RCN publishes response to NHS Future Forum consultation

Published: 18 October 2011

For immediate release:  Tuesday 18th October 2011
RCN publishes response to NHS Future Forum consultation

The Royal College of Nursing (RCN) today published its response to the NHS Future Forum (Second phase). The RCN highlighted concerns about the timing of the consultation and the importance of education and training and public health.

Janet Davies, Executive Director of Nursing and Service Delivery, said:
"During the course of the reforms being enacted by the government, we acknowledge that the government have made substantial concessions in line with calls from the RCN. The Future Forum has been an important part of this process. However, we are disappointed that the next set of recommendations will not be used to inform the Health and Social Care Bill as it passes through the House of Lords. There is a danger that during the largest reorganisation in its history, with changes already being implemented on the ground, the legislation and guidance used may not join up.

“We have also consistently highlighted the lack of detail about education and training in the NHS being presented as part of these reforms. The training of nurses is going to be more important than ever, and we would urge employers to maintain investment in both mandatory and non-mandatory training. We are also concerned that while funding for public health has been ringfenced, responsibility for the budget has passed to local authorities, who are themselves facing a reduction of 25 percent over the next four years. 

“There are also significant workforce issues facing staff affected by these public health changes, and we would urge NHS employers, local government and the Department of Health to engage with us to tackle these issues as a matter of urgency. The RCN is concerned that this would be a very bad moment to risk neglecting public health or training the future workforce.”

Ends

Notes for Editors

1. You can read the full RCN response here - http://www.rcn.org.uk/support/consultations/responses/nhs_future_forum_recommendations_to_government
2. 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
3. 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