RCN calls on government to prioritise high quality care following MPs report

Published: 13 January 2009

EMBARGO: not for publication or broadcast until 00:01 Tuesday 13th January

The Royal College of Nursing (RCN) today called on the government to deliver the resources needed to improve quality of care, after a report by the Health Select Committee found strong variations in the capacity of Primary Care Trusts (PCTs).

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

“It’s clear from the report today that weaknesses in NHS leadership are causing considerable variations in the quality of care received by patients. Despite the Next Stage Review making these issues central to improving services, clearly the resources and mechanisms needed to deliver them locally are not good enough.

“We welcomed Lord Darzi’s consultation process and focus on quality for patients, but the government must enable the NHS to deliver on these priorities, particularly in those areas where quality of care is still patchy. While funding has risen considerably, it will take real effort from the government to improve leadership and ensure that the funds get to frontline services effectively.

“This report serves as a strong reminder that quality of care can only be improved by continued investment and strong local leadership. In order to deliver high quality care for all, funding must be maintained through the economic downturn, and the government must ensure that frontline patient services benefit first and foremost from this investment.”

Ends

Notes for Editors

The Health Committee report highlights several areas of failure which need to be addressed, namely weaknesses in PCT commissioning and the ability of PCTs and SHAs to manage the changes proposed by Lord Darzi effectively. A copy of the report can be found here – www.parliament.uk/healthcom

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.