RCN: Specialist nurses are a lifeline for cancer patients

Published: 10 December 2010

For immediate release: Friday 10th December 2010

The Royal College of Nursing (RCN) today responded to the National Cancer Patients’ Experience Survey Programme 2010, published by the Department of Health. The survey showed that over 90 per cent of cancer patients had praised their Clinical Nurse Specialists.

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

“A cancer diagnosis is such a life-changing event that all kinds of support are needed. Specialist nurses answer clinical questions for patients and families, carry out procedures and advise on drugs. Significantly though, they can also offer emotional support, continuity of care and a presence at the end of the phone. During the deficits crisis of 2006, these posts were targeted, and we are disappointed that at the same time NHS organisations have to make up to £20 billion in savings, the government is not pledging protection for these vital roles.

“Before this year’s general election, the RCN called for every patient with a long term condition to have guaranteed access to specialist nursing care. In addition, the RCN called for specialist posts to be supported by guaranteed funding, underwritten by the NHS, to ensure that short term cutbacks do not jeopardise these valuable skills in the long term. We would echo the comments from Macmillan Cancer Support that specialist support improves patient care while saving the NHS money. Specialist nurses also need to be given the time they need to treat patients, provide expertise and lead teams in delivering the best care. The government should heed the calls of patients and preserve the lifeline which many rely on.”

-ends-

Notes to editors

During the General Election of 2010, the RCN called for government, policy makers and employers to commit to preserving and expanding these roles so that all patients have access and all specialist nurses have the time to use their skills. The RCN also produced a film showing the experience of patients. You can view the film here –
http://www.youtube.com/user/RCNonline#p/u/21/PWnBlYDE_QI

Examples of savings which can be delivered by specialist nurses include –
• £56 million a year on care for people with Parkinson’s
• £180 million could be saved by treating Multiple Sclerosis flare ups at home rather than in hospital
• £84 million could be saved by using nurse specialists for epilepsy rather than GPs to manage the condition

The Parkinson’s Society estimates that by developing and funding community-based treatment services the savings in health costs could be around £56 million, or 30% of the money spent on supporting people in care homes.

For further information, interviews or illustrations please contact the RCN Media Office on 0207 647 3633, press.office@rcn.org.uk or visit http://www.rcn.org.uk/news/mediacentre.php

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.