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/article/uk/updated_online_learning_available_from_the_rcn</link><description>The Royal College of Nursing’s award-winning Learning Zone now includes updated information in two key learning resources for RCN members.</description><pubDate>Thu, 11 Apr 2013 15:04:11 +0100</pubDate><title>Updated online learning available from the RCN</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/article/uk/survey_backs_rcns_call_for_hcsw_registration</link><description>The Royal College of Nursing has welcomed the publication of a new survey in which the overwhelming majority of respondents agreed there should be a code of conduct and compulsory registration for health care support workers.</description><pubDate>Thu, 11 Apr 2013 00:15:16 +0100</pubDate><title>Survey results back RCN’s call for HCSW registration</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/article/uk/payments_made_to_health_care_professionals_by_pharmaceutical_companies_to_be_published</link><description>Payments made by pharmaceutical companies to nurses, doctors and other health professionals will be published from 2016 as part of an EU-wide initiative to make relationships between the pharmaceutical industry and health professionals more open and transparent.</description><pubDate>Fri, 05 Apr 2013 12:03:30 +0100</pubDate><title>Payments made to health care professionals by pharmaceutical companies to be published</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/article/uk/rcn_set_to_campaign_for_retired_people</link><description>The Royal College of Nursing has joined the National Pensioners Convention (NPC), an organisation that campaigns for the rights of retired people and represents the interests of pensioners across a range of political, social and health issues.</description><pubDate>Thu, 04 Apr 2013 10:41:21 +0100</pubDate><title>RCN set to campaign for retired people</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/article/uk/rcn_bulletin_out_today2</link><description>The April issue of RCN Bulletin, the monthly magazine for members, is published today, packed with news, views and features.</description><pubDate>Thu, 04 Apr 2013 09:57:22 +0100</pubDate><title>RCN Bulletin out now</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/article/uk/new_look_nurses_day_website</link><description>The Royal College of Nursing has launched a new website to celebrate this year’s Nurses’ Day, which takes place on Sunday 12 May.</description><pubDate>Tue, 02 Apr 2013 14:46:42 +0100</pubDate><title>New look Nurses’ Day website</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/article/uk/become_an_rcn_board_member</link><description>Nominations are now open for Royal College of Nursing members to become involved with their regional or country board.</description><pubDate>Tue, 02 Apr 2013 16:43:42 +0100</pubDate><title>Become an RCN board member</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/article/uk/applications_open_for_rcn_forum_steering_committees2</link><description>The Royal College of Nursing is looking for members to join forum steering committees, which lead and facilitate the work of their forum.</description><pubDate>Mon, 08 Apr 2013 11:38:51 +0100</pubDate><title>Applications open for RCN forum steering committees</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/article/uk/rcn_comment_on_childrens_cardiac_services</link><description>The Royal College of Nursing has today responded to news that the High Court has ordered a decision about the closure of a child cardiac surgery unit in Leeds to be quashed.</description><pubDate>Wed, 27 Mar 2013 17:14:23 +0000</pubDate><title>RCN comment on children’s cardiac services</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/article/uk/new_rcn_publication_on_genital_examination</link><description>New guidance has been published by the Royal College of Nursing to provide standards and sample assessment tools for training in genital examination in women.</description><pubDate>Wed, 27 Mar 2013 13:47:51 +0000</pubDate><title>New RCN publication on genital examination</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/article/uk/vote_at_egm_to_determine_icn_membership</link><description>Royal College of Nursing members will decide whether to authorise RCN Council to withdraw the organisation from membership of the International Council of Nurses (ICN) at an Extraordinary General Meeting (EGM) held during Congress week (21 – 25 April) in Liverpool.</description><pubDate>Wed, 27 Mar 2013 14:10:34 +0000</pubDate><title>Vote at EGM to determine ICN membership</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/article/uk/reservations_expressed_about_government_response_to_francis</link><description>The Royal College of Nursing has today responded to Health Secretary Jeremy Hunt’s statement outlining the Government’s initial response to the Francis inquiry.</description><pubDate>Tue, 26 Mar 2013 17:06:58 +0000</pubDate><title>Reservations expressed about government response to Francis</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/article/uk/rcn_expresses_sadness_at_deaths_of_activists</link><description>The Royal College of Nursing is sad to learn of the deaths of former Council Member Stuart Mahon and RCN Fellow Dr Susan Pembrey.</description><pubDate>Tue, 26 Mar 2013 14:24:10 +0000</pubDate><title>RCN expresses sadness at deaths of activists</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/article/uk/rcn_condemns_chaos_surrounding_nhs_111</link><description>The RCN has expressed concern that almost 50 per cent of clinical commissioning groups have asked for help in running the new NHS 111 service from NHS Direct.</description><pubDate>Mon, 25 Mar 2013 14:21:54 +0000</pubDate><title>RCN condemns ‘chaos’ surrounding NHS 111</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/article/uk/more_specialist_dementia_nurses_needed,_says_rcn</link><description>The Royal College of Nursing and the University of Southampton have published a new report that calls for greater support, funding and training for specialist dementia nurses.</description><pubDate>Mon, 25 Mar 2013 10:40:44 +0000</pubDate><title>More specialist dementia nurses needed, says RCN</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/article/uk/help_shape_rcn_congress</link><description>Have you attended the Royal College of Nursing’s annual Congress at least twice in the previous four years?</description><pubDate>Mon, 25 Mar 2013 10:12:14 +0000</pubDate><title>Help shape RCN Congress</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/article/uk/rcn_welcomes_new_guidance_and_framework_to_protect_children_and_vulnerable_adults</link><description>The Royal College of Nursing is optimistic that two new documents will provide clarity to help protect children and vulnerable adults.</description><pubDate>Fri, 22 Mar 2013 14:47:14 +0000</pubDate><title>RCN welcomes new guidance and framework to protect children and vulnerable adults</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/article/uk/rcn_responds_to_nhs_efficiency_savings_report</link><description>The Royal College of Nursing has expressed concern that decisions in the NHS are too often being made on the basis of cost.</description><pubDate>Fri, 22 Mar 2013 09:21:11 +0000</pubDate><title>RCN responds to NHS efficiency savings report</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/article/uk/rcn_welcomes_move_away_from_pay_cartel</link><description>Following recent board meetings, three trusts have confirmed their involvement in the work of the South West pay cartel has concluded.</description><pubDate>Thu, 21 Mar 2013 18:05:25 +0000</pubDate><title>RCN welcomes move away from pay cartel</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/article/uk/rcn_launches_uk_position_on_district_nursing</link><description>A new Royal College of Nursing position statement sets out the RCN’s vision for district nursing, highlighting the current challenges facing the sector and suggesting possible solutions.</description><pubDate>Thu, 21 Mar 2013 12:57:47 +0000</pubDate><title>RCN launches UK position on district nursing</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/article/uk/rcn_responds_to_2013_budget</link><description>Nursing staff will find little to celebrate with public sector pay capped at one per cent until 2016.</description><pubDate>Wed, 20 Mar 2013 17:33:18 +0000</pubDate><title>RCN responds to 2013 budget</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/article/uk/rcn_urgently_needs_your_views</link><description>The  Royal College of Nursing is strongly encouraging members to fill in a survey to help the organisation campaign on important issues for nursing and patient care.</description><pubDate>Wed, 20 Mar 2013 17:12:58 +0000</pubDate><title>RCN urgently needs your views</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/article/uk/integrated_care_pathways_survey</link><description>A survey has been launched to clarify areas of concern about integrated care pathways (ICPs) and establish what is valued about them.</description><pubDate>Wed, 20 Mar 2013 11:52:40 +0000</pubDate><title>Integrated care pathways survey</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/article/uk/rcn_comments_on_draft_care_and_support_bill</link><description>Social care and health care must work together to ensure that people receive the best care in the best setting, the Royal College of Nursing has said.</description><pubDate>Tue, 19 Mar 2013 12:07:30 +0000</pubDate><title>RCN comments on draft Care and Support Bill</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/article/uk/rcn_responds_to_cqc_reports_into_dignity_and_nutrition</link><description>The Royal College of Nursing has expressed concern about the findings of the latest Care Quality Commission (CQC) reports into dignity and nutrition in care homes and hospitals.</description><pubDate>Tue, 19 Mar 2013 09:22:11 +0000</pubDate><title>RCN responds to CQC reports into dignity and nutrition</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/article/uk/new_rcn_publication_on_managing_diarrhoea_in_adults</link><description>The Royal College of Nursing has launched a new publication on managing diarrhoea in adults.</description><pubDate>Fri, 15 Mar 2013 11:02:28 +0000</pubDate><title>New RCN publication on managing diarrhoea in adults</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/article/uk/system_struggling_to_cope,_says_rcn</link><description>The Royal College of Nursing has said the results of a Monitor report on A&amp;E waiting times are unsettling.</description><pubDate>Thu, 14 Mar 2013 16:17:08 +0000</pubDate><title>System struggling to cope, says RCN</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/article/uk/rcn_one_per_cent_is_not_enough</link><description>A one per cent pay increase for NHS staff does nothing to address the financial difficulties nursing staff are facing after a two-year pay freeze, the Royal College of Nursing has said.</description><pubDate>Thu, 14 Mar 2013 16:03:42 +0000</pubDate><title>RCN: one per cent is not enough</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/article/uk/international_nurses_needed_for_survey_response2</link><description>Filipino, Indian and Vietnamese nurses working in the UK are being encouraged to complete an anonymous online questionnaire to help improve understanding of their experiences of work.</description><pubDate>Thu, 14 Mar 2013 11:24:53 +0000</pubDate><title>International nurses needed for survey response</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/article/uk/rcn_urges_government_to_continue_its_commitment_to_minimum_pricing</link><description>The Royal College of Nursing has urged the Government to stand firm in its commitment to introduce a minimum unit price for alcohol in England and Wales.</description><pubDate>Wed, 13 Mar 2013 14:18:09 +0000</pubDate><title>RCN urges government to continue its commitment to minimum pricing</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/article/uk/rcn_membership_service_closure_notification</link><description>The membership department at RCN Direct will be closed for a training day on Thursday 14 March.</description><pubDate>Wed, 13 Mar 2013 10:09:07 +0000</pubDate><title>RCN membership service closure notification</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/article/uk/copd_nurse_consultant_wins_nursing_standard_nurse_of_the_year_2013</link><description>RCN member Matt Hodson has won the overall Nursing Standard Nurse of the Year award for 2013.</description><pubDate>Wed, 13 Mar 2013 08:23:36 +0000</pubDate><title>COPD nurse consultant wins Nursing Standard Nurse of the Year 2013</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/article/uk/rcn_guidance_launched_to_help_you_speak_out</link><description>New guidance will help support RCN members who need to raise their concerns about problems in the workplace.</description><pubDate>Wed, 13 Mar 2013 08:25:22 +0000</pubDate><title>RCN guidance launched to help you speak out</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/article/uk/rcn_patients_deserve_dignified_care</link><description>It is distressing for dementia patients to be admitted to hospital with a condition which could have been avoided by early intervention, the Royal College of Nursing has said.</description><pubDate>Tue, 12 Mar 2013 09:54:00 +0000</pubDate><title>RCN: patients deserve dignified care</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/article/uk/rcn_responds_to_new_regulations_on_competition</link><description>Competition must not become a barrier to collaboration and integration in the NHS, the Royal College of Nursing has said.</description><pubDate>Tue, 12 Mar 2013 09:34:29 +0000</pubDate><title>RCN responds to new regulations on competition</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/article/uk/rcn_launches_fertility_nursing_guidance</link><description>The Royal College of Nursing has today launched a new education and training framework for fertility nurses.</description><pubDate>Mon, 11 Mar 2013 16:32:53 +0000</pubDate><title>RCN launches fertility nursing guidance</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/article/uk/voting_opens_in_rcn_elections2</link><description>Voting is now open for the election of new members to the RCN’s Health Practitioner Committee, UK Stewards Committee and UK Learning Representatives Committee.</description><pubDate>Mon, 11 Mar 2013 12:01:17 +0000</pubDate><title>Voting opens in RCN elections</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/article/uk/rcn_nursing_staff_central_to_infection_prevention</link><description>Nursing staff must be included in efforts to improve infection control and raise awareness of the threat posed by resistant bacteria, the Royal College of Nursing has said.