RCN Comment on increasing cost of Health and Social Care bill

Published: 18 October 2012

Commenting on the news that the Health and Social Care bill will cost £300 million more than expected, Dr Peter Carter, Chief Executive and General Secretary of the RCN, said:

“The RCN has frequently stated its concerns over the bill – not only is it creating major upheaval, which will prevent the NHS from delivering quality care, it has done so at a huge expense.

"We were concerned that there would be hidden costs involved in such a large reorganisation and it is becoming clear that the government has not properly estimated just how much money this would cost. At a time when patient services are being cut and nursing jobs are being axed this is a huge waste of money. What's of even greater concern is whether this cost will spiral further?"