RCN responds to Department of Health annual report

Published: 22 June 2012

Responding to the Department of Health’s annual report, Dr Peter Carter, RCN Chief Executive & General Secretary, said:

“While there is much to praise in the work of the NHS over the past year, especially at a time of such upheaval, the pressures it faces in terms of finance and capacity are undeniable. It is apparent that efficiency savings are being made, but what remains unclear is where this money is going and how it is being reinvested.

“The fact that these savings will now carry on beyond 2015 into the “foreseeable future” is all the more worrying when we consider that QIPP itself now seems entirely focussed on savings rather than improving quality. The Department of Health needs to evidence where money from these savings is being invested and stop hiding behind the complexities of the situation.

“For nearly two years the RCN’s Frontline first campaign has been identifying cuts to staff and services across the NHS, so the fact that this latest report by the Department of Health shows a continued surplus of over £1.5bn raises many serious questions. Any surplus would be far better invested in ensuring that health services are able to provide patients with the best possible care. The Government needs to look carefully at their priorities around this as the reforms are implemented and ensure that patient care does not suffer as a result.”

Notes to 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.       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