RCN comment on CQC inpatient survey

Published: 25 April 2012

The Royal College of Nursing today (25 April) commented on the CQC’s annual inpatient survey. RCN Chief Executive & General Secretary, Dr Peter Carter, said:

“This survey raises a number of concerns about staffing levels, waiting times and patient hydration and nutrition. It is particularly worrying that the number of patients who report there are not enough nurses on duty has risen to 42 percent. This ties in with our own research, which shows that more than 56,000 posts are being stripped out of the NHS. It is a simple fact that without adequate numbers of healthcare care staff, patient care will suffer. We fear that Trusts are now cutting frontline staff and services that vulnerable patients rely on in a short sighted attempted to save money.”

 ENDS

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