Responding to the announcement of the roll-out of the government’s first neighbourhood health service, RCN General Secretary and Chief Executive Professor Nicola Ranger said:

“Nursing staff were identified in the government's ten year health plan as the expert leaders needed to deliver a neighbourhood health service. This shift to the community will be vital in ending the unsustainable pressures on emergency departments and the unacceptable practice of corridor care. We stand ready to deliver this change.

"As the professionals delivering the vast majority of care, we know what keeps patients safe and well and it's right that our skills and leadership are recognised. To make this a reality, the secretary of state must produce a detailed and fully funded plan to grow our registered nurse workforce, especially in crucial community roles.”

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