RCN discusses recession in its first podcast

Published: 09 September 2009

The Royal College of Nursing has urged the Government to "look to the lessons of history" when considering health spending cuts, in its first podcast which went live today.

The podcast features a discussion between Howard Catton, Head of Policy and Implementation, and Gerry O'Dwyer, Senior Employment Relations Adviser at the Royal College of Nursing as they consider the implications of the recession on nursing.

While recognising that it is unrealistic to think nursing will be "immune" to funding cuts, the podcast gives a stark warning against a "slash and burn" approach, highlighting that the Government's aim to deliver high quality care will not be realised if there are not sufficient numbers of appropriately trained nurses.

The podcast also includes discussions about the recently reported increase in NHS vacancies, pressures on NHS staff and nurses' pay. Introducing pay incentives to teams which demonstrate improvements to patient services is one idea suggested to increase pay for nurses as well as quality.

Welcoming the launch of the first podcast, Janet Davies, Executive Director of Nursing and Service Delivery at the RCN, said:

"The monthly podcasts will form part of our social networking drive to increase the different ways that nurses and the public can interact with the College. We know that the recession is an issue that affects nurses and patients alike, and we feel it is important that people have the opportunity to engage with the RCN debate about current and widespread issues such as this."

Each month a new podcast will be produced, focussing on different issues that are topical in the world of nursing. Additional podcasts will also be produced to tie in with key events in the RCN calendar.

The podcast can be downloaded from the homepage of the RCN website, www.rcn.org.uk, and will also be available from iTunes.

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Notes for Editors

For further information, interviews or illustrations please contact -
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.