RCN responds to figures showing shortfall in nurses

Published: 28 January 2010

For immediate release: 28th January 2010

The Royal College of Nursing (RCN) today (28th January) commented on figures highlighted by the Conservative Party suggesting an impending shortfall of nurses over the next five years.

Dr Peter Carter, Chief Executive and General Secretary of the RCN said:

“The NHS must have enough skilled nurses to ensure that the quality of patient care does not suffer. The RCN has been saying for some time that with up to 200,000 nurses due to retire in the next decade, there is a serious crisis looming which any government must address as a matter of urgency. As well as keeping trained and experienced staff in the profession, and making it easier for those who have left to return, we must make sure that nursing is an attractive profession. This means that people who do choose to study to become a nurse must get the financial and educational support they need to pursue their studies and their careers. The demand for nursing care is only going to increase, so having enough staff with the right skills must be a priority for whichever party is in government.”

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

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.