RCN responds to publication of McKinsey report

Published: 02 June 2010

The Royal College of Nursing today commented on the publication of the McKinsey report, published today by the Department of Health. Dr Peter Carter, Chief Executive & General Secretary of the Royal College of Nursing (RCN) said:

“This report, commissioned by the previous government, highlights the sheer scale of the financial challenge the NHS is facing. Nurses realise that the coming months and years will not be easy and they will be open to exploring new ways of working which can both improve efficiency in the NHS while keeping quality at the heart of patient care. The absence of focus on quality and patient safety is notable in this otherwise detailed report and we will be examining the recommendations in closer detail.

“Due to the regular and direct contact nurses have with their patients, it is vital that nursing staff are involved in discussions about efficiency savings to ensure that quality and patient safety does not suffer. High quality patient care in any setting depends on there being the right number of nurses with the relevant skills for the specialism they work in.

“To ensure the NHS is fit for the future, it is important that the current government and healthcare commissioners continue to keep a long-term perspective when dealing with the current economic difficulties. While arguably saving money in the short-term, slash and burn tactics would only serve to erode quality and patient safety in the NHS. The RCN is closely monitoring the effects of efficiency-saving measures being taken across the NHS to identify trends that directly impact on the quality of care.”

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Notes for Editors

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/newsevents/media

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.