RCN calls for sustained NHS investment ahead of pre-budget report

Published: 07 December 2009

Ahead of this week's Pre-Budget report, the Royal College of Nursing (RCN) today (7 Dec) called for sustained NHS investment to ensure a first class health care system that delivers the highest level of care to patients.

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

"Sustained investment in frontline services is needed to ensure patients receive safe, high quality care. While it is good news that the economy seems to be starting to recover, it would be detrimental for spending on health to be cut as has happened following previous recessions. The demand on the health service has never been greater, and will continue to increase in the coming years. To avoid taking a step backwards, the Government must invest in a skilled workforce, effective regulation, high standards of education, and the best, up-to-date equipment."

The RCN is currently calling on all political parties to recognise that an effective, productive health service depends on there being enough nurses and healthcare staff with the necessary skills and training to meet patients' needs where they are, such as in the community. With a recruitment crisis looming, it is also vital that the Government invests in existing staff as well as the new all-graduate workforce who will deliver on Government promises to improve the NHS.

Dr Carter continued:

"In the last few years, the NHS has made good progress in improving the quality of care on offer to patients. It would be devastating for these gains to be lost as a result of cuts to the health budget. It is vital that the Government's vision for the NHS stays focussed on the long-term and does not become distracted by short-term savings. Sustained investment in frontline services is crucial if patients are to get the quality of care they need and deserve."

Notes to 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

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.