RCN praises improvement in the NHS, but worst performers must do more

Published: 15 October 2009

Embargoed until 00.01, Thursday 15 October 2009

The Royal College of Nursing (RCN) responded today to the latest NHS performance ratings, published by the Care Quality Commission (CQC). These are the final ratings to be published by the CQC before all trusts will have to meet new registrations requirements in order to continue to deliver care.

The ratings show that performance has improved in many areas, from reducing infections to waiting times for surgery. However, there remain a small number of trusts which are consistently rated as 'weak' and who are struggling to improve.

Responding to today's performance ratings, Dr Peter Carter, head of the RCN, said:

"Many NHS trusts have clearly improved significantly, and patients will feel the benefits of shorter waits in A & E, shorter waits for surgery and higher quality care. These results have been achieved by hard work and dedication by many NHS staff. However, these figures show that there are a small group of trusts who consistently under-perform and need much more intensive work if they are to improve.

"Trusts that are consistently struggling and are therefore offering no guarantees about the quality of care they provide for patients need very close monitoring and inspection, along with intensive help to improve. One instance of poor care is one instance too many, and where care needs to improve in order to maintain registration with the CQC from April 2010 then appropriate support must be given. NHS organisations must remain fit for purpose and able to deliver improvements to patient care."

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Notes for Editors

1. 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

2. 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.