The Royal College of Nursing (RCN) Congress today addressed the urgent issue of inadequate maintenance of NHS estate infrastructure affecting patient care in the UK.
Recent actions and reports from the RCN underscore the critical need for improved facility conditions to ensure high-quality health care.
In Wales, the RCN recommended an amendment to the Environment (Air Quality and Soundscapes) Bill, focusing on enhancing ventilation standards in health care settings. This highlights the crucial link between air quality and patient outcomes.
In addition, the RCN emphasised the need for investment in mental health facilities. Inadequate infrastructure disproportionately impacts individuals with severe and enduring mental illnesses, necessitating targeted funding to address these inequalities.
Helen Whyley, Executive Director Royal College of Nursing Wales, said: “The lack of maintenance in regards to the NHS estate poses a significant risk to patient care. Aging health and social care buildings, coupled with capital spend shortages and maintenance backlogs, result in facilities that are in poor repair.”
“These dilapidated buildings not only jeopardize health and safety but also impact staff morale service delivery and could lead to injury or long-term health conditions. Urgent action is needed to address these infrastructure challenges and ensure safe and effective care for all patients.”
ENDS
Notes to editors
RCN Congress 2024 is being held in Newport from 2-6 June.
Read the full agenda item on the Congress Website.
View and download the RCN Wales briefing on ventilation in English and Welsh: Open the Window: why ventilation is important (English PDF) / Agorwch y ffenestr Pam y mae angen i Lywodraeth Cymru fuddsoddi mewn awyru ar gyfer Ystad GIG Cymru (Welsh PDF)
View and download the RCN Wales mental health report in English and Welsh: Mental health nursing: a profession that must be valueed (English) / Nyrsio iechyd meddwl: proffesiwn y mae’n rhaid ei werthfawrogi ental health nursing (Welsh summary)
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 with over half a million members in the UK, including around 30,500 members in Wales.
For more information, contact the RCN Wales communications and media team on 02920 680 769 or mediawales@rcn.org.uk
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View all press releases at rcn.org.uk/wales/Wales-News/Press
