RCN responds to the Queen’s Speech
Published: 05 December 2008
The Royal College of Nursing (RCN) responded today to proposals for the forthcoming Parliamentary session. While welcoming progress from the NHS next stage review, the RCN urges the Government not to allow reforms to be put on the back burner due to financial constraints.
Dr Peter Carter, RCN Chief Executive & General Secretary, commented:
“We are pleased with the commitments made by the Government, especially in forging ahead with the NHS constitution, in particular placing dignity at the centre of patient care. The RCN also welcomes the commitment to clamp down on irresponsible alcohol sales, which is a change our members have been calling for in preventing irresponsible drinking, and is estimated to cost the NHS £2.7 billion every year. This will also help our members on the frontline in dealing with the consequences of excessive alcohol consumption.
“However, the Government must sustain these commitments through the economic downturn, and while we would urge caution in reforming welfare while there is a serious potential for serious financial hardship, we do welcome the measures to help reduce absence from work by greater use of early intervention to prevent sickness. These measures must be backed up by appropriate equipment and resources for nurses to give appropriate care and advice while not compromising their relationship with patients by becoming the gatekeepers of the benefits system.
“The Government also needs to ensure that they fulfill the commitments on housing for key sector workers to ensure that all areas are able to employ a diverse range of staff to treat patients.
“We hope that the commitments made today in the Queen’s Speech will be beneficial for patients and staff, in ensuring that nurses are able to provide care of a consistently high quality.”
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Notes to 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.