RCN responds to Healthcare Commission annual health check
Published: 18 October 2007
Responding to today’s announcement that the government will not be merging HFEA and HTA, to create a single body, RATE, Carolyn Basak, Midwifery & Women’s Health Advisor for the Royal College of Nursing (RCN), said:
“It is clear to the RCN and a range of health organisations that merging these two regulatory bodies with such differing remits, would have a negative impact on the regulation of assisted reproduction and the future progress of embryonic and human tissue research. This is a complex and sensitive field and the expertise that would have been lost through such a move could have seriously damaged Britain’s global reputation as leaders in these areas.
“We are delighted that the government has heeded the advice of a wide range of health stakeholders and we look forward to working in partnership with government to develop the regulatory structure in the future.”
ENDS
Notes to editors
HFEA – Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority
HTA – Human Tissue Authority
RATE – Regulatory Authority for Tissue and Embryos
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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.