Press Releases
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25/01/2024
Press Release
Royal College of Nursing responds to the latest NHS England staff sickness absence data
Royal College of Nursing Director for England, Patricia Marquis, said: “Nursing and care staff are burning out – with high rates of depression, stress, and anxiety. Staff sickness has shown little sign of improvement over the last decade - today a staggering twice as many are grappling with mental health issues than calling in sick due to cold or flu."
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19/01/2024
Press Response
RCN Wales responds to Welsh government plan to introduce regulated band 4 nurses in Wales
Sandy Harding, RCN Wales Associate Director (Professional Practice) said: "It’s unfortunate the minister didn’t fully consult with the RCN – as the voice of nursing – prior to making this momentous decision."
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17/01/2024
Press Release
Nursing union leader vows to fight for NHS on the eve of strike in Northern Ireland
On the eve of strike action in Northern Ireland, Royal College of Nursing (RCN) General Secretary and Chief Executive, Pat Cullen, has given a video message to members: “Colleagues, it’s been four years since you first took to the picket lines in Northern Ireland. The first-ever nursing strike here."
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15/01/2024
Press Release
Royal College of Nursing responds to Hft and Care England report on social care funding
RCN Director for England, Patricia Marquis, said: “Yet another report shows adult social care buckling under the pressure brought about by years of neglect. Quick fixes won’t remedy the catastrophic failure to invest in a system we’ve been repeatedly told there was a plan of reform for."
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15/01/2024
Press Release
Royal College of Nursing responds to Liberal Democrats' analysis showing a record 420,000 patients waited more than 12 hours in A&E in 2023
Royal College of Nursing Director for England, Patricia Marquis, said: “The government is refusing to get to grips with the crisis plaguing our NHS, leaving patients frightened and nurses overstretched. Behind the numbers are people suffering for hours – with no privacy and left in danger of their health drastically deteriorating."
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11/01/2024
Press Release
Royal College of Nursing responds to the opening of the consultation on a pay spine for nursing staff in the NHS
Royal College of Nursing General Secretary and Chief Executive, Pat Cullen, said: “The current pay scale turns 20 years old this year and no longer reflects the skills and expertise in nursing today. Despite many years of experience, the vast majority of nurses are on the lowest pay bands possible. The current system only rewards people the further away they get from patient care. This approach is poor for patients and works against career progression for a nurse. Automatic pay band progression is afforded to some staff groups and never to nurses – it is unfair and unsustainable."
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11/01/2024
Press Release
Royal College of Nursing responds to increased use of virtual wards in the NHS
RCN Head of Nursing Practice, Wendy Preston, said: “Virtual wards aren’t a silver bullet to solve the crisis in health and social care. Whether they’re in a physical bed or on a virtual ward, patients still need to be able to see a nurse."
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11/01/2024
Press Release
Royal College of Nursing responds to the latest NHS England Referral to Treatment (RTT) waiting list data
RCN General Secretary and Chief Executive, Pat Cullen, said: “The NHS waiting list remains extraordinarily high and the UK government only has itself to blame. It’s been over a year since the prime minister pledged to bring down the waiting list, yet it remains 400,000 higher than when he made his promise."
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10/01/2024
Press Release
Royal College of Nursing responds to the Labour Party’s Child Health Action Plan
Royal College of Nursing General Secretary and Chief Executive, Pat Cullen, said: “Nursing staff lead public health services and will support a focus on prevention and detection for the youngest. They can support the development of this approach with expertise and evidence on the clear benefits to health outcomes, society and communities when you invest in children and parents to break the cycle of disadvantage."
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10/01/2024
Press Release
Royal College of Nursing responds to new government plans to boost domestic care workforce
Royal College of Nursing Director for England, Patricia Marquis said: "We hope ministers are at last getting the message that the only way to fill the significant vacancies in social care is by valuing nursing and care staff, and boosting domestic recruitment. However, the plans announced today will fail if they are not backed up by new funding commitments, further detail, and a comprehensive workforce plan."
Page last updated - 23/09/2024
