RCN response to Nuffield Trust report into NHS productivity

Published: 05 March 2013

Under embargo: 00:01 Tuesday 5 March 2013

The Royal College of Nursing (RCN) today responded to the publication of the Nuffield Trust report The Anatomy of Health Spending 2011-12.

Dr Peter Carter, Chief Executive & General Secretary of the RCN said:

“Clearly, the NHS is faced with the reality of trying to do more with less. Last week’s staff survey showed that staff are under increasing levels stress while trying to get everything done. It is important that any savings made as a result of eliminating waste go straight back into frontline patient care.

“We support moves to deliver care closer to home, as nurses in the community can prevent distressing hospital admissions. However the distribution of funds indicates that that this is not happening. We are also concerned about the mixed picture of some trusts being financially healthy while others are consistently on the edge. Nurses will be very worried that trusts which have to focus on finance may struggle to maintain good, quality care.

“This analysis also makes clear that competition, can have a negative effect on productivity. The government and individual Trusts need to ensure that their focus is not skewed by competition now or in the future.”

End

Notes for Editors

1. For further information, please contact the RCN Media Office on 02076473633, press.office@rcn.org.uk or visit http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/media

2. 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 nursing staff 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.