RCN comment on NHS complaints

Published: 29 August 2012

For immediate release:  Wednesday 29 August 2012
RCN comment on NHS complaints

Commenting on today’s (29 August) publication of figures showing a rise in written complaints about NHS care, Royal College of Nursing Chief Executive & General Secretary, Dr Peter Carter, said:

“Independent surveys show that the vast majority of people are satisfied by the care they receive in the NHS. However, not all are and there is still work to do. Every patient, whether they are treated in a hospital ward or their GP surgery, deserves to get a high standard of care. They also need to be consulted and informed about their treatment and treated with respect and dignity. When the NHS falls short, it is right that people feel empowered and confident to complain. We would urge people who feel that their care has not been of the standard they would hope for to complain as soon as possible so that the full facts can be ascertained. This way, Trusts will be able to identify causes of concern and act on them. If a nurse or doctor has acted improperly or their care has fallen short in any way, it is important that this is taken seriously.”

Ends

Notes for Editors

1. For further information, please contact the RCN Media Office on 020 7647 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.