RCN responds to emergency budget

Published: 22 June 2010

Speaking in response to today’s emergency budget, Dr Peter Carter, Chief Executive & General Secretary of the Royal College of Nursing (RCN), said:

“Nurses are under no illusion that difficult decisions need to be made about public spending, however, it is more important than ever that frontline services, as well as staff morale, are protected. Previous times of financial insecurity have resulted in an increase in mental health problems. Coupled with the chronic and complex health needs of an aging population, this will further increase demand on an already stretched health service.

“While we are pleased health spending has been ring-fenced, tax hikes and spending cuts need to be carefully balanced as cuts that are too deep or too fast could mean patient needs cannot be met.

“The Chancellor today proposed a two-year pay freeze for public sector staff, which we wish to discuss with the government as a matter of urgency. Nurses recognise that they need be realistic about pay - the government must work with the RCN and other trade unions to ensure that cuts are not detrimental to patient care.

“In a volatile economic climate it seems short-sighted to talk as far in advance as a two-year pay freeze. There is plenty of scope for efficiencies to be made in the NHS – nurses are ideally placed to identify ways in which these savings can be made while maintaining high quality care.

“Nurses will also be concerned that cuts to social care budgets will jeopardise the health of vulnerable people. This problem will be compounded by the fact we have an aging population, putting even greater pressure on the health service.”

“Nurses and healthcare assistants are committed to the NHS, and the government will need these dedicated staff to put its plans for the future of the NHS into action. While nurses are pragmatic, excessive cuts will damage staff morale, putting these reforms in jeopardy.

On NHS pensions:
“Far from being “gold-plated” the average nurse’s pension is around £5,000 per year. Taking this benefit away from dedicated NHS staff could have a devastating impact on morale.”

-Ends -

Notes for 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/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.