RCN continues to call for mandatory regulation for healthcare support workers

Published: 13 March 2012

Responding to the debate around mandatory healthcare support regulation being included within the Health and Social Care bill, Royal College of Nursing (RCN) Chief Executive & General Secretary, Dr Peter Carter said:

“It is disappointing that the Government chose not to give its support to this important issue of patient safety. Healthcare support workers play an increasingly important nursing role, carrying out a variety of tasks and it is only right that they are adequately trained and equipped with the skills to do so.  The RCN has repeatedly called for mandatory regulation and training standards for healthcare support workers as we genuinely believe that a voluntary code does not go far enough. While the announcement to develop standardised training and a code of conduct is welcomed, we feel that the decision to review the need for mandatory regulation is effectively kicking the issue into the long grass and will not address the pressing issues of patient safety. These now need to be considered as a matter of urgency, not in three years time.”

Notes for Editors

Earl Howe indicated that the Government would review the voluntary register and look at an evidence base for mandatory regulation in three years time.

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

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.