RCN responds to news that nurses would outnumber doctors in polyclinics
Published: 09 September 2008
Commenting on a Pulse story that nurses could outnumber GPs by three to one in polyclinics, Dr Peter Carter, Chief Executive & General Secretary of the Royal College of Nursing, said:
“This is not about nurses instead of GPs. World class primary care is dependent upon the right number of doctors and nurses continuing to work well together to help provide the best possible services.
“This report recognises the already exceptional work nurses provide and will further expand the role of nurses throughout GP-lead health centres across the country.
“However, nurses will only able to provide this high quality care if the Government invests in more community nurses to deliver care closer to home.”
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Notes for Editors
Pulse obtained information on proposed staffing ratios for polyclinics under a Freedom of Information request through the Department of Health.
For further information, interviews or illustrations please contact the RCN Media Office on 0207 647 3633, press.office@rcn.org.uk or visit www.rcn.org.uk/news/mediacentre.php
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.