Royal College of Nursing responds to Queen's Speech
Responding to the Queen’s Speech, Dame Donna Kinnair Chief Executive and General Secretary of the Royal College of Nursing said:
“While particular pledges might end up being short-lived, the speech covered vital issues for health and care services. We particularly welcome the specific commitment to bring forward proposals to support and strengthen the health service workforce and eagerly await the detail.
“A change in the law would support the NHS in England to better join up its services, support the delivery of the Long Term Plan and rein in costly competition. If any proposals are to achieve the best for services and their nursing staff, they must include a commitment to introduce clear roles, responsibilities and accountability for workforce planning and supply.
“It is encouraging to see the government announce proposals to reform adult social care. The litmus test is whether it includes a long-term funding settlement based on needs, sufficient funding for the workforce and clear actions to reverse the decline in registered nurses working in social care. If these fundamentals are not in place, then the dire levels of unmet need in the sector will continue.
“The intention to reform the Mental Health Act is long overdue. If the government wants to send a message to people living with severe mental illness and those who work with them, it must urgently address the chronic nursing shortages that hamper mental health services.
“The establishment of an independent body to investigate serious healthcare incidents is significant and this body must report on the planned and actual numbers of staff present at every incident it investigates. That way, the body can clearly highlight the clear link between adequate staffing and patient outcomes.”
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