</description><pubDate>Mon, 11 Mar 2013 12:54:06 +0000</pubDate><title>RCN: nursing staff central to infection prevention</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/article/uk/rcn_health_care_staff_need_support</link><description>Frontline health care staff want to work in excellent hospitals, but they need the proper support to do so, the Royal College of Nursing has said.</description><pubDate>Fri, 08 Mar 2013 09:22:06 +0000</pubDate><title>RCN: Health care staff need support</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/article/uk/rcn_expert_cardiac_services_needed_for_children</link><description>Concentrating surgical expertise and developing expert cardiology services gives children with complex heart conditions the best quality care, the Royal College of Nursing has said.</description><pubDate>Thu, 07 Mar 2013 15:54:15 +0000</pubDate><title>RCN: expert cardiac services needed for children</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/article/uk/rcn_supports_international_womens_day</link><description>The Royal College of Nursing is supporting this year’s International Women’s Day, which takes place today (8 March).</description><pubDate>Fri, 08 Mar 2013 00:15:15 +0000</pubDate><title>RCN supports International Women’s Day</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/article/uk/new_nhs_mileage_payment_system_to_be_implemented_in_july</link><description>New arrangements come into place in July for reimbursing NHS staff for the costs incurred in using their vehicle for work. Reimbursement will move to a single rate for up to 3,500 miles and a reduced rate thereafter.</description><pubDate>Wed, 13 Mar 2013 08:58:58 +0000</pubDate><title>New NHS mileage payment system to be implemented in July</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/article/uk/residents_must_not_be_affected_by_castlebeck_administration</link><description>Residents in Castlebeck homes must not be negatively affected by the news that the care home provider has gone into administration, the Royal College of Nursing has said.</description><pubDate>Wed, 06 Mar 2013 13:30:40 +0000</pubDate><title>RCN: residents must not be affected by Castlebeck administration</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/article/uk/rcn_supports_calls_to_reduce_preventable_deaths</link><description>The Royal College of Nursing has responded to the Health Secretary’s call to reduce preventable mortality.</description><pubDate>Wed, 06 Mar 2013 11:37:48 +0000</pubDate><title>RCN supports calls to reduce preventable deaths</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/article/uk/rcn_responds_to_health_select_committee_report_into_nmc</link><description>The Royal College of Nursing  has responded to the publication of a Health Select Committee report which scrutinises the nursing regulator, the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC).</description><pubDate>Wed, 06 Mar 2013 09:20:05 +0000</pubDate><title>RCN responds to Health Select Committee report into NMC</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/article/uk/government_backtracks_on_competition</link><description>The Royal College of Nursing today welcomed the announcement by Health Minister, Norman Lamb MP, that the section 75 regulations to the Health and Social Care Act will be withdrawn and amended.</description><pubDate>Tue, 05 Mar 2013 17:41:05 +0000</pubDate><title>Government backtracks on competition</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/article/uk/rcn_responds_to_south_west_pay_cartel_report</link><description>In response to the recent publication of the South West pay, terms and conditions consortium report, Jeannett Martin, Regional Director for the Royal College of Nursing in the South West said:

“The campaign by the RCN and other unions has been successful in diverting the pay cartel from their original intention to implement local pay systems across the South West region.</description><pubDate>Mon, 04 Mar 2013 12:04:26 +0000</pubDate><title>RCN responds to South West pay cartel report</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/article/uk/rcn_staff_need_support_to_raise_concerns</link><description>The Royal College of Nursing has said there needs to be greater transparency so nursing staff feel supported when raising concerns.</description><pubDate>Mon, 04 Mar 2013 11:13:27 +0000</pubDate><title>RCN: staff need support to raise concerns</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/article/uk/apply_now_for_gilead_fellowship_programme_grants</link><description>The Gilead UK and Ireland Fellowship Programme (GUKIFP) awards financial grants to projects which support (or contribute to) local innovation and best practice.</description><pubDate>Fri, 01 Mar 2013 13:40:15 +0000</pubDate><title>Apply now for Gilead Fellowship Programme grants</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/article/uk/nhs_change_day_get_involved</link><description>The Royal College of Nursing is encouraging members to get involved with NHS Change Day on 13 March.</description><pubDate>Fri, 01 Mar 2013 10:12:33 +0000</pubDate><title>NHS Change Day: get involved</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/article/uk/rcn_again_makes_prestigious_top_employers_list</link><description>The Royal College of Nursing has been judged one of the best UK employers in the annual Sunday Times Best Companies list for the third year running, as well as winning a special award for staff wellbeing. The RCN has been awarded its highest ever place of 14th in the top 100 not-for-profit organisations to work for, and is the highest placed trade union or professional body.</description><pubDate>Fri, 01 Mar 2013 08:37:21 +0000</pubDate><title>RCN again makes prestigious top employers list</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/article/uk/health_service_under_increasing_pressure</link><description>Results of a new survey show that NHS staff in England are under increasing pressure, with patients experiencing frustration and delays, the Royal College of Nursing has said.</description><pubDate>Thu, 28 Feb 2013 16:00:18 +0000</pubDate><title>Health service under increasing pressure</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/article/uk/celebrating_15_years_of_rcn_direct</link><description>RCN Direct today celebrates 15 years of providing first line support to RCN members.</description><pubDate>Fri, 01 Mar 2013 00:15:15 +0000</pubDate><title>Celebrating 15 years of RCN Direct</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/article/uk/rcn_concern_over_competition_regulations</link><description>The Royal College of Nursing has expressed its continuing concerns about the role of competition in the new NHS in England, as new regulations are laid before parliament.</description><pubDate>Thu, 28 Feb 2013 13:26:09 +0000</pubDate><title>RCN: concern over competition regulations</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/article/uk/book_now_for_rcn_e-library_webinars</link><description>Royal College of Nursing members have the opportunity to participate in free webinars to help them get the best from the RCN’s e-library services.</description><pubDate>Thu, 28 Feb 2013 10:26:18 +0000</pubDate><title>Book now for RCN e-library webinars</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/article/uk/rcn_bulletin_out_today</link><description>The March issue of RCN Bulletin, the monthly magazine for members, is published today, packed with news, views and features.</description><pubDate>Wed, 27 Feb 2013 10:09:49 +0000</pubDate><title>RCN Bulletin out today</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/article/uk/rcn_comments_on_pragmatic_afc_decision</link><description>The Royal College of Nursing has described an agreement to amend the Agenda for Change (AfC) contract in England  as the “most effective way” to protect it as a national pay and rewards system.</description><pubDate>Wed, 27 Feb 2013 09:47:56 +0000</pubDate><title>RCN comments on 'pragmatic' AfC decision</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/article/uk/act_quickly_following_an_assault</link><description>The Royal College of Nursing legal team has advised members to take prompt action if they wish to make a claim after experiencing an assault in the workplace.</description><pubDate>Tue, 26 Feb 2013 14:46:34 +0000</pubDate><title>Act quickly following an assault</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/article/uk/rcn_responds_to_alzheimers_society_report_on_care_homes</link><description>A new Alzheimer’s Society report reveals that 80 per cent of people in care homes have dementia or severe memory problems, and only 41 per cent of relatives think their loved ones enjoy a good quality of life in that care setting.</description><pubDate>Tue, 26 Feb 2013 09:22:17 +0000</pubDate><title>RCN responds to Alzheimer’s Society report on care homes</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/article/uk/the_future_of_nhs_leadership_have_your_say</link><description>The RCN is working with the King’s Fund to examine the state of leadership in the health service in the wake of the Francis inquiry report.</description><pubDate>Mon, 25 Feb 2013 14:41:29 +0000</pubDate><title>The future of NHS leadership: have your say</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/article/uk/recognition_for_rcn_direct</link><description>The work of RCN Direct has been recognised at the Welsh Contact Centre Forum annual awards.</description><pubDate>Fri, 22 Feb 2013 10:46:08 +0000</pubDate><title>Recognition for RCN Direct</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/article/uk/rcn_hca_regulation_and_improved_training_is_essential_for_hcas</link><description>Better training and support for health care assistants (HCAs) is a hugely significant part of improving patient care, the RCN has said.</description><pubDate>Wed, 20 Feb 2013 14:49:04 +0000</pubDate><title>RCN: HCA regulation and improved training is essential for HCAs</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/article/uk/rcn_welcomes_new_breastfeeding_campaign</link><description>The Royal College of Nursing has welcomed the launch of a new report that provides a global perspective on the positive value of encouraging breastfeeding in the fight against malnutrition.</description><pubDate>Fri, 22 Feb 2013 13:04:43 +0000</pubDate><title>RCN welcomes global breastfeeding campaign</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/article/uk/rcn_employment_survey_reminder</link><description>Members have 10 more days to contribute to important research on pay and conditions.</description><pubDate>Mon, 18 Feb 2013 15:01:57 +0000</pubDate><title>RCN employment survey reminder</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/article/uk/rcn_direct_online_advice_offers_improved_service</link><description>It is now easier than ever for RCN members to seek online advice from RCN Direct.</description><pubDate>Tue, 19 Feb 2013 10:29:29 +0000</pubDate><title>RCN Direct online advice offers improved service</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/article/uk/liver_disease_competence_framework_launched</link><description>The RCN has collaborated with NHS Liver Care on a joint publication which aims to tackle the increasing number of deaths from liver disease, now the UK's fifth biggest killer and a major cause of premature death.</description><pubDate>Thu, 14 Feb 2013 12:00:43 +0000</pubDate><title>Liver disease competence framework launched</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/article/uk/patient_care_must_be_protected,_says_rcn</link><description>Efficiency savings must not come at the expense of patient care, the Royal College of Nursing has said.</description><pubDate>Thu, 14 Feb 2013 11:54:23 +0000</pubDate><title>Patient care must be protected, says RCN</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/article/uk/social_care_plans_leave_many_facing_hard_choices</link><description>The Royal College of Nursing (RCN) said today that the Government’s plans for adult social care would still leave many people facing tough decisions over how to pay for their care.</description><pubDate>Mon, 11 Feb 2013 17:18:45 +0000</pubDate><title>Social care plans leave many facing hard choices</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/article/uk/rcn_president_speaks_out_on_nursing_care</link><description>Following the publication of the report of the Mid Staffordshire NHS Foundation Trust Public Inquiry, RCN President Andrea Spyropoulos, has issued a message to RCN members:</description><pubDate>Fri, 08 Feb 2013 11:13:29 +0000</pubDate><title>RCN President speaks out on nursing care</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/article/uk/job_cuts_planned_in_trusts_under_investigation</link><description>Trusts at the centre of mortality rate investigations have earmarked thousands of jobs to be cut, the Royal College of Nursing has revealed.</description><pubDate>Fri, 08 Feb 2013 10:03:51 +0000</pubDate><title>Job cuts planned in trusts under investigation</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/article/uk/rcn_responds_to_francis_inquiry</link><description>The RCN today responded to the report of the Mid Staffs NHS Foundation Trust Public Inquiry.</description><pubDate>Fri, 08 Feb 2013 11:21:47 +0000</pubDate><title>RCN responds to Francis inquiry</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/article/uk/rcn_signs_agreement_with_four_seasons</link><description>The Royal College of Nursing has signed a joint recognition agreement with Four Seasons, the UK’s leading independent provider of health and social care services.</description><pubDate>Tue, 05 Feb 2013 12:01:05 +0000</pubDate><title>RCN signs agreement with Four Seasons</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/article/uk/ms_guide_produced_by_rcn_member</link><description>A Royal College of Nursing member who has multiple sclerosis (MS) has written a new guide designed to help other people live with the condition.</description><pubDate>Tue, 05 Feb 2013 11:23:32 +0000</pubDate><title>MS guide produced by RCN member</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/article/uk/rcn_restates_support_for_overseas_nurses</link><description>The Royal College of Nursing has been made aware of concerns being circulated by email that the RCN is working alongside the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) to prevent foreign nurses from practising in the NHS.</description><pubDate>Mon, 04 Feb 2013 16:27:33 +0000</pubDate><title>RCN restates support for overseas nurses</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/article/uk/nominate_an_outstanding_member_of_rcn_staff</link><description>Nominations for the RCN Staff Awards for Excellence are now open.</description><pubDate>Mon, 04 Feb 2013 09:42:21 +0000</pubDate><title>Nominate an outstanding member of RCN staff for excellence award </title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/article/uk/nhs_pension_contributions_set_to_rise</link><description>Employee contribution rates for the NHS Pension Scheme will increase from 1 April.