RCN comment CQC Market Report

Published: 28 June 2012

Commenting on the CQC Market report published today (28 June), Dr Peter Carter, Royal College of Nursing (RCN) Chief Executive & General Secretary, said:

“It is shocking that more than one in four locations inspected in this report have failed to meet even essential standards of quality and safety. We are reassured that the CQC has taken action to address these failings; nevertheless, this presents a long overdue wakeup call for the Government. Those locations in question must be brought up to standard as a matter of urgency.

“It is highly welcomed and significant that for the first time this type of report shines a light on staffing levels and the effect of inadequate staffing on patient care. For the past two years the RCN’s Frontline First campaign has been highlighting job cuts and the direct risk this poses to patient safety. Alongside this we have been making persistent calls for a system that provides guaranteed safe staffing levels.

“This report also raises concerns about the practice of leaving posts vacant for lengthy periods, which again is something the RCN has consistently raised. The Government response has tended to be that nurses are not being made redundant, which completely misses the point of the impact on nursing teams of having posts left vacant.

“Now that the CQC has highlighted these issues, it is time for the Government to stop hiding behind technicalities and make a commitment to ensuring Trusts employ enough nurses and health care assistants to provide patients with the level and quality of care they deserve.”

Notes to editors

1. 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

2.       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