RCN responds to ‘State of Healthcare 2008’ report from the Healthcare Commission.
Published: 11 December 2008
RCN responds to ‘State of Healthcare 2008’ report from the Healthcare Commission
Embargoed: 00:01hrs, Thursday 11 December 2008
The Royal College of Nursing (RCN) today welcomed news from the Healthcare Commission that there have been ‘sustained improvements’ in the care offered to patients, and congratulates healthcare staff on delivering this.
Dr Peter Carter, RCN Chief Executive & General Secretary, commented:
“The hard work of healthcare staff is being applauded in this report, and we welcome the improvements in the quality of care for patients up and down the country.
“However, the report does show that patient safety and inequalities in healthcare are still real issues in the NHS, and it is only by continuing to measure outcomes that we can make a real difference to patient care. The government must keep the quality of care for all patients as its highest priority, and must not let it fall by the wayside during the economic downturn.”
Ends
Notes for Editors
The Healthcare Commission report ‘State of Healthcare 2008’ is available on the Healthcare Commission website, www.healthcarecommission.org.uk
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.