</description><pubDate>Fri, 01 Feb 2013 10:46:35 +0000</pubDate><title>NHS pension contributions set to rise</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/article/uk/new_look_for_first_steps</link><description>The RCN’s online induction programme for new health care assistants, First steps for health care assistants, has a new look and a number of new features.</description><pubDate>Fri, 01 Feb 2013 10:16:09 +0000</pubDate><title>New look for First Steps</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/article/uk/safer_sharps_events_to_take_place_in_march</link><description>The Royal College of Nursing is encouraging members to attend demonstration days designed to raise awareness and understanding of the implementation of the Safer Sharps Directive.</description><pubDate>Thu, 07 Feb 2013 09:09:45 +0000</pubDate><title>Safer sharps events to take place in March</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/article/uk/mid_staffs_report_6_february</link><description>The Royal College of Nursing will be responding to the findings of the inquiry into Mid Staffordshire NHS Foundation Trust when the inquiry report is published on Wednesday 6 February.</description><pubDate>Fri, 01 Feb 2013 08:00:15 +0000</pubDate><title>Mid Staffs report: 6 February</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/article/uk/rcn_the_nhs_must_adapt</link><description>The NHS needs to adapt to the demands of increasingly complex health care needs while maintaining its core principles, the Royal College of Nursing has said.</description><pubDate>Thu, 31 Jan 2013 09:46:57 +0000</pubDate><title>RCN: the NHS must adapt</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/article/uk/latest_rcn_bulletin_now_live</link><description>The latest issue of RCN Bulletin, the monthly magazine for members, is published today packed with news, views and features.</description><pubDate>Tue, 29 Jan 2013 16:52:27 +0000</pubDate><title>Latest RCN Bulletin now live</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/article/uk/rcn_students_meet_labour_leader</link><description>Royal College of Nursing members led a group of nursing students who met with Labour Leader Ed Miliband.</description><pubDate>Tue, 29 Jan 2013 09:47:52 +0000</pubDate><title>RCN students meet Labour Leader</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/article/uk/commonwealth_games_seeks_volunteers</link><description>RCN members are encouraged to consider volunteering at the 2014 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow.</description><pubDate>Fri, 25 Jan 2013 16:56:18 +0000</pubDate><title>Commonwealth Games seeks volunteers</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/article/uk/new_sharps_alert</link><description>RCN members are being encouraged to read a new alert regarding sharps and sharps containers transported in staff vehicles.</description><pubDate>Fri, 25 Jan 2013 10:47:53 +0000</pubDate><title>New sharps alert</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/article/uk/rcn_congress_agenda_confirmed</link><description>The agenda for RCN Congress 2013 has been confirmed.</description><pubDate>Fri, 25 Jan 2013 09:43:37 +0000</pubDate><title>RCN Congress agenda confirmed</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/article/uk/complete_survey_on_eu_influence_on_nursing</link><description>European Union (EU) employment legislation can help to protect the safety of health care staff in the UK, the Royal College of Nursing has said.</description><pubDate>Thu, 24 Jan 2013 12:42:13 +0000</pubDate><title>Complete survey on EU influence on nursing</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/article/uk/rcn_council_decision_on_agenda_for_change</link><description>The RCN’s governing Council today discussed proposed amendments to Agenda for Change.</description><pubDate>Wed, 23 Jan 2013 16:37:02 +0000</pubDate><title>RCN Council decision on Agenda for Change</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/article/uk/last_chance_to_book_for_free_learning_reps_conference</link><description>Limited places are available for next month’s RCN national learning representatives’ conference.</description><pubDate>Wed, 23 Jan 2013 13:57:00 +0000</pubDate><title>Last chance to book for free learning reps conference</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/article/uk/medicines_legislation_to_be_updated_in_england</link><description>RCN members are being advised to be aware of amended medicines legislation due to be introduced in England.</description><pubDate>Thu, 24 Jan 2013 08:50:41 +0000</pubDate><title>Medicines legislation to be updated in England</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/article/uk/rcn_welcomes_review_of_emergency_services_in_england</link><description>The Royal College of Nursing has welcomed moves to simplify the system of urgent and emergency care in England.</description><pubDate>Fri, 18 Jan 2013 15:39:31 +0000</pubDate><title>RCN welcomes review of emergency services in England</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/article/uk/your_feedback_needed_on_integrated_care</link><description>The Royal College of Nursing is encouraging members to respond to the National Voices consultation on defining integrated care.</description><pubDate>Mon, 21 Jan 2013 08:23:52 +0000</pubDate><title>Your feedback needed on integrated care</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/article/uk/rcn_direct_closed</link><description>RCN offices in Wales, including RCN Direct, Ty Maeth and Plas Eirias, will be closed today (18 January) due to the adverse weather conditions currently affecting the country.</description><pubDate>Fri, 18 Jan 2013 09:45:45 +0000</pubDate><title>RCN Direct closed</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/article/uk/rcn_welcomes_plans_for_a_paperless_nhs</link><description>The Royal College of Nursing has welcomed Health Secretary Jeremy Hunt’s commitment to developing technology across health and social care systems in his plans for a “paperless NHS” in England.</description><pubDate>Wed, 16 Jan 2013 14:31:18 +0000</pubDate><title>RCN  welcomes plans for a ‘paperless’ NHS</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/article/uk/enter_today_for_student_nursing_awards</link><description>RCN nursing students are being encouraged to nominate their educational establishments in this year’s Student Nursing Times Awards.</description><pubDate>Wed, 16 Jan 2013 13:35:20 +0000</pubDate><title>Enter today for student nursing awards</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/article/uk/awards_set_to_recognise_care_for_military_personnel</link><description>Nominations are now open for an awards scheme that recognises the joint efforts of the NHS and the military for their treatment and care of armed forces personnel.</description><pubDate>Wed, 16 Jan 2013 09:11:22 +0000</pubDate><title>Awards set to recognise care for military personnel</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/article/uk/new_rcn_online_chat_on_twitter</link><description>Royal College of Nursing members are being encouraged to take part in a new regular online chats on the RCN Twitter website.</description><pubDate>Wed, 16 Jan 2013 09:39:16 +0000</pubDate><title>New RCN online chat on Twitter</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/article/uk/rcn_welcomes_changes_to_nmc_processes</link><description>The Royal College of Nursing has welcomed changes to the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) registration and fitness to practise processes.</description><pubDate>Mon, 14 Jan 2013 13:37:40 +0000</pubDate><title>RCN welcomes changes to NMC processes</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/article/uk/rcn_nhs_not_recognisable_in_government_report</link><description>Frontline health care staff will struggle recognise the picture of the NHS pictured in the Government’s mid-term review report, the RCN has said.</description><pubDate>Thu, 10 Jan 2013 08:53:35 +0000</pubDate><title>RCN: NHS not recognisable in Government report</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/article/uk/apply_now_for_learning_and_development_bursary</link><description>The RCN Foundation Worshipful Company of Needlemakers Educational Bursary offers awards of up to £1,000 to assist with funding learning and development activities.</description><pubDate>Wed, 09 Jan 2013 16:13:02 +0000</pubDate><title>Apply now for learning and development bursary</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/article/uk/january_bulletin_out_today</link><description>The latest issue of RCN Bulletin, the monthly magazine for members, is published today, packed with news, views and features.</description><pubDate>Wed, 09 Jan 2013 10:45:15 +0000</pubDate><title>January Bulletin out today</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/article/uk/rcn_response_to_health_select_committee_report_on_the_cqc</link><description>The Royal College of Nursing has welcomed a Health Select Committee report that shows the Care Quality Commission (CQC) is demonstrating tangible signs of improvement.</description><pubDate>Wed, 09 Jan 2013 10:58:58 +0000</pubDate><title>RCN welcomes Health Select Committee report on the CQC</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/article/uk/getting_social_care_funding_right_is_crucial,_says_rcn</link><description>The Royal College of Nursing today called for implementation of the Dilnot recommendations.</description><pubDate>Mon, 07 Jan 2013 17:25:29 +0000</pubDate><title>Getting social care funding right is crucial, says RCN</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/article/uk/rcn_responds_to_prime_ministers_announcement_on_nhs_care</link><description>Providing the best quality care for patients has always been at the heart of nursing, the Royal College of Nursing has said, as Prime Minister David Cameron announced extra support and training for nursing in England.</description><pubDate>Fri, 04 Jan 2013 09:00:12 +0000</pubDate><title>RCN: Quality care for patients is at the heart of nursing</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/article/uk/afc_consultation_time_is_running_out</link><description>There is just one week left for RCN members to have their say on proposals to amend terms and conditions of employment for NHS staff in England.</description><pubDate>Thu, 03 Jan 2013 08:11:34 +0000</pubDate><title>AfC consultation: time is running out</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/article/uk/rcn_launches_new_online_learning</link><description>Two new online learning programmes have been published by the Royal College of Nursing.</description><pubDate>Fri, 21 Dec 2012 15:30:38 +0000</pubDate><title>RCN launches new online learning</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/article/uk/election_results_announced</link><description>The Royal College of Nursing recently held a number of elections for its regional and country Board members, as well as the Students Committee, Health Practitioners Committee, Learning Representatives Committee, Safety Representatives Committee and Stewards Committee.</description><pubDate>Thu, 03 Jan 2013 16:03:13 +0000</pubDate><title>Election results announced</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/article/uk/remembering_jacintha_saldanha</link><description>Following the tragic case of Jacintha Saldanha, the nurse who was the victim of a hoax call to the hospital treating the Duchess of Cambridge, the RCN continues to hold Jacintha’s family and colleagues in our thoughts at this very sad time.</description><pubDate>Thu, 20 Dec 2012 12:20:38 +0000</pubDate><title>Remembering Jacintha Saldanha</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/article/uk/attitudes_to_older_people_must_change,_says_rcn</link><description>The Royal College of Nursing (RCN) said today there was still much to do to combat ageist attitudes towards older people with cancer.</description><pubDate>Thu, 20 Dec 2012 10:33:28 +0000</pubDate><title>Attitudes to older people must change, says RCN</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/article/uk/rcn_mandatory_registration_of_hcsws_requried</link><description>The Royal College of Nursing has described proposals for a voluntary register of health care support workers as “fundamentally weak”.</description><pubDate>Thu, 20 Dec 2012 00:15:01 +0000</pubDate><title>RCN: mandatory registration of HCSWs required</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/article/uk/rcn_welcomes_nhs_commissioning_board_patient_pledge</link><description>The Royal College of Nursing has welcomed plans to improve the information available to patients in England.</description><pubDate>Tue, 18 Dec 2012 09:05:49 +0000</pubDate><title>RCN welcomes NHS Commissioning Board patient pledge</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/article/uk/rcn_vitamin_d_deficiency_problems_are_preventable</link><description>Vitamin D deficiency is a growing problem, but it is also a preventable as long as people are aware of the warning signs and how they can prevent it, the RCN has said.</description><pubDate>Fri, 14 Dec 2012 10:15:10 +0000</pubDate><title>RCN: vitamin D deficiency problems are preventable</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/article/uk/health_visiting_on_the_road</link><description>The Royal College of Nursing is running a series of health visitor recruitment roadshows in collaboration with the Department of Health.</description><pubDate>Fri, 14 Dec 2012 10:08:08 +0000</pubDate><title>Health visiting on the road</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/article/uk/cuts_threaten_care,_says_rcn</link><description>Money has to be saved in the NHS, but not by cutting jobs and services, the Royal College of Nursing has said.</description><pubDate>Thu, 13 Dec 2012 00:30:05 +0000</pubDate><title>Cuts threaten care, says RCN</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/article/uk/join_afc_webchat_tonight</link><description>RCN members are invited to join a webchat with RCN Head of Employment Relations Josie Irwin on the RCN’s current consultation on the Agenda for Change (AfC) contract change proposals.</description><pubDate>Wed, 12 Dec 2012 11:13:28 +0000</pubDate><title>Join AfC webchat tonight</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/article/uk/applications_sought_for_pensions_group</link><description>The Royal College of Nursing is looking for members to join a Task and Finish Group which will focus on the key aspect of the proposed changes to the NHS pension scheme.</description><pubDate>Tue, 11 Dec 2012 16:07:25 +0000</pubDate><title>Applications sought for pensions group</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/article/uk/rcn_direct_christmas_hours</link><description>There are a few changes to RCN Direct services over Christmas and New Year.