Downturn could be greatest threat to nursing in living memory - RCN

Published: 11 November 2009

The RCN today (11 November) warns that the economic downturn could be the greatest threat to nursing and patient care in living memory, as it publishes a report of a roundtable discussion attended by health policy experts.

The roundtable on 'Nursing and the economic downturn' looked into the likely 'aftershocks' of the recession on public finances, with previous recessions featuring a sharp decline in public spending following the end of the recession itself.

The roundtable participants warned that during the 'aftershock' period demand for health services is likely to increase, while the supply of skilled staff could be compromised by severe financial constraints in the NHS. The roundtable felt that with innovation, flexibility and nurse-led services, nurses could play a key role in improving care in the NHS.

The report details the five key issues that jeopardised patient care following previous downturns, including unfilled vacancies, reduced training and public health budgets, slash and burn job cuts and low staff morale. It includes recommendations from the RCN showing how nurses and policymakers can reduce the risk of history repeating.

Dr Peter Carter of the Royal College of Nursing said:

"While it is good news that there are now signs suggesting that the economy is slowly starting to recover, it is vital that healthcare workers are not left out in the cold as has happened in the past. The NHS has made excellent progress in recent years - it would be devastating for these gains to be lost. Nurses can and should lead the way in introducing innovations to help improve patient care and to make the NHS as effective as possible. As we approach the next general election it is important that all political parties realise the impact these decisions could have on the 1.3 million people working for the NHS."

The report makes it clear that patient care should be centre-stage for nurses and policy makers, and having the right skills mix is crucial to delivering this care. Healthcare managers should recognise the important role nurses play in maintaining quality, innovation and prevention, and these should be key principles in financial decision making. Today's report also highlights the value and effectiveness of specialist nurses who support patients with long term conditions.

Nurses are also encouraged to think carefully about their role in reducing pressure arising from the downturn. The report advises them to be flexible about the way they work and to consider taking on new roles in varied settings, with a very heavy emphasis on out-of-hospital settings where a recruitment crisis is looming. It also urges nurses to prioritise quality above professional self-interest.

The paper has been submitted to the Prime Minister's Commission on the Future of Nursing and Midwifery in England.

Ends

Notes for Editors

Participants at the roundtable were: John Carvel, former Social Affairs Editor at The Guardian (Chair); Cynthia Bower, Chief Executive, Care Quality Commission; Professor James Buchan, Queen Margaret University; Dr Peter Carter, Royal College of Nursing; Professor Celia Davies, St Thomas's Hospital; Anna Dixon, Kings Fund; Professor Julian LeGrand, London School of Economics; Dr Patrick Nolan, Reform; Professor Anne Marie Rafferty, Kings College London; Professor Jane Salvage, Independent healthcare consultant and joint lead of the support office for the PM's Commission; Rumbi Tarusenga, London Rebuilding and Jo Webber, NHS Confederation. The rountable discussion took place on 25th August 2009 at the RCN headquarters in London.

Nursing and the economic downturn - a roundtable discussion is available at www.rcn.org.uk

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/newsevents/media

Royal College 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.