RCN responds to report on NHS pay modernisation in England
Published: 19 June 2009
Responding to the publication of the Public Accounts Committee report, NHS pay modernisation in England: Agenda for Change, Dr Peter Carter, RCN Chief Executive & General Secretary, said:
"Transferring over a million staff to a new pay system in such a short time is no mean feat. NHS staff and employers have worked closely together to achieve this.
"Critics are wrong to speak out after so little time to say the changes have not brought about improvements. It is no coincidence that in recent years the Healthcare Commission has rated more and more Trusts excellent or good, or that the 18 week target has been achieved way ahead of schedule. There is plenty of evidence to show Agenda for Change has made the NHS a better place for patients and for staff.
"However, there is still work to be done. In particular, Trusts must make better use of the Knowledge & Skills Framework (KSF) so that all nurses have the time and support to train. This is key to ensuring patients can receive the best possible quality of care. We look forward to continuing to work with employers to make this happen."
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Notes for Editors
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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.