RCN comment on children’s cardiac services consultation

Published: 17 February 2011

The Royal College of Nursing (RCN) today responded to the review of children’s cardiac services.

RCN Chief Executive & General Secretary Dr Peter Carter said: “We welcome this review and the opportunity to contribute to it. The Royal College of Nursing fully supports the concept of fewer centres providing children’s heart surgery, alongside a network of linked hospitals providing specialist care and support to these centres.

“On top of cardiac problems, many children have other complex conditions so it is vital to have experienced and highly trained teams of nurses and surgeons in these centres, ensuring better outcomes for children and young people. Children’s cardiac specialist nurses working across the networks will enable children and families to receive as much care as possible closer to home.

“We would urge the implementation of the final recommendation as a matter of the utmost urgency.”

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Notes for 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