RCN responds to CQC market report

Published: 12 March 2013

Embargo 00:01 12 March 2013

The Royal College of Nursing (RCN) today responded to the new market report issued by the Care Quality Commission.
RCN Chief Executive & General Secretary, Dr Peter Carter, said:

“This report sounds more alarm bells about the growing impact caring for dementia patients is having on health and social care services.

“It is distressing for dementia patients to be admitted to hospital with a condition which could have been avoided by early intervention. People with dementia are among the most vulnerable in our society and the RCN believes specialist nurses are needed to overcome many of the problems identified.

“We are also seriously concerned by the finding of reduced staffing levels for learning disability and mental health services over the last two years. If this continues, it is clear that the effect of cuts will be felt by the most vulnerable. High quality, dignified care must never be seen as an optional extra. It is simply what every patient, with every condition, deserves.”

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Notes for Editors

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

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.