RCN response to NMC comments on industrial action

Published: 06 October 2011

Responding to a statement issued by the nursing regulator, the Nursing and Midwifery Council, Royal College of Nursing (RCN) Executive Director of Nursing & Service Delivery Janet Davies said:

“No nurse would ever take a decision on industrial action lightly and it is a fundamental principle of the RCN that members shall not act in any way which is detrimental to the well being or interests of their patients. All registered nurses must also abide by the NMC Code of Conduct and are obliged to provide a high standard of care.

“However, nurses and healthcare assistants are increasingly angry about Government proposals on NHS pensions. Nurses are being hit from all sides and the targeting of their pensions is unfair and unnecessary. RCN Council represents the views of members from up and down the UK, and met last week to discuss this rising anger. Council declared that the RCN will be ready to ballot if these deep-seated concerns are not addressed by the Government in ongoing discussions. Council will also determine what forms of industrial action may be appropriate to ballot over.

 “Individual nurses can be assured that the RCN would only ask them to take action that is carefully considered, democratically agreed and which does not harm patients.”

Ends

Notes for Editors:

1.     A background briefing on the RCN’s position on industrial action can be viewed here:  http://www.rcn.org.uk/__data/assets/pdf_file/0007/372526/004113.pdf

Those principles may be summarised as follows:
∙         The complete abandonment of ill patients is inconsistent with the purpose and philosophy of professional nurses and their professional organisations as reflected in ICN (International Council of Nurses) Code of Ethics for Nurses and the NMC Standards of conduct, performance and ethics for nurses and midwives.
∙         Crisis intervention by nurses for the preservation of life is essential
∙         Ongoing nursing care will be provided to ensure the survival of those unable to care for themselves
∙         Nursing care required for therapeutic services without which life would be jeopardised will be given.
∙         No industrial action can be taken by any member without the prior authorisation of RCN Council.
∙         RCN Council can only authorise action if it believes any planned action will not, in any way, be detrimental to the well being or interests of their patients or clients.

2.     For further information, please contact the RCN Media Office on 020 7647 3633, press.office@rcn.org.uk or visit  http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/media.

3.     The 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