</description><pubDate>Fri, 21 Dec 2012 09:02:05 +0000</pubDate><title>RCN Direct Christmas hours</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/article/uk/rcn_supports_winterbourne_view_recommendations</link><description>The Royal College of Nursing has said it is fully supportive of the actions recommended in the Winterbourne View Review and is committed to working with the relevant organisations to deliver change.</description><pubDate>Tue, 11 Dec 2012 12:05:56 +0000</pubDate><title>RCN supports Winterbourne View recommendations</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/article/uk/rcn_disappointed_at_absence_of_nurses_on_commissioning_boards</link><description>The Royal College of Nursing has expressed disappointment that some clinical commissioning groups (CGCs) appear to have been authorised without the presence of anyone from the nursing profession on their board.</description><pubDate>Tue, 11 Dec 2012 11:54:18 +0000</pubDate><title>RCN disappointed at absence of nurses on commissioning boards</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/article/uk/nursing_staff_required_for_health_technologies_committee</link><description>The National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE) is seeking nursing staff for its independent advisory committees on the use of health technologies.</description><pubDate>Mon, 10 Dec 2012 14:32:28 +0000</pubDate><title>Nursing staff required for health technologies committee</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/article/uk/rcn_expresses_sadness_over_death_of_nurse</link><description>The Royal College of Nursing has expressed sadness at the death of the nurse from the London hospital treating the Duchess of Cambridge who took a hoax call about the Duchess’s condition.</description><pubDate>Fri, 07 Dec 2012 16:07:25 +0000</pubDate><title>RCN expresses sadness over death of nurse</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/article/uk/views_sought_on_drug_industry_relationships</link><description>Royal College of Nursing members are being asked to take part in a survey that explores the views of health professionals on the relationship between the pharmaceutical industry and medical education.</description><pubDate>Fri, 07 Dec 2012 14:40:50 +0000</pubDate><title>Views sought on drug industry relationships</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/article/uk/chair_of_rcn_council_receives_cbe</link><description>The Chair of the RCN’s governing Council, Professor Kath McCourt, was yesterday awarded a CBE by Her Majesty the Queen during an investiture at Buckingham Palace.</description><pubDate>Thu, 06 Dec 2012 15:51:28 +0000</pubDate><title>Chair of RCN Council receives CBE</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/article/uk/accident_and_emergency_a_system_under_strain</link><description>The Royal College of Nursing said today that the results of a national survey by the Care Quality Commission (CQC) on accident and emergency waiting times show a system under strain.</description><pubDate>Thu, 06 Dec 2012 15:21:51 +0000</pubDate><title>Accident and emergency: ‘a system under strain’</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/article/uk/jersey_branch_email</link><description>The RCN would like to apologise to any members who have received an email about a branch meeting in Jersey.</description><pubDate>Thu, 06 Dec 2012 15:06:19 +0000</pubDate><title>Jersey branch email</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/article/uk/rcn_responds_to_autumn_statement</link><description>The Royal College of Nursing today welcomed George Osborne’s commitment to national pay, but warned that a one per cent pay rise will do little for the morale of nursing staff.</description><pubDate>Wed, 05 Dec 2012 15:38:13 +0000</pubDate><title>RCN responds to Autumn Statement</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/article/uk/rcn_film_outlines_afc_proposals</link><description>A new RCN film explains the proposed changes to Agenda for Change (AfC) and outlines the consultation process to RCN members.</description><pubDate>Wed, 05 Dec 2012 13:59:40 +0000</pubDate><title>RCN film outlines AfC proposals</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/article/uk/employers_must_support_cnos_strategy</link><description>The Chief Nursing Officer (CNO) for England’s three-year vision and strategy for nursing needs to be supported by appropriate education and training.</description><pubDate>Tue, 04 Dec 2012 08:57:06 +0000</pubDate><title>Employers 'must support CNO's strategy'</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/article/uk/schoolchildren_with_health_needs_at_risk</link><description>The Royal College of Nursing and Unison are calling for urgent action to protect children and young people with health needs in schools.</description><pubDate>Mon, 03 Dec 2012 12:29:02 +0000</pubDate><title>Schoolchildren with health needs ‘at risk’</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/article/uk/dr_foster_report_highly_credible,_says_rcn</link><description>The latest Dr Foster Annual Health Guide reveals an increasingly fragmented health service, with many hospitals under huge pressure because of poorly resourced community services, the RCN has said.</description><pubDate>Mon, 03 Dec 2012 11:44:09 +0000</pubDate><title>Dr Foster report highly credible, says RCN</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/article/uk/older_peoples_care_rcn_calls_for_action</link><description>The Royal College of Nursing has today published a position statement on improving hospital care for older people.</description><pubDate>Mon, 03 Dec 2012 10:38:15 +0000</pubDate><title>Older people's care: RCN calls for action</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/article/uk/rcn_expresses_concern_about_personal_health_budgets</link><description>A system which may put pressure on patients to “top-up” their care needs careful consideration, the Royal College of Nursing has said, as the Government announced the roll out of personal health budgets in England.</description><pubDate>Fri, 30 Nov 2012 11:05:06 +0000</pubDate><title>RCN expresses concern about personal health budgets</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/article/uk/rcn_condemns_attacks_on_staff</link><description>No member of staff working for the NHS should be subjected to or even fear assault, the Royal College of Nursing has said.</description><pubDate>Fri, 30 Nov 2012 10:50:57 +0000</pubDate><title>RCN condemns attacks on staff</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/article/uk/community_nurses_can_improve_end_of_life_care</link><description>Fully trained community nurses need to be available out of hours to provide good quality and dignified care at the end of a person’s life, the Royal College of Nursing has said.</description><pubDate>Thu, 29 Nov 2012 14:16:47 +0000</pubDate><title>Community nurses can improve end of life care</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/article/uk/deadline_extended_for_rcn_award_of_merit_nominations</link><description>The deadline to make nominations for the RCN Award of Merit has been extended until 16 January 2013. RCN members are being encouraged to put forward their nominations now.</description><pubDate>Thu, 29 Nov 2012 10:39:03 +0000</pubDate><title>Deadline extended for RCN Award of Merit nominations</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/article/uk/afc_consultation_begins</link><description>RCN members are being urged to attend their branch meetings to have their say about proposed changes to the national NHS contract (Agenda for Change or AfC).</description><pubDate>Thu, 29 Nov 2012 16:12:29 +0000</pubDate><title>AfC consultation begins</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/article/uk/new_staff_health_improvement_report</link><description>A new report has called for a board level lead to take proactive responsibility for staff health improvement and wellbeing in every NHS trust in England.</description><pubDate>Wed, 28 Nov 2012 14:19:53 +0000</pubDate><title>New staff health improvement report</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/article/uk/substance_misuse_nurse_wins_rcn_in_wales_nurse_of_the_year</link><description>Louise Poley, a consultant nurse for substance misuse, has won the inaugural RCN in Wales Nurse of the Year Award.</description><pubDate>Thu, 29 Nov 2012 08:07:42 +0000</pubDate><title>Substance misuse nurse wins RCN in Wales Nurse of the Year</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/article/uk/new_competences_for_nurses_working_in_young_peoples_palliative_care</link><description>The Royal College of Nursing has launched a new competences publication relevant to nursing staff working in the field of palliative care for children and young people.</description><pubDate>Wed, 28 Nov 2012 11:33:52 +0000</pubDate><title>New competences for nurses working in young people’s palliative care</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/article/uk/rcn_comments_on_mind_research</link><description>The Royal College of Nursing has described the results of research by the charity Mind which has identified failings and cutbacks in crisis teams as “shocking”.</description><pubDate>Wed, 28 Nov 2012 10:33:36 +0000</pubDate><title>RCN comments on Mind research</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/article/uk/rcn_welcomes_plans_for_more_robust_ratings_system</link><description>The Royal College of Nursing would support the introduction of a more comprehensive and robust rating system for hospitals and care homes in England that can reflect the quality of services and the patient experience.</description><pubDate>Wed, 28 Nov 2012 10:08:53 +0000</pubDate><title>RCN welcomes plans for more robust ratings system</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/article/uk/rcn_welcomes_minimum_alcohol_unit_price_consultation</link><description>The Royal College of Nursing has joined other members of the Alcohol Health Alliance UK (AHA UK) in welcoming the publication of the Government’s consultation on a minimum unit price for alcohol in England and Wales.</description><pubDate>Wed, 28 Nov 2012 09:59:10 +0000</pubDate><title>RCN welcomes minimum alcohol unit price consultation</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/article/uk/rcn_to_join_march_against_south_west_pay_cartel</link><description>Royal College of Nursing members are set to protest against the south west cartel in a march taking place in Bristol this week.</description><pubDate>Mon, 26 Nov 2012 14:53:25 +0000</pubDate><title>RCN to join march against south west pay cartel</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/article/uk/investment_in_older_peoples_care_welcomed</link><description>The Royal College of Nursing has welcomed the news that £20 million will be spent on helping older people in England stay warm and healthy this winter, but said it must go hand in hand with investment in staffing levels.</description><pubDate>Fri, 23 Nov 2012 14:25:34 +0000</pubDate><title>Investment in older people’s care welcomed</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/article/uk/adult_social_care_report_is_a_warning_shot</link><description>The Royal College of Nursing has said a report on adult social care is a warning shot to the government to ensure improvements are made nationally and not just by a few councils.</description><pubDate>Fri, 23 Nov 2012 14:22:17 +0000</pubDate><title>Adult social care report is ‘a warning shot’</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/article/uk/cqc_report_echoes_rcn_concerns</link><description>The Royal College of Nursing said a Care Quality Commission (CQC) report on care standards echoes its warnings about adequate staffing and skill mix in hospitals, and nursing and care homes.</description><pubDate>Fri, 23 Nov 2012 09:53:01 +0000</pubDate><title>CQC report echoes RCN concerns</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/article/uk/nursing_staff_must_raise_concerns</link><description>Nursing staff must act promptly to raise concerns if staffing levels or other pressures get in the way of delivering patient care, according to the Royal College of Nursing.</description><pubDate>Thu, 22 Nov 2012 12:26:59 +0000</pubDate><title>Nursing staff must raise concerns</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/article/uk/integration_the_focus_of_major_rcn_event</link><description>Providing seamless services that meet needs and allow people to live as independently as possible is the focus of a major RCN Scotland conference on integrated health and social care this week.</description><pubDate>Thu, 22 Nov 2012 10:52:02 +0000</pubDate><title>Integration the focus of major RCN event</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/article/uk/action_needed_to_tackle_public_health_concerns</link><description>The Royal College of Nursing hopes this year’s Chief Medical Officer’s report will lead to firm action and investment in public health in England to tackle issues like alcohol abuse, diabetes and obesity.</description><pubDate>Wed, 21 Nov 2012 10:08:44 +0000</pubDate><title>Action needed to tackle public health concerns</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/article/uk/rcn_wins_legal_case_to_ensure_nursing_staff_are_treated_fairly_by_police</link><description>The RCN’s legal team has successfully fought to ensure nursing staff who have been wrongly accused of criminal offences are not at risk of being turned down for future employment.</description><pubDate>Mon, 19 Nov 2012 11:08:28 +0000</pubDate><title>RCN wins legal case to ensure nursing staff are treated fairly by police</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/article/uk/new_bowel_dysfunction_guidance</link><description>The Royal College of Nursing has published guidance to help nursing staff understand the functions of the bowel and the need for appropriate assessment.</description><pubDate>Fri, 16 Nov 2012 09:50:34 +0000</pubDate><title>New bowel dysfunction guidance</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/article/uk/rcn_launches_two_publications</link><description>The Royal College of Nursing has today launched two publications.</description><pubDate>Wed, 14 Nov 2012 14:49:22 +0000</pubDate><title>RCN launches two publications</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/article/uk/rcn_scoops_prestigious_film_award</link><description>The Royal College of Nursing has won an award at the 2012 Cannes Corporate Film Awards, in the not-for-profit category.</description><pubDate>Wed, 14 Nov 2012 13:07:45 +0000</pubDate><title>RCN scoops Cannes award</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/article/uk/rcn_comments_on_new_nhs_mandate</link><description>The Royal College of Nursing today commented on the launch of the mandate on the NHS Commissioning Board.