RCN responds to BBC poll on the state of the health care system
Published: 30 June 2008
Commentating on a BBC poll that found people were concerned about contracting infections in UK hospitals, Dr Peter Carter, General Secretary and Chief Executive for the Royal College of Nursing (RCN) said:
“This result clearly shows patients’ need for hospitals to deliver and maintain a high standard of care, especially in the prevention of infection outbreaks.
“The same poll found patients would consider avoiding surgery for fear of contracting an infection. Clearly we have a long way to go in terms of reducing the risk of infection but we need to take practical steps to restore patients’ confidence in our health care system.
“Reducing the risk of infections in our hospitals should be everyone’s number one priority and is certainly a priority for the RCN.
“The RCN will continue to work closely with the Government and patients groups to significantly reduce the risk of infections.”
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Notes to Editors
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/news/mediacentre.php
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.