Nursing staff commended for commitment to care as Britain freezes

Published: 12 January 2010

The Royal College of Nursing today (8th January) acknowledged the commitment and determination of health care staff who are continuing to provide vital nursing care as the UK endures its worst cold weather in the last 30 years.

 RCN Chief Executive & General Secretary, Dr Peter Carter, said:

 "Nursing staff are facing extraordinary disruption and difficulty and we would like to take this opportunity to thank health care staff across the UK who are continuing to put their patients first. Nurses across the UK are walking to work in extreme temperatures with some sleeping overnight in hospitals and other health care facilities to ensure patients continue to receive first class care. Nurses working in remote communities are providing a vital life line to many vulnerable people.”

 Maura Buchanan, RCN President, said:

 “Across the country, nursing and health care staff are making great efforts to reach their places of work to ensure the vulnerable continue to receive nursing care and medical treatment. Teams are working together to make sure the provision of care does not suffer. Health care staff should be congratulated for coping admirably with this added pressure.”

 Ends

 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/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.