RCN response to Conservative Party Manifesto 2010

Published: 13 April 2010

For immediate release: Tuesday 13th April 2010

The Royal College of Nursing (RCN) today (13 April) responded to the publication of the Conservative Party Manifesto 2010, ‘An invitation to join the government of Britain’. Janet Davies, RCN Executive Director of Nursing and Service Delivery, said:

“The RCN has been calling for political parties to stand up for staff who speak out and it is good news that this manifesto pledges to protect staff if they raise concerns about patient safety. To build on this all healthcare organisations should be required to hold a register of staff concerns that must be reported to their board and made available to the public. The needs of patients must be paramount whichever party forms the next government, so it is vital that there are enough nurses with the right skills to care for patients in both hospitals and the community. We will be examining the detailed implications of these plans for nurses and patients.

“The RCN is committed to working with whichever party wins the election to maintain and improve care. To deliver the highest quality of care for patients nurses are calling for safe staffing levels, time to train, support for specialist nurses and sustained investment in services, staff and facilities.”

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Notes to editors

For further information, interviews or illustrations please contact the RCN Press Office on 02076473633.
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.