RCN response to Prime Minister’s speech on Europe

Published: 23 January 2013

The Royal College of Nursing (RCN) today responded to Prime Minister David Cameron’s speech regarding the European Union. RCN Chief Executive & General Secretary, Dr Peter Carter, said:
 
“The EU has influenced a wide range of policies and legislation that impact on nursing practice and nurses’ working lives.   Whilst we recognise the validity of the debate around the role of European legislation and are surveying members for their views, we know that EU employment legislation can help to protect the safety of healthcare staff across the UK. One good example is the directive on the prevention of sharps injuries. This directive provides much improved protection for nurses and other healthcare workers exposed to the risk of bloodborne viruses such as Hepatitis C from needlestick and other sharps injuries. It was also a directive that was supported by both trade unions and HOSPEEM – the European hospital and healthcare employers’ association. 
 
“It’s important that UK organisations continue to influence EU negotiations on key employment and professional nursing issues, and this can only be done by working constructively with colleagues in other EU countries.  The RCN is continuing to work closely with sister organisations in other member states.”
 

 
Ends
Notes for Editors
 
 
 
1. 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
 
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 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 organizations.