</description><pubDate>Tue, 13 Nov 2012 16:02:22 +0000</pubDate><title>RCN comments on new NHS mandate</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/article/uk/trust_leaves_south_west_pay_cartel</link><description>Royal Bournemouth and Christchurch Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust’s decision to withdraw from the South West Pay, Terms and Conditions Consortium has been welcomed by the Royal College of Nursing.</description><pubDate>Tue, 13 Nov 2012 15:14:50 +0000</pubDate><title>Trust leaves south west pay cartel</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/article/uk/election_candidates_announced</link><description>Candidates for the current RCN elections have been announced.</description><pubDate>Tue, 13 Nov 2012 12:58:19 +0000</pubDate><title>Election candidates announced</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/article/uk/nhs_sleepwalking_into_crisis,_warns_rcn2</link><description>The Royal College of Nursing today warned that that the NHS in England is sleepwalking into a crisis and is calling on the Government to take immediate action to stop trusts cutting vital posts and services.</description><pubDate>Tue, 13 Nov 2012 00:15:21 +0000</pubDate><title>NHS sleepwalking into crisis, warns RCN</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/article/uk/rcn_comments_on_agenda_for_change_negotiations</link><description>The Royal College of Nursing today commented on the decision by the NHS Staff Council to consult on joint proposals to change Agenda for Change.</description><pubDate>Fri, 09 Nov 2012 17:30:08 +0000</pubDate><title>RCN comments on Agenda for Change negotiations</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/article/uk/rcn_slams_decision_to_close_nhs_direct_service</link><description>The Royal College of Nursing (RCN) has condemned moves to close NHS Direct services across England.</description><pubDate>Fri, 09 Nov 2012 13:54:47 +0000</pubDate><title>RCN slams decision to close NHS Direct service</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/article/uk/nhs_must_take_complaints_on_board</link><description>Complaints about the NHS must be taken on board, according to the Royal College of Nursing.</description><pubDate>Fri, 09 Nov 2012 12:03:09 +0000</pubDate><title>NHS must take complaints on board</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/article/uk/government_must_invest_in_dementia_services</link><description>The Royal College of Nursing has called for the Government to guarantee that it will prioritise and invest in services which support people with dementia and their families.</description><pubDate>Thu, 08 Nov 2012 10:11:25 +0000</pubDate><title>Government must invest in dementia services</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/article/uk/regional_pay_debated_by_mps</link><description>The Royal College of Nursing has said it is encouraged that the issue of regional pay is being given the attention it deserves by MPs.</description><pubDate>Thu, 08 Nov 2012 09:50:07 +0000</pubDate><title>Regional pay debated by MPs</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/article/uk/mps_urged_to_fight_for_the_nhs</link><description>The Royal College of Nursing has called on MPs to fight for the NHS on Wednesday, as parliament prepares for two debates on regional pay.</description><pubDate>Tue, 06 Nov 2012 14:54:50 +0000</pubDate><title>MPs urged to fight for the NHS</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/article/uk/unacceptable_low_pay_of_minimum_wage_hcas</link><description>The Royal College of Nursing has said that it is “unacceptable” that health care assistants are often paid below the living wage – forcing them to claim benefits to make ends meet.</description><pubDate>Mon, 05 Nov 2012 12:25:19 +0000</pubDate><title>“Unacceptable” low pay of minimum wage HCAs</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/article/uk/rcn_welcomes_willis_commission_recommendations</link><description>The Royal College of Nursing has committed to play its part in supporting nurse education, following the publication of a report by the Willis Commission on Nursing Education.</description><pubDate>Tue, 06 Nov 2012 13:17:07 +0000</pubDate><title>RCN welcomes Willis Commission recommendations</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/article/uk/attacks_on_trade_union_facilities_time_are_self_defeating</link><description>The Royal College of Nursing has said that restricting facilities time would harm partnership working between employers and their staff and unions.</description><pubDate>Fri, 02 Nov 2012 13:24:18 +0000</pubDate><title>Attacks on trade union facilities time are self defeating</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/article/uk/dh_returning_money_is_almost_unbelievable</link><description>The Royal College of Nursing has said the news that the Department of Health has returned nearly £3 billion of its funding to the Treasury over the past two years is a “bitter pill to swallow”.</description><pubDate>Wed, 31 Oct 2012 17:12:00 +0000</pubDate><title>DH returning money is “almost unbelievable”</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/article/uk/share_your_views_on_rcn_bulletin</link><description>Royal College of Nursing members can win £100 in shopping vouchers by completing an RCN Bulletin reader survey.</description><pubDate>Wed, 21 Nov 2012 10:20:31 +0000</pubDate><title>Share your views on RCN Bulletin</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/article/uk/nominate_your_representative_of_the_year</link><description>Nominations are open for the RCN Representative of the Year awards.</description><pubDate>Wed, 09 Jan 2013 14:01:06 +0000</pubDate><title>Nominate your representative of the year</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/article/uk/rcn_public_will_be_shocked_by_nhs_finances</link><description>The Royal College if Nursing has welcomed the publication of a new report which recognises the financial difficulties facing the NHS, but says the public will be shocked by the number of trusts identified as being in deficit or struggling.</description><pubDate>Tue, 30 Oct 2012 16:49:32 +0000</pubDate><title>RCN: public will be shocked by NHS finances</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/article/uk/rcn_responds_to_bbc_panorama_investigation</link><description>Physical or verbal abuse of vulnerable people is a blight on society, and made far worse when it is done by those who are employed to care, the Royal College of Nursing has said.</description><pubDate>Tue, 30 Oct 2012 13:04:56 +0000</pubDate><title>RCN responds to BBC Panorama investigation</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/article/uk/rcn_publishing_nurse_awards</link><description>Castlebeck, the company that owns Winterbourne View hospital, will no longer be a sponsor of RCN Publishing’s 2013 Learning Disability Nursing Award.</description><pubDate>Mon, 29 Oct 2012 15:07:50 +0000</pubDate><title>RCN Publishing nurse awards</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/article/uk/rcn_welcomes_new_home_care_guide</link><description>The Royal College of Nursing today welcomed the launch of a new cross sector guide which highlights the important role of housing in supporting an independent and healthy later life.</description><pubDate>Fri, 26 Oct 2012 16:03:59 +0100</pubDate><title>RCN welcomes new home care guide</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/article/uk/rcn_welcomes_dementia_funding</link><description>The Royal College of Nursing has today welcomed an announcement by Health Secretary Jeremy Hunt MP, of a £50 million fund to improve the care of people with dementia.</description><pubDate>Thu, 25 Oct 2012 16:32:14 +0100</pubDate><title>RCN welcomes dementia funding</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/article/uk/rcn_condemns_nmc_fee_decision</link><description>The Royal College of Nursing has condemned the Nursing and Midwifery Council’s (NMC) decision to continue with raising its fees.</description><pubDate>Thu, 25 Oct 2012 15:06:13 +0100</pubDate><title>RCN condemns NMC fee decision</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/article/uk/nominate_someone_special_today</link><description>Time is running out to nominate someone special for a prestigious Royal College of Nursing award.</description><pubDate>Thu, 25 Oct 2012 12:06:40 +0100</pubDate><title>Nominate someone special today</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/article/uk/rcnd_advice_line_closed</link><description>Members are advised that the RCN Direct advice line will be closed today between 9.30-10.30am due to a staff briefing.</description><pubDate>Thu, 25 Oct 2012 09:20:12 +0100</pubDate><title>RCND advice line closed</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/article/uk/new_award_rewards_compassion2</link><description>For the first time, nursing staff who show exceptional compassion can be nominated by their colleagues or members of the public for a very special award.</description><pubDate>Tue, 23 Oct 2012 14:07:59 +0100</pubDate><title>New award rewards compassion</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/article/uk/members_protest_against_cuts_and_local_pay</link><description>Royal College of Nursing members marched through London on Saturday 20 October to oppose cuts in the NHS and highlight concerns about national pay and conditions.</description><pubDate>Mon, 22 Oct 2012 10:44:26 +0100</pubDate><title>Members protest against cuts and local pay</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/article/uk/nhs_staff_struggling_with_workloads_and_stress,_report_warns</link><description>The NHS Staff Side Evidence to the Pay Review Body warns that NHS staff are struggling under the burden of increased workloads and stress, with a third very seriously considering leaving their job.</description><pubDate>Mon, 22 Oct 2012 10:37:17 +0100</pubDate><title>NHS staff struggling with workloads and stress, report warns</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/article/uk/rcn_legal_team_wins_praise</link><description>The outstanding achievements of the RCN’s legal services team have been recognised by the judges of a prestigious award.</description><pubDate>Fri, 19 Oct 2012 12:48:44 +0100</pubDate><title>RCN legal team wins praise</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/article/uk/new_award_rewards_compassion</link><description>For the first time, nurses who show exceptional compassion can be nominated by their colleagues or members of the public for a special award.</description><pubDate>Fri, 19 Oct 2012 10:25:20 +0100</pubDate><title>New award rewards compassion</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/article/uk/rcn_more_action_needed_for_draft_bill_success</link><description>The Royal College of Nursing has warned the success of the draft Care and Support Bill depends on  critical factors not yet addressed, such as funding.</description><pubDate>Fri, 19 Oct 2012 08:50:33 +0100</pubDate><title>RCN: More action needed for draft bill success</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/article/uk/rcn_agm_vote_results</link><description>At the Royal College of Nursing annual general meeting held today in central London, the following resolutions were voted upon</description><pubDate>Wed, 17 Oct 2012 16:30:18 +0100</pubDate><title>RCN AGM vote results</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/article/uk/exceptional_nurses_and_midwives_recognised_at_mary_seacole_awards</link><description>Six nurses, midwives and health visitors have been recognised for their contribution to black and ethnic minority (BME) communities at the Mary Seacole Leadership and Development Awards ceremony.</description><pubDate>Wed, 17 Oct 2012 10:37:19 +0100</pubDate><title>Exceptional nurses and midwives recognised at Mary Seacole Awards</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/article/uk/renewed_focus_on_infection_prevention_needed</link><description>A new report has called for a renewed focus on infection prevention and control services (IPS) across the NHS.</description><pubDate>Tue, 16 Oct 2012 15:36:39 +0100</pubDate><title>Renewed focus on infection prevention needed</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/article/uk/rcn_social_care_needs_proper_funding2</link><description>There is an urgent need for proper resourcing of social care and community provision, the Royal College of Nursing has said.</description><pubDate>Tue, 16 Oct 2012 15:32:30 +0100</pubDate><title>RCN: social care needs proper funding</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/article/uk/rcn_members_set_to_march</link><description>Royal College of Nursing members are set to join other trade union colleagues on marches against public sector cuts this weekend.</description><pubDate>Mon, 15 Oct 2012 13:03:33 +0100</pubDate><title>RCN members set to march</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/article/uk/rcn_welcomes_governments_grant_offer_to_nmc</link><description>The Royal College of Nursing has welcomed the Government’s offer of a £20m grant to the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC).</description><pubDate>Mon, 15 Oct 2012 11:45:12 +0100</pubDate><title>RCN welcomes Government's grant offer to NMC</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/article/uk/rcn_sunderland_trust_must_honour_national_terms_and_conditions</link><description>The Royal College of Nursing has called on City Hospitals Sunderland NHS Foundation Trust to reverse a new local policy which breaks away from nationally agreed NHS Agenda for Change terms and conditions.</description><pubDate>Fri, 12 Oct 2012 08:53:37 +0100</pubDate><title>RCN: Sunderland trust must honour national terms and conditions</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/article/uk/rcn_fears_over_mental_health_cuts</link><description>Improvements in mental health care could be jeopardised by cuts to services, the Royal College of Nursing has said.</description><pubDate>Wed, 10 Oct 2012 16:08:45 +0100</pubDate><title>RCN fears over mental health cuts</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/article/uk/take_part_in_stoptober</link><description>The Royal College of Nursing is encouraging its members to give up smoking this “Stoptober”.</description><pubDate>Tue, 09 Oct 2012 16:12:15 +0100</pubDate><title>Take part in “Stoptober”</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/article/uk/rcn_wishes_new_nmc_chief_well_for_the_year_ahead</link><description>The Royal College of Nursing reiterated its commitment to helping to resolve issues at the Nursing and Midwifery Council as it was revealed that Jackie Smith would lead the regulator for the next year.</description><pubDate>Tue, 09 Oct 2012 15:47:52 +0100</pubDate><title>RCN wishes new NMC chief well for the year ahead</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/article/uk/new_guide_to_help_treat_patients_with_dementia_in_hospital</link><description>The Royal College of Nursing has launched a guide to help nursing staff care for people with dementia in hospital.