RCN comment on NHS Check report

Published: 28 February 2013

For immediate release: 27 February, 2013

The Royal College of Nursing (RCN) today commented on Labour’s latest NHS Check report, which reveals that 213 nursing posts a month have been cut since the last election.

Dr Peter Carter, Chief Executive & General Secretary of the RCN said: “This report echoes the concerns we have been raising for some time through our own Frontline First campaign.

“It is extremely worrying that nursing staff numbers are falling so rapidly, especially given the complex care which is increasingly needed by patients. Nurses need to have the time and support to deliver excellent care, yet every lost post means staff are forced to spend less time with patients.

“We know that the health care needs of the country are getting more complex. However, if current staffing trends continue the NHS will struggle to cope with increasing demand.”

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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