RCN responds to Queen’s Speech

Published: 09 May 2012

For immediate release: Wednesday 9 May 2012
RCN responds to Queen’s Speech
Commenting on proposals for pension changes and social care reforms outlined by Her Majesty the Queen in Parliament, Royal College of Nursing Chief Executive & General Secretary, Dr Peter Carter, said:

“This speech shows that the government is pressing ahead with changes to public sector pensions. We remain concerned about these proposals, in particular linking a nurse's retirement age to rises in the state pension age. This does not take into account the long term physical burden of nursing as a profession and this issue will have to be revisited. 

“We also note that the Government is to publish a draft Bill on adult social care. This is an important and challenging issue, and it is vital that we get it right. There is currently a great deal of unmet need and worrying inequalities in adult social care provision. We therefore welcome efforts to simplify the confusing system.  However, the information we have so far shows that we are no nearer to resolving the most important question – who funds social care and how?

“We will be looking closely at the details of these proposals and will continue to represent the interests of members and patients during this challenging time for the health service.”

Ends

Notes for Editors

1. For further information, please contact the RCN Media Office on 020 7647 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 nursing staff 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.