</description><pubDate>Mon, 15 Oct 2012 10:01:53 +0100</pubDate><title>New resources to help care for people with dementia in hospital</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/article/uk/rcn_launches_publications_for_nurses_working_with_older_people</link><description>The Royal College of Nursing has launched new guidance on staffing levels for nursing staff working with older people.</description><pubDate>Fri, 05 Oct 2012 14:16:00 +0100</pubDate><title>RCN launches publications for nurses working with older people</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/article/uk/rcn_asks_how_technology_has_an_impact_on_your_role</link><description>The Royal College of Nursing is asking members for feedback on the impact of information and communication technology in their professional roles.</description><pubDate>Fri, 05 Oct 2012 09:32:53 +0100</pubDate><title>RCN asks how technology has an impact on your role</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/article/uk/trusts_bullying_tactics_undermine_national_negotiations</link><description>The Royal College of Nursing is seeking legal advice after  North Tees and Hartlepool NHS Foundation Trust issued advanced notification of redundancy forms to 5,452 staff, without any negotiation with unions.</description><pubDate>Fri, 05 Oct 2012 15:00:49 +0100</pubDate><title>Trust’s bullying tactics undermine national negotiations</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/article/uk/new_shift_work_guidance_launched</link><description>The RCN has published new guidance aimed at nursing staff who work shifts.</description><pubDate>Fri, 05 Oct 2012 11:10:45 +0100</pubDate><title>New shift work guidance launched</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/article/uk/call_for_improved_ward_rounds</link><description>A nurse should be at every bedside to help improve the quality of ward rounds, according to a joint report by the Royal College of Nursing and the Royal College of Physicians.</description><pubDate>Thu, 04 Oct 2012 00:45:14 +0100</pubDate><title>Call for improved ward rounds</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/article/uk/read_the_october_issue_of_rcn_bulletin</link><description>The October issue of RCN Bulletin is now available to read online.</description><pubDate>Wed, 03 Oct 2012 01:01:08 +0100</pubDate><title>Read the October issue of RCN Bulletin</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/article/uk/rcn_launches_new_specialist_nurse_publications</link><description>The Royal College of Nursing has launched two new publications for advanced and specialist nurses.</description><pubDate>Tue, 02 Oct 2012 16:28:54 +0100</pubDate><title>RCN launches new specialist nurse publications</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/article/uk/rcn_value_highlighted_in_new_film</link><description>Dr Peter Carter, RCN Chief Executive &amp; General Secretary, has explained the reasons for the proposed increase in membership fees in a new short film.</description><pubDate>Tue, 02 Oct 2012 12:53:54 +0100</pubDate><title>RCN value highlighted in new film</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/article/uk/updated_diabetes_treatment_guidance</link><description>Updated guidance on injectable treatments for adults with Type 2 diabetes is now available on the RCN website.</description><pubDate>Tue, 02 Oct 2012 09:37:03 +0100</pubDate><title>Updated diabetes treatment guidance</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/article/uk/nominations_open_for_rcn_elections</link><description>Nominations are now open for a range of RCN elections.</description><pubDate>Mon, 01 Oct 2012 11:40:53 +0100</pubDate><title>Nominations open for RCN elections</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/article/uk/rcn_members_to_march_against_cuts</link><description>Nursing staff are set to join colleagues from other trade unions to take part in the TUC’s "A Future That Works" march on 20 October.</description><pubDate>Thu, 27 Sep 2012 10:22:44 +0100</pubDate><title>RCN members to march against cuts</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/article/uk/rcn_local_pay_a_recipe_for_disaster</link><description>The Royal College of Nursing today welcomed the vote taken at the Liberal Democrat conference in Brighton calling on the Government to rule out any further expansion in regional or local pay.</description><pubDate>Tue, 25 Sep 2012 16:24:07 +0100</pubDate><title>RCN: local pay a ‘recipe for disaster’</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/article/uk/rcn_condemns_reduction_in_nursing_numbers</link><description>The Royal College of Nursing says it will continue to oppose the “slash and burn” approach being taken to job cuts and will work to keep RCN members in their posts and patients safe.</description><pubDate>Tue, 25 Sep 2012 14:47:31 +0100</pubDate><title>RCN condemns reduction in nursing numbers</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/article/uk/nominate_today_for_rcn_awards2</link><description>Nominate an RCN member for an RCN award before 2 November and your nomination will be considered for presentation at RCN Congress 2013.</description><pubDate>Tue, 25 Sep 2012 14:10:40 +0100</pubDate><title>Nominate today for RCN awards</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/article/uk/rcn_signs_statement_on_liverpool_care_pathway</link><description>The Royal College of Nursing has joined other royal colleges and patient organisations in signing a consensus statement designed to provide clarity about the Liverpool Care Pathway.</description><pubDate>Tue, 25 Sep 2012 11:55:22 +0100</pubDate><title>RCN signs statement on Liverpool Care Pathway</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/article/uk/rcns_concerns_over_epilepsy_care</link><description>The Royal College of Nursing has expressed ‘profound concern’ that fewer than half of children with epilepsy had access to a specialist nurse.</description><pubDate>Mon, 24 Sep 2012 12:02:16 +0100</pubDate><title>RCN’s concerns over epilepsy care</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/article/uk/new_values_plan_welcomed</link><description>The Royal College of Nursing has welcomed a new Department of Health initiative which outlines the values of compassionate care for nursing, midwifery and care-giving.</description><pubDate>Mon, 24 Sep 2012 11:40:08 +0100</pubDate><title>New values plan welcomed</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/article/uk/new_council_member_for_rcn_south_east_region</link><description>Sylvia Simmons, a clinical nurse manager in a GP out-of-hours service, has been elected as RCN Council member for the South East region.</description><pubDate>Mon, 24 Sep 2012 11:31:52 +0100</pubDate><title>New Council member for RCN South East region</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/article/uk/rcn_comments_on_audit_commission_nhs_report</link><description>The Royal College of Nursing has commented on the Audit Commission report on the NHS Financial year.</description><pubDate>Thu, 20 Sep 2012 10:09:28 +0100</pubDate><title>RCN comments on Audit Commission NHS report</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/article/uk/new_publications_from_the_rcn</link><description>The Royal College of Nursing has published new guidance for members working in the field of orthopaedics and for those who work on older people’s wards.</description><pubDate>Mon, 17 Sep 2012 16:00:23 +0100</pubDate><title>New publications from the RCN</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/article/uk/rcn_council_election_results</link><description>The results of the election of health practitioner and student members of RCN Council have been announced by the Royal College of Nursing.</description><pubDate>Mon, 17 Sep 2012 12:59:35 +0100</pubDate><title>RCN Council election results</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/article/uk/rcn_adverts_showcase_nursing</link><description>The Royal College of Nursing has launched a hard-hitting advertisement campaign to highlight that nursing is a demanding profession that requires staff to have a mixture of clinical skills and compassion.</description><pubDate>Mon, 17 Sep 2012 00:15:17 +0100</pubDate><title>RCN adverts showcase nursing</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/article/uk/rcn_will_vigorously_oppose_pensions_bill</link><description>The Royal College of Nursing has said it remains committed to “vigorously opposing” any plans to force nursing staff to work until they are 68.</description><pubDate>Thu, 13 Sep 2012 16:31:48 +0100</pubDate><title>RCN will “vigorously oppose” pensions bill</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/article/uk/rcn_legal_team_winning_for_members</link><description>The outstanding achievements of the RCN’s legal services team and Senior Legal Officer Jonathan Green in the RCN Exeter officer  have been recognised by the judges of a prestigious award.</description><pubDate>Thu, 13 Sep 2012 16:43:46 +0100</pubDate><title>RCN legal team – winning for members</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/article/uk/promoting_safer_surgery</link><description>Royal College of Nursing members are being encouraged to get involved with Safer Surgery Week later this month.</description><pubDate>Thu, 13 Sep 2012 08:13:22 +0100</pubDate><title>Promoting safer surgery</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/article/uk/cica_changes</link><description>The rules are changing for those making claims for injuries under the Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority (CICA).</description><pubDate>Fri, 16 Nov 2012 13:49:13 +0000</pubDate><title>Compensation rule changes: act now</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/article/uk/rcn_comments_on_suicide_prevention_strategy</link><description>The Royal College of Nursing today responded to the Government’s new suicide prevention strategy for England, which pledges extra funding for research into preventing suicide among at-risk groups.</description><pubDate>Mon, 10 Sep 2012 13:51:29 +0100</pubDate><title>RCN comments on suicide prevention strategy</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/article/uk/rcn_unprecedented_demand_in_wales</link><description>Acute hospital emergency departments in Wales are dealing with unprecedented demands, the Royal College of Nursing has said.</description><pubDate>Fri, 07 Sep 2012 16:27:36 +0100</pubDate><title>RCN: unprecedented demand in Wales</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/article/uk/new_publication_explores_competences_for_nurse_working_in_imaging</link><description>A framework for imaging nurses in clinical practice has been published by the Royal College of Nursing.</description><pubDate>Fri, 07 Sep 2012 16:29:20 +0100</pubDate><title>New publication explores competences for nurses working in imaging</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/article/uk/new_publication_on_the_role_of_assistant_practitioners</link><description>The Royal College of Nursing has launched a new publication on the role of assistant practitioners in children and young people’s services.</description><pubDate>Fri, 07 Sep 2012 13:54:57 +0100</pubDate><title>New publication on the role of assistant practitioners</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/article/uk/rcn_regional_pay_is_a_fools_economy</link><description>The RCN has published a briefing showing the likely effect of moves towards regional pay in the south west of England.</description><pubDate>Fri, 07 Sep 2012 00:15:12 +0100</pubDate><title>RCN: regional pay is ‘a fool’s economy’</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/article/uk/protect_yourselves_with_the_flu_jab</link><description>The Royal College of Nursing is advising health care staff to protect themselves this winter by having the flu vaccine.</description><pubDate>Mon, 24 Sep 2012 13:45:45 +0100</pubDate><title>Protect yourselves with the flu jab</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/article/uk/rcn_welcomes_report_on_transforming_health_and_social_care</link><description>The Royal College of Nursing has welcomed the publication of new evidence that encourages a  redesign of the way patient care is delivered.</description><pubDate>Thu, 06 Sep 2012 10:48:50 +0100</pubDate><title>RCN welcomes report on transforming health and social care</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/article/uk/new_factsheets_on_commissioning</link><description>A series of new factsheets is being published to help RCN members understand the architecture of the new NHS commissioning system.</description><pubDate>Wed, 05 Sep 2012 10:54:05 +0100</pubDate><title>New factsheets on commissioning</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/article/uk/hot_off_the_press</link><description>A bumper issue of RCN Bulletin Online is now live</description><pubDate>Wed, 05 Sep 2012 09:18:06 +0100</pubDate><title>Hot off the press</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/article/uk/rcn_welcomes_new_health_secretary</link><description>The Royal College of Nursing today commented on the Cabinet reshuffle and said that it looked forward to working with incoming Secretary of State Rt. Hon Jeremy Hunt MP.</description><pubDate>Tue, 04 Sep 2012 13:35:55 +0100</pubDate><title>RCN welcomes new Health Secretary</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/article/uk/updated_travel_health_guidance_launched</link><description>The Royal College of Nursing has launched an updated edition of Travel health Nursing: Career and Competence Development.</description><pubDate>Tue, 04 Sep 2012 13:33:31 +0100</pubDate><title>Updated travel health guidance launched</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/article/uk/rcn_bulletin_jobs_fair_2012</link><description>An event in London will provide support for nursing staff looking to develop their careers.</description><pubDate>Tue, 04 Sep 2012 09:48:04 +0100</pubDate><title>RCN Bulletin Jobs Fair 2012</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/article/uk/rcn_local_pay_would_damage_nhs</link><description>The Royal College of Nursing has issued a robust defence of national pay systems, saying that a move to local pay would be damaging to the NHS.</description><pubDate>Tue, 04 Sep 2012 09:01:26 +0100</pubDate><title>RCN: local pay would damage NHS</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/article/uk/have_your_say_on_the_cqc</link><description>The Royal College of Nursing is encouraging members to respond to a Care Quality Commission (CQC) survey to measure health and social care workers' awareness of the regulator's work.