Nurses respond to review of arm’s length bodies

Published: 27 July 2010

The Royal College of Nursing (RCN) today (26 July) responded to the announcement that several health arm’s length bodies are to be abolished or have their remit changed. Dr Peter Carter, Chief Executive & General Secretary of the Royal College of Nursing (RCN) said:

“Many of the organisations facing significant change have been instrumental in protecting and promoting good health - it is vital that their many benefits do not fall through the gaps in a re-organised service.

 “Today’s announcement will raise many questions for nurses, particularly for those currently working for the organisations affected. It would be a devastating waste of talent for the knowledge and expertise of this highly skilled workforce to be lost as services are reviewed.

 “Public safety, quality and accountability must be at the forefront of any service changes. We urge the government to work closely with organisations like the RCN to ensure reducing the number of arm’s length bodies is not just about cutting budgets but about delivering more efficient and safer services to the public.”

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Notes for Editors 

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The 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.