RCN General Secretary and Chief Executive, Professor Nicola Ranger, said:
“These figures must act as the greatest wake up call on the health and wellbeing of our nation. They show why this week’s NHS turnaround plan must not fail.
“Nursing is at the heart of improving public health and preventing illness. We must see targeted investment to grow and strengthen nursing roles, including health visitors and school nurses. These are key to keeping people healthy in their communities, shifting from a reliance on treatment to prevention, and easing pressure on our NHS.”
Ends
Notes to Editors
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 interests 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.
For more information, contact the RCN press office at 020 7647 3633 or email mediateamhq@rcn.org.uk