</description><pubDate>Fri, 07 Sep 2012 11:59:09 +0100</pubDate><title>Have your say on the CQC</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/article/uk/new_rcn_initiative_to_shape_nursings_future</link><description>The Royal College of Nursing has today launched a new website for members as part of an initiative that will help tackle the professional issues affecting nursing staff, and highlight the skills and expertise required to be part of the profession.</description><pubDate>Mon, 03 Sep 2012 17:10:01 +0100</pubDate><title>New RCN initiative to shape nursing’s future</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/article/uk/thousands_of_members_unite_against_regional_pay</link><description>Nearly 10,000 Royal College of Nursing members across the UK have written to their MPs telling them why regional pay in the NHS is wrong and asking them to raise the issue with the Secretary of State for Health.</description><pubDate>Fri, 31 Aug 2012 11:05:46 +0100</pubDate><title>Thousands of members unite against regional pay</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/article/uk/school_nurse_role_crucial,_says_rcn</link><description>The Royal College of Nursing has welcomed Department of Health (DH) plans to raise awareness of the school nursing service.</description><pubDate>Thu, 30 Aug 2012 13:10:29 +0100</pubDate><title>School nurse role crucial, says RCN</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/article/uk/rcn_nhs_patients_deserve_high_standards_of_care</link><description>There is still work to do to ensure that every patient receives the high standard of care they deserve, wherever they are treated in the NHS, the Royal College of Nursing has said.</description><pubDate>Thu, 30 Aug 2012 08:57:52 +0100</pubDate><title>RCN: NHS patients deserve high standards of care</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/article/uk/pay_cartel_not_recognised_by_nhs_unions</link><description>The Royal College of Nursing was represented at a meeting earlier this week when NHS trade unions  said they do not recognise the pay cartel set up in south west England.</description><pubDate>Fri, 24 Aug 2012 16:44:50 +0100</pubDate><title>Pay cartel not recognised by NHS unions</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/article/uk/rcn_rejects_nmc_fee_hike</link><description>The Royal College of Nursing has today submitted its response in opposition to the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) proposal to increase fees by 58 per cent.</description><pubDate>Fri, 24 Aug 2012 14:48:22 +0100</pubDate><title>RCN rejects NMC fee hike</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/article/uk/rcn_launches_two_new_publications2</link><description>The Royal College of Nursing has today launched new guidance addressing the issues in health and social care introduced by the use of mobile phones, and new guidance on commissioning for equality.</description><pubDate>Wed, 22 Aug 2012 15:15:48 +0100</pubDate><title>RCN launches two new publications</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/article/uk/rcn_cutting_jobs_damages_patient_care</link><description>You cannot cut nursing posts without damaging patient care, the Royal College of Nursing has said.</description><pubDate>Wed, 22 Aug 2012 09:26:24 +0100</pubDate><title>RCN: cutting jobs damages patient care</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/article/uk/rcn_nhs_expansion_distracts_from_uk_issues</link><description>The Royal College of Nursing has warned that Department of Health and UK Trade and Investment plans to allow NHS hospitals in England to expand abroad will be a distraction for some trusts.</description><pubDate>Tue, 21 Aug 2012 13:09:50 +0100</pubDate><title>RCN: NHS expansion distracts from UK issues</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/article/uk/rcn_praises_staff_for_improvements_in_cancer_care</link><description>The Royal College of Nursing has welcomed the results of the second national cancer patient experience survey, published by the Department of Health.</description><pubDate>Fri, 17 Aug 2012 11:25:16 +0100</pubDate><title>RCN praises staff for improvements in cancer care</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/article/uk/voting_opens_for_new_south_east_council_member</link><description>RCN members from the South East region are being asked to vote for a new RCN Council member, after one of the two seats on RCN Council became vacant part way through the term.</description><pubDate>Mon, 20 Aug 2012 09:11:22 +0100</pubDate><title>Voting opens for new South East Council member</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/article/uk/submit_an_agenda_item_for_rcn_congress_2013</link><description>Members can now submit agenda items for next year’s Royal College of Nursing Congress.</description><pubDate>Wed, 15 Aug 2012 14:58:44 +0100</pubDate><title>Submit an agenda item for RCN Congress 2013</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/article/uk/register_now_for_agm</link><description>The RCN’s 2012 Annual General Meeting (AGM) will be held on Wednesday 17 October 2012 at 11.30am, at Regent’s College, Inner Circle, Regent’s Park, London, NW1 4NS.</description><pubDate>Fri, 10 Aug 2012 09:05:17 +0100</pubDate><title>Register now for AGM</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/article/uk/rcn_implement_regulations_to_protect_staff_from_sharps_injuries</link><description>The Royal College of Nursing has welcomed the start of a consultation by the Health and Safety Executive on proposals to introduce European Union regulations to prevent injuries caused by medical sharps.</description><pubDate>Thu, 09 Aug 2012 14:28:27 +0100</pubDate><title>RCN: implement regulations to protect staff from sharps injuries</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/article/uk/new_patient_care_guidance_available</link><description>New guidelines produced by the National Clinical Guideline Centre (NCGC) have been published by the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE) to address patient care issues across a range of conditions.</description><pubDate>Wed, 08 Aug 2012 12:48:22 +0100</pubDate><title>New patient care guidance available</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/article/uk/opportunity_to_campaign_on_global_child_survival</link><description>The Royal College of Nursing is encouraging members passionate about global health to apply for campaigning and advocacy roles with the charity, Save the Children.</description><pubDate>Tue, 07 Aug 2012 10:21:45 +0100</pubDate><title>Opportunity to campaign on global child survival</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/article/uk/rcn_forum_chairs_elections</link><description>Elections are due to be held for the role of chair of the steering committees for the RCN’s Public Health, Nursing in Criminal Justice and Defence Nurses forums.</description><pubDate>Mon, 06 Aug 2012 13:32:24 +0100</pubDate><title>RCN Forum Chairs elections</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/article/uk/health_secretary_nmc_fee_difficult_to_justify</link><description>The Secretary of State for Health, Andrew Lansley MP, has written to the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) expressing strong reservations over the regulator’s proposal to raise the annual registration fee.</description><pubDate>Mon, 06 Aug 2012 10:56:59 +0100</pubDate><title>Health Secretary: NMC fee ‘difficult to justify’</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/article/uk/catch_up_with_rcn_bulletin</link><description>The August issue of RCN Bulletin is now available to read online.</description><pubDate>Wed, 01 Aug 2012 14:05:22 +0100</pubDate><title>Catch up with RCN Bulletin</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/article/uk/nice_seeks_nurses_for_technologies_group</link><description>The Royal College of Nursing is encouraging members to get involved in the work of the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE).</description><pubDate>Wed, 01 Aug 2012 10:42:55 +0100</pubDate><title>NICE seeks nurses for technologies group</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/article/uk/rcn_to_seek_meeting_with_new_nmc_chair</link><description>The Royal College of Nursing is to seek a meeting with the newly-appointed Chair of the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) as a matter of urgency.</description><pubDate>Tue, 31 Jul 2012 12:38:39 +0100</pubDate><title>RCN to seek meeting with new NMC Chair</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/article/uk/rcn_members_shine_in_olympic_ceremony</link><description>Royal College of Nursing members took part in the glittering opening ceremony as the London Olympics began last weekend.</description><pubDate>Mon, 30 Jul 2012 08:57:18 +0100</pubDate><title>RCN members shine in Olympic ceremony</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/article/uk/tell_your_mp_why_you_oppose_regional_pay</link><description>The Royal College of Nursing has written to members in England, encouraging them to raise their concerns with their MP about the prospect of the introduction of regional pay in the NHS.</description><pubDate>Fri, 27 Jul 2012 15:03:36 +0100</pubDate><title>Tell your MP why you oppose regional pay</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/article/uk/nice_seeks_nurses_for_diabetes_group</link><description>The Royal College of Nursing is encouraging members to get involved in the work of the National Institute for Health and  Clinical Excellence (NICE).</description><pubDate>Thu, 26 Jul 2012 12:58:38 +0100</pubDate><title>NICE seeks nurses for diabetes group</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/article/uk/rcn_patients_need_access_to_out-of-hours_gp_service</link><description>People need to know that they can access a full range of health services locally within their GP practice at a convenient time, the RCN has said.</description><pubDate>Thu, 26 Jul 2012 09:54:17 +0100</pubDate><title>RCN: patients need access to out-of-hours GP service</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/article/uk/voting_opens_in_rcn_elections</link><description>Voting is now open for the election of two health practitioners and two student members to serve on RCN Council.</description><pubDate>Tue, 07 Aug 2012 10:07:46 +0100</pubDate><title>Voting opens in RCN elections</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/article/uk/rcn_works_with_doctors_to_improve_patient_care</link><description>The Royal College of Nursing has joined forces with the Royal College of Physicians (RCP) to launch a new universal patient safety system.</description><pubDate>Fri, 27 Jul 2012 08:38:06 +0100</pubDate><title>RCN works with doctors to improve patient safety</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/article/uk/nhs_must_get_a_grip_on_workplace_wellbeing</link><description>The Royal College of Nursing has said the Government must sit up and take notice of a new survey which found nurse staffing and workforce issues have a significant impact on satisfaction levels and patient care.</description><pubDate>Wed, 25 Jul 2012 00:15:04 +0100</pubDate><title>NHS must 'get a grip' on workplace wellbeing</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/article/uk/rcn_cuts_to_nursing_numbers_damaging_patient_care</link><description>The pressure to save £20 billion in the NHS in England has resulted in cuts to jobs and a negative impact on frontline staff, the RCN has said.</description><pubDate>Tue, 24 Jul 2012 15:40:09 +0100</pubDate><title>RCN: cuts to nursing numbers damaging patient care</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/article/uk/president_and_deputy_president_re-elected</link><description>RCN President Andrea Spyropoulos and Deputy President Cecilia Anim have been elected unopposed for their second two-year terms of office.</description><pubDate>Mon, 23 Jul 2012 13:49:19 +0100</pubDate><title>President and deputy president re-elected</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/article/uk/new_chair_of_rcn_governance_support_committee</link><description>Kevin Bell, RCN Council Member for Northern Ireland, has been elected as the new Chair of the RCN Governance Support Committee.</description><pubDate>Fri, 20 Jul 2012 14:52:25 +0100</pubDate><title>New Chair of RCN Governance Support Committee</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/article/uk/nominations_soon_to_close_in_south_east_council_elections</link><description>Nominations close soon for the RCN South East Council member election.</description><pubDate>Thu, 19 Jul 2012 10:44:27 +0100</pubDate><title>Nominations soon to close in south east Council elections</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/article/uk/outstanding_review_for_rcn_reps_programme</link><description>A new review of RCN representatives’ learning and development has found that staff involved demonstrate outstanding and significantly high levels of commitment to improving quality of the programme.</description><pubDate>Thu, 19 Jul 2012 09:57:33 +0100</pubDate><title>‘Outstanding’ review for RCN reps’ programme</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/article/uk/free_factsheet_on_bullying_for_rcn_members</link><description>A new factsheet containing advice for RCN members facing bullying and harassment in the workplace is now available.</description><pubDate>Thu, 19 Jul 2012 08:28:31 +0100</pubDate><title>Free factsheet on bullying for RCN members</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/article/uk/new_films_explain_health_and_social_care_act</link><description>The Royal College of Nursing has published new online resources on the Health and Social Care Act.</description><pubDate>Fri, 13 Jul 2012 15:52:35 +0100</pubDate><title>New films explain Health and Social Care Act</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/article/uk/unchartered_waters_for_trust_in_administration</link><description>The decision to place South London Healthcare Trust under a Special Trust Administrator is moving the NHS into unchartered waters, Dr Peter Carter has warned.</description><pubDate>Thu, 12 Jul 2012 16:45:57 +0100</pubDate><title>“Unchartered waters” for trust in administration</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/article/uk/rcn_social_care_proposals_only_a_start</link><description>Nursing staff will be disappointed that the Government has failed to tackle the critical issue of social care funding in today’s social care White Paper and the “progress report” on funding in England, the Royal College of Nursing has said.</description><pubDate>Wed, 11 Jul 2012 15:01:58 +0100</pubDate><title>RCN: social care proposals only a start</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/article/uk/rcn_achieves_iip_gold_success</link><description>The Royal College of Nursing has been awarded the prestigious Investors in People (IiP) gold standard. Only three per cent of organisations across the UK achieve this, the highest form of accreditation available from IiP.