RCN response to Winterbourne View report

Published: 11 December 2012

The Royal College of Nursing (RCN) today (10 December) responded to the publication of the Winterbourne View Review. Dr Peter Carter, Chief Executive & General Secretary of the RCN, said:

“What happened at Winterbourne View was deeply shocking, particularly as the abuse was carried out against some of the most vulnerable people in society. The RCN is fully supportive of the action outlined today and is committed to working with the relevant organisations to deliver real change. We are also committed to working with independent sector providers to ensure healthcare assistants receive support and guidance in delivering the best possible patient care.

“We know that learning disability nurses can greatly improve the quality of life for people with learning disabilities and their families. However, over the past fifteen years we have seen under investment in learning disability care and we would like to see this trend reversed as a matter of urgency. An RCN survey earlier this year revealed nearly three quarters (74 per cent) of learning disability nurses have seen cuts to services in the past year. It is vital that we have the right staff in the right place to provide the care and support that people with learning disabilities often need.”

 
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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 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.