Specialist nurses are “not an optional extra” for cancer patients

Published: 12 January 2011

For immediate release: Wednesday 12th January 2011

The Royal College of Nursing (RCN) today responded to Improving Outcomes – A Strategy for Cancer, the new cancer strategy, published by the Department of Health.

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

“This strategy rightly focuses on improving the speed of diagnosis so that every patient who has cancer has the best possible chance of recovery. A cancer diagnosis is life changing for patients and their families, and the vital role of specialist nurses is rightly highlighted by this report. Specialist nurses provide expert clinical care and continuity from first diagnosis, and just as importantly they can provide emotional support to patients and their families.

“More people than ever now survive cancer, and the support of specialist nurses cannot be an optional extra. The RCN believes every patient with a long term condition should have guaranteed access to one to one specialist nursing care. There is a wealth of evidence that specialist support improves patient care while saving the NHS money. A government commissioned report released last month shows that investing in one to one care can save £9 million per year on prostate cancer and £6 million on colorectal cancer[i].

“Nurses welcome opportunities to work with commissioners, charities and patients to shape effective and efficient services for patients. Reassurance for patients and their families that investment will not be lost is vital at a time when NHS organisations have to make up to £20 billion in savings.”

-ends-

Notes to editors

The RCN has 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.