RCN briefings
Policy briefings, parliamentary briefings and consultation responses on the issues that matter to nursing staff
The RCN works with government, think tanks and other stakeholders to ensure the voice of nursing is heard. You can get involved in policy development by taking part in surveys, workshops, seminars and briefings.
-
22 Apr 2013
Nurses blowing the whistle on poor care
In light of the care failings at Mid Stafford hospital, raising concerns and effective complaint handling within the health and social care sector has become a priority. This briefing showcases the Norwegian system of reporting and handling complaints and the legislation in place to support staff who speak out against poor care and practice. A positive and open whistleblowing culture exists in Norway where employees feel empowered to report wrongdoings. The Norwegian example offers some learning opportunities for England, specifically in handling complaints comprehensively, fostering an open workplace culture and having a strong nursing presence at board level.
-
14 Mar 2013
Ratings in health and social care
A short briefing on the Nuffield Trust Review.
-
12 Feb 2013
Mid Staffordshire NHS Foundation Trust Public Inquiry Report
Short power point presentation for members summarising the final report of the public inquiry into Mid Staffordshire NHS Foundation Trust on 6 February 2013.
-
7 Feb 2013
RCN factsheet on clinical commissioning groups
Short briefing on clinical commissioning groups (CCGs), one of the new types of organisation formed by the Health and Social Care Act 2012.
-
31 Jan 2013
Public health reforms in England
The Health and Social Care Act 2012 radically reforms the way that health care is commissioned in England. As part of these reforms, local public health services will move from the NHS into local authorities. A new body – Public Health England – will be set up to provide strategic leadership support and health protection functions. This fact sheet outlines these major changes, and the RCN’s views on them.
-
23 Jan 2013
Single Equality Act and healthcare
This briefing examines the application of the Single Equality Act in the context of workforce and service cuts and health care reform.
-
16 Jan 2013
Personal medical services
The Department of Health is consulting on proposed changes to primary medical care contractual arrangements which will impact on Personal Medical Services (PMS) contractors from April 2013. This briefing summarises the changes and asks RCN members for feedback.
-
10 Jan 2013
Revision of European Legislation on medical devices
The new draft EU regulations on medical devices and in vitro diagnostic medical devices were published on 26 September 2012 with a stated aim to ‘achieve a suitable, robust, transparent and sustainable regulatory framework’ for medical devices and in vitro devices. These seek to replace three existing directives dealing with medical devices and in vitro diagnostic devices which were agreed in the 1990’s.
-
17 Dec 2012
Government consultation on balance of EU and UK competences and health
The UK government is consulting on the impact of the European Union on many sectors in the UK, including health. The consultations from different government departments will take place over a period of two years and will be completed before the next general election, and health is one of the first. The RCN will be responding in relation to EU competences in health and their impact on nursing. This RCN briefing is about the types of issues covered in the Department of Health’s (DH) call for evidence.
-
14 Dec 2012
NHS England (previously known as the NHS Commissioning Board)
This briefing provides an overview of the work of the NHS Commissioning Board, with a particular focus on the nursing input and the RCN’s perspective
