RCN comments on Camilla Cavendish’s review of HCA training
Published: 20 February 2013
For immediate release: 20 February 2013
RCN comments on Camilla Cavendish’s review of HCA training
The Royal College of Nursing (RCN) today commented on the review of training and support for Health Care Support Workers, to be conducted by journalist Camilla Cavendish.
Dr Peter Carter, Chief Executive & General Secretary of the RCN said:
"Improving training and support for Health Care Support Workers is a hugely significant part of improving patient care. Camilla Cavendish will bring a new perspective and we look forward to sharing the experiences of our nurse and HCA members with her. This review must build on the recommendations made by the Francis Inquiry, which was very clear that registration must go alongside improvements in training if care is to be improved across the board. The Inquiry also stated that a voluntary system of registration would provide little or no advantage to the public. The RCN has worked closely with organisations such as Skills for Health and Skills for Care to set out training standards that are needed, but without mandatory regulation to support this, there is a danger that those staff who are found to be unsuitable could move from one employer to another unchecked. We believe that Francis' recommendation on HCA regulation must be implemented if care is to be safe and of a consistently high standard."
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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 nursing staff 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.