</description><pubDate>Tue, 10 Jul 2012 17:18:58 +0100</pubDate><title>RCN achieves IiP gold success</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/article/uk/rcn_to_accredit_undergraduate_nursing</link><description>The Royal College of Nursing has, for the first time, approved professional accreditation for a pre-registration nursing course.</description><pubDate>Wed, 11 Jul 2012 00:15:15 +0100</pubDate><title>RCN to accredit undergraduate nursing</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/article/uk/concentrating_services_will_give_better_care</link><description>The Royal College of Nursing has said the NHS must continue to ensure better outcomes for children with congenital heart disease, following a review of children’s cardiac services.</description><pubDate>Thu, 05 Jul 2012 10:11:11 +0100</pubDate><title>Concentrating services will give better care</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/article/uk/rcn_members_losing_confidence_in_nmc</link><description>Members of the Royal College of Nursing have been “losing confidence” in the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) for some time, Dr Peter Carter has said.</description><pubDate>Tue, 03 Jul 2012 09:14:46 +0100</pubDate><title>RCN members ‘losing confidence’ in NMC</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/article/uk/changes_to_the_uk_immigration_rules</link><description>A series of changes to UK immigration rules will be introduced this month and may have an impact on some RCN members and their families.</description><pubDate>Fri, 29 Jun 2012 14:25:18 +0100</pubDate><title>Changes to the UK immigration rules</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/article/uk/the_uks_biggest_nursing_recruitment_event</link><description>Nurses and health care assistants are invited to attend the UK’s biggest nursing recruitment event this September.</description><pubDate>Fri, 29 Jun 2012 08:59:05 +0100</pubDate><title>The UK’s biggest nursing recruitment event</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/article/uk/rcn_nurses_to_march_for_a_future_that_works</link><description>Members of the Royal College of Nursing are being encouraged to take to the streets of London as part of the Trade Union Congress’ march on 20 October.</description><pubDate>Fri, 29 Jun 2012 08:30:21 +0100</pubDate><title>RCN members to march for ‘A Future that Works’</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/article/uk/rcn_demands_response_to_new_standards_of_care_report</link><description>The Royal College of Nursing has described the results of a new report into quality and safety standards in health care in England as “shocking” and is calling on the Government to make a commitment to ensure trusts employ enough nurses and health care assistants to provide patients with the level and quality of care they deserve.</description><pubDate>Thu, 28 Jun 2012 09:06:00 +0100</pubDate><title>RCN demands response to new standards of care report</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/article/uk/nominations_now_open_for_south_east_council_seat</link><description>An election is being held for one of the two South East Council member seats on RCN Council, which has become vacant part way through the term.</description><pubDate>Wed, 27 Jun 2012 08:49:35 +0100</pubDate><title>Nominations now open for South East Council seat</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/article/uk/call_for_mental_health_research_topics</link><description>RCN members are being encouraged to submit research topic proposals for the National Confidential Inquiry into Suicide and Homicide by People with Mental Illness (NCI) to consider.</description><pubDate>Tue, 26 Jun 2012 12:49:57 +0100</pubDate><title>Call for mental health research topics</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/article/uk/worrying_state_of_affairs_at_london_trust</link><description>The Royal College of Nursing has described the situation at South London Healthcare Trust as “a worrying state of affairs for both patients and staff”.</description><pubDate>Tue, 26 Jun 2012 12:44:29 +0100</pubDate><title>“Worrying state of affairs” at London trust</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/article/uk/nice_recruitment</link><description>The National Institute for Clinical Excellence (NICE) is recruiting members to the familial hypercholesterolaemia quality standard topic expert group (TEG) and, among other roles, NICE is seeking to recruit a familial hypercholesterolaemia specialist nurse.</description><pubDate>Fri, 22 Jun 2012 15:52:58 +0100</pubDate><title>NICE recruitment</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/article/uk/new_survey_rcn_reps_set_to_defend_afc_in_england</link><description>RCN representatives in England are being asked to complete an important survey about proposals by NHS employers in England to make changes to the Agenda for Change contract.</description><pubDate>Fri, 22 Jun 2012 09:17:00 +0100</pubDate><title>New survey: RCN reps set to defend AfC in England</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/article/uk/rcn_students_encouraged_to_stand_for_council_election</link><description>The Royal College of Nursing is holding elections for two student members of RCN Council, following Gemma Selby’s announcement that she has decided to step down from her position as Student Member of Council.</description><pubDate>Fri, 22 Jun 2012 09:13:54 +0100</pubDate><title>RCN students encouraged to stand for Council election</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/article/uk/new_report_calls_for_improvements_to_patient_transfer_information</link><description>The report of the Keeping Patients Safe When They Transfer Between Care Providers: Getting the Medicines Right project has been published.</description><pubDate>Thu, 21 Jun 2012 10:46:23 +0100</pubDate><title>New report calls for improvements to patient transfer information</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/article/uk/rcn_provides_briefing_for_mps_on_local_and_regional_pay</link><description>The Royal College of Nursing has published a new parliamentary briefing on local and regional pay in the NHS.</description><pubDate>Wed, 20 Jun 2012 15:56:07 +0100</pubDate><title>RCN provides briefing for MPs on local and regional pay</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/article/uk/rcn_seeks_members_views_on_nmc_council</link><description>The Royal College of Nursing is seeking feedback from members before responding to a Department of Health consultation on reducing the size of the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) ruling council.</description><pubDate>Wed, 20 Jun 2012 14:13:56 +0100</pubDate><title>RCN seeks members’ views on NMC council</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/article/uk/chair_of_council_awarded_cbe</link><description>The Royal College of Nursing has congratulated its Chair of Council Professor Kath McCourt on being awarded a CBE in the Queen’s Birthday Honours List.</description><pubDate>Wed, 20 Jun 2012 12:50:57 +0100</pubDate><title>Chair of Council awarded CBE</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/article/uk/advice_for_rcn_members_during_bma_industrial_action</link><description>The RCN has published guidance for nursing staff (Word 4KB) who may be affected when members of the British Medical Association (BMA) take industrial action on Thursday 21 June.</description><pubDate>Fri, 15 Jun 2012 16:41:52 +0100</pubDate><title>Advice for RCN members during BMA industrial action</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/article/uk/northern_ireland_nurse_of_the_year_announced</link><description>Claire Galloway has won the RCN Northern Ireland Nurse of the Year Award 2012.</description><pubDate>Fri, 15 Jun 2012 15:44:08 +0100</pubDate><title>Northern Ireland Nurse of the Year announced</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/article/uk/rcn_to_join_world_pride_parade</link><description>The Royal College of Nursing will participate in this year’s World Pride parade.</description><pubDate>Fri, 15 Jun 2012 14:08:04 +0100</pubDate><title>RCN to join World Pride parade</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/article/uk/rcn_seeks_members_views_over_nmc_fee_hike</link><description>The Royal College of Nursing is committed to making the “strongest possible” representation against the proposals to increase Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) fees and has today announced the launch of a survey to officially gather the views of RCN members</description><pubDate>Fri, 15 Jun 2012 15:59:13 +0100</pubDate><title>RCN seeks members’ views over NMC fee hike</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/article/uk/rcn_says_nhs_111_is_pause_needed</link><description>The Royal College of Nursing has reiterated its call for a pause before the move from NHS Direct to NHS 111 services in England.</description><pubDate>Fri, 15 Jun 2012 09:38:03 +0100</pubDate><title>RCN says NHS 111 is pause needed</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/article/uk/new_ehealth_position_statement_launched</link><description>The RCN has published new eHealth guidance which reviews what eHealth is.</description><pubDate>Thu, 14 Jun 2012 11:27:31 +0100</pubDate><title>New eHealth position statement launched</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/article/uk/rcn_attitudes_towards_nhs_disappointing_but_not_surprising</link><description>The Royal College of Nursing has described a new survey that shows a decline in public satisfaction with the NHS in England, Scotland and Wales as “disappointing.”</description><pubDate>Tue, 12 Jun 2012 10:14:04 +0100</pubDate><title>RCN: Attitudes towards NHS ‘disappointing but not surprising’</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/article/uk/new_gastrointestinal_bleeding_guideline_available</link><description>A new National Clinical Guideline Centre (NCGC) guideline on the management of upper gastrointestinal bleeding has been published by the National Institute for Clinical Excellence (NICE).</description><pubDate>Wed, 13 Jun 2012 08:00:16 +0100</pubDate><title>New gastrointestinal bleeding guideline available</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/article/uk/chair_and_vice_chair_of_congress_elected2</link><description>Rod Thomson and Stuart McKenzie have been re-elected as Chair and Vice Chair of RCN Congress, respectively.</description><pubDate>Tue, 12 Jun 2012 08:45:19 +0100</pubDate><title>Chair and Vice Chair of Congress elected</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/article/uk/chance_for_nursing_students_to_win_ipad2</link><description>Student and newly qualified nurses and midwives are being encouraged to complete a short online survey about their lives as students.</description><pubDate>Tue, 12 Jun 2012 08:38:14 +0100</pubDate><title>Chance for nursing students to win iPad2</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/article/uk/rcn_receives_thanks_from_the_queen</link><description>The Royal College of Nursing has received a letter from the patron, HM Queen Elizabeth II, thanking RCN members for their continuing loyalty and support.</description><pubDate>Thu, 07 Jun 2012 13:47:31 +0100</pubDate><title>RCN receives thanks from the Queen</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/article/uk/health_inequalities_webinar_being_held_this_week</link><description>RCN members are invited to participate in an online learning event on health equalities introduced by Professor Steve Field, Chair of the Future Forum and Chair of the National Inclusion Health Board.</description><pubDate>Wed, 06 Jun 2012 13:57:07 +0100</pubDate><title>Health inequalities webinar being held this week</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/article/uk/nominate_for_leadership_awards_in_england</link><description>RCN members are being encouraged to nominate exceptional leaders working in the NHS in England for a prestigious award.</description><pubDate>Wed, 06 Jun 2012 13:48:29 +0100</pubDate><title>Nominate for leadership awards in England</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/article/uk/rcn_to_celebrate_its_diamond_nurses</link><description>The Royal College of Nursing is marking the Queen’s jubilee by honouring the “diamond nurses” who joined the College 60 years ago.</description><pubDate>Fri, 01 Jun 2012 15:37:11 +0100</pubDate><title>RCN to celebrate its “diamond nurses”</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/article/uk/junes_rcn_bulletin_is_out_now!</link><description>The June issue of RCN Bulletin is now available online.</description><pubDate>Wed, 30 May 2012 09:52:03 +0100</pubDate><title>June’s RCN Bulletin is out now!</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/article/uk/rcn_welcomes_initial_nursing_forum_report</link><description>The Royal College of Nursing has welcomed the publication of the Nursing and Care Quality Forum’s initial report, saying that it recognises the importance of empowering nurses to provide the highest standards of care across the board.</description><pubDate>Fri, 25 May 2012 09:49:04 +0100</pubDate><title>RCN welcomes forum’s focus on empowering nurses </title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/article/uk/rcn_launches_new_technology_guides</link><description>The Royal College of Nursing has published five new multimedia guides to help nursing staff utilise technology to complement their clinical practice.</description><pubDate>Thu, 24 May 2012 09:56:07 +0100</pubDate><title>RCN launches new technology guides</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/article/uk/rcn_responds_to_report_on_training,_education_and_workforce_planning</link><description>The Royal College of Nursing has called on the Government to do more to avoid “boom and bust” cycles in NHS workforce planning and to ensure nurse education can meet changing health needs.</description><pubDate>Wed, 23 May 2012 11:33:13 +0100</pubDate><title>MPs’ report on education echoes RCN concerns</title></item><item><link>http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/article/uk/new_local_authority_staff_to_maintain_access_to_nhs_pension_scheme</link><description>It has been confirmed that NHS staff transferring to local authority employers next year will retain access to the NHS Pension Scheme.</description><pubDate>Wed, 23 May 2012 09:47:10 +0100</pubDate><title>New local authority staff to maintain access to NHS Pension Scheme</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_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/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/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/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/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>Thu, 31 May 2012 15:15:43 +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/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>