RCN response to BBC research on NHS Estate

Published: 08 December 2010

Dr Peter Carter, Chief Executive & General Secretary of the Royal College of Nursing (RCN) today (8th December) responded to a BBC investigation which showed that 17% of the NHS Estate is classed as ‘not functionally suitable’. Dr Carter said:

“Nurses are already working at full capacity across the UK, however this research indicates that some spend a significant amount of their time working in old-fashioned buildings which are not suited for care in the twenty-first century. Time spent, for example, retrieving items which can’t be stored on the ward, is time taken away from direct patient care. It is also clear from this research that despite the poor condition of buildings, many hospitals are providing exemplary patient care. This is a testament to the hard work and dedication of staff.”

“Given that 27,000 posts are earmarked to be lost in the NHS, staff time spent directly caring for patients is at a premium. It is these patients who suffer if clinical staff are taken away from the frontline.

“Ultimately, it will help improve efficiency in the NHS if the buildings are brought up-to-date.”

Ends

Notes for Editors

The RCN recently released a report which outlined the 27,000 posts at risk in the NHS, and also showed examples of excellent and innovative care. You can read the report here - http://frontlinefirst.rcn.org.uk/page/s/report

For further information, interviews or illustrations please contact –
RCN Media Office on 0207 647 3633, press.office@rcn.org.uk or visit http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/media