Why the change?
It isn’t just semantics - it’s about better representing the reality of how care is delivered, and who delivers it. The term UEC has become increasingly prominent across the NHS and integrated health and social care systems, particularly following the 2013 Keogh Review and the 2023 UEC Recovery Plan. It reflects a whole system of services that provides care for people with urgent health needs, not just those in traditional emergency departments.
Broadening our scope to be more inclusive
Forum members don’t just work in emergency departments. Many work across urgent care centres, minor injury units, NHS 111 services, GP out-of-hours clinics, walk-in centres, and ambulance services. Changing the forum’s name is a small but meaningful way to ensure all these nurses are seen, included, and heard. It acknowledges the full range of roles our members play in delivering urgent care and strengthens the support and representation we can offer.
Strengthening collaboration and learning
Urgent and emergency care services are deeply interconnected. Whether it’s solving operational challenges, managing patient flow, or responding to clinical emergencies, the problems faced by one part of the UEC system often resonate across others. By adopting a broader scope, we will provide a space where RCN members from across all urgent and emergency settings can collaborate, share solutions, and learn from each other. It’s a step toward more unified and effective advocacy and professional development.
Aligning with wider vernacular
The term "UEC" is already widely used in policy, commissioning, and clinical leadership circles. Aligning the forum's name with this language brings us in line with national frameworks and ensures that our members are part of the same conversations shaping the future of care.
What’s next?
We are currently busy changing terminology across all our platforms and looking forward to using the change to connect with our members and commit to better reflecting the breadth of modern urgent care and create more opportunities for shared learning. We’re proud to represent nurses across all corners of UEC—and this change helps us do just that. If you are one of these members and not already part of the Forum, do join to stay up to date with our activity, network with colleagues, share best practice, and more.
Yours, the Urgent and Emergency Care Forum
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