RCN concerned by loss of clinical networks

Published: 10 December 2012

For immediate release: 10 December 2012

RCN concerned by loss of clinical networks

The Royal College of Nursing (RCN) today commented on new figures showing the financial pressures and staff cuts facing clinical networks for conditions such as cancer and strokes.

 Dr Peter Carter, Chief Executive & General Secretary of the RCN said:

“At a time when the NHS is under strain in every area, expertise which drives forward the best care on the basis of strong evidence is more important than ever. The RCN is very concerned that the NHS is not making intelligent decisions to save money; in fact a very blunt tool is too often being used. Clinical networks have already improved care in areas such as stroke services, where better organised care has a significant impact not only on survival but on recovery. Similarly, more people than ever are surviving and living with cancer, and by keeping those people well the NHS not only improves lives, it saves money in the long term.

“Cutting back on clinical networks, and the expertise which works to keep people well and avoid unnecessary hospital admissions, would be a short sighted way of reducing the budget. The expertise within the networks has driven forward research and development, as well as the staff training required to implement good practice. We have been in contact with the new NHS Commissioning Board to raise our concerns that expertise and collaboration could be lost and advances which have been made could be placed under threat.”

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Notes for Editors

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
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