Death of nursing is greatly exaggerated, says RCN
Published: 24 August 2007
Responding to an article in the Journal of the Royal Society of Medicine which predicts the 'Demise of Nursing in the UK', Dr Peter Carter, General Secretary of the Royal College of Nursing said:
“Reports of the death of nursing have been greatly exaggerated. Nursing is a growing and vibrant profession. Nurses are at the heart of modernising the NHS and have been instrumental in bringing down waiting times, improving patient care and taking on extended roles, such as performing minor surgery and prescribing drugs.
“Far from being simply a hearts and hands vocation, nursing does need to be about heads too. That is why it is vital we make sure student nurses get the best possible education, training and support to prepare them for their careers. But this will not happen if student places, training budgets and entry level jobs continue to be cut for short-term financial reasons.
“Running the health service is a team effort and overseas nurses and healthcare assistants are an integral part of that team.”
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Notes for Editors
For further information, interviews or illustrations please contact the RCN Media Office on 0207 647 3633, press.office@rcn.org.uk or visit http://www.rcn.org.uk/news/mediacentre.php
RoyalCollege of Nursing (RCN) is the voice of nursing across the UK and is the largest professional union of nursing staff in the world. The RCN promotes the interest of nurses and patients on a wide range of issues and helps shape healthcare policy by working closely with the UK Government and other national and international institutions, trade unions, professional bodies and voluntary organisations.