Press Releases
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17/10/2024
Press Release
Royal College of Nursing responds to new figures showing the cost of NHS estate repairs hitting £14bn
Kim Sunley, RCN Head of Health, Safety and Wellbeing, said: "Nursing staff are trying to deliver care in a health service that is falling apart in front of their eyes. They shouldn't have to worry about collapsing ceilings, water leaking through the walls or the presence of dangerous asbestos, but that is the daily reality for many."
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10/10/2024
Press Release
Royal College of Nursing responds to laying of the Employment Rights Bill
RCN General Secretary and Chief Executive, Professor Nicola Ranger, said: “Today’s bill marks a historic moment for our female-dominated profession, paving the way for the biggest advance in workers’ rights in a generation. A fair pay agreement in social care, enshrined in law, and a new body to root out care worker exploitation are measures the RCN has long been calling for. Raising pay, rights and employment standards in the sector is now a step closer to reality."
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10/10/2024
Press Release
NHS England data shows hospitals ‘hurtling towards’ corridor care crisis this winter, RCN says
Patricia Marquis, Executive Director of RCN England, said: “The NHS appears to be hurtling towards another corridor care crisis this winter. Tens of thousands more people are heading to A&E, while the number of people waiting more than 12 hours is up by more than 20% on the same point last year. Without intervention, the government's next 100 days will be defined by patients crammed into fire escapes, store cupboards and corridors."
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10/10/2024
Press Release
Royal College of Nursing comments ahead of the publication of the Employment Bill
RCN General Secretary and Chief Executive Professor Nicola Ranger said: “Without sick pay provision, nursing staff in social care choose between their own health and their much-needed income. The government’s plan to introduce statutory sick pay from day one is a crucial first step. Next, we need commitments to enhance the level of sick pay itself - and make that a right from the very start of employment too."
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10/10/2024
Press Release
Royal College of Nursing responds to new analysis which shows significant disparities in waiting times for different patient groups in England’s NHS
Patricia Marquis, Executive Director of RCN England, said: “If you are Black, a woman, or from a deprived area, you are facing longer waits for treatment and potentially worse health outcomes – that is appalling. Whilst the causes of health inequalities are complex, there can be little doubt that increasing levels of poverty, sustained cuts to public health services and an under-resourced NHS are contributing factors."
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10/10/2024
Press Release
RCN responds to the Skills for Care state of the adult social care sector and workforce report
Claire Sutton, RCN Transformational Lead, Independent Health and Social Care Sector said: “A fall in social care vacancies masks the harsh reality of a sector which has nowhere near enough staff to meet people’s needs. Registered nurse numbers continue to decline as domestic recruitment collapses, forcing employers to recruit internationally to fill gaps."
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30/09/2024
Press Release
Royal College of Nursing responds to publication of 2025/26 NHS Pay Review Body Remit letter
RCN General Secretary and Chief Executive Professor Nicola Ranger said: "The same way of working produces the same outcome - one that nursing staff have just said was inadequate. The government must show nurses their voices have been heard and that the way to set their pay is always fair."
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26/09/2024
Press Release
Royal College of Nursing responds to the UK Covid-19 Inquiry’s evidence from Professor Kevin Fong and Professor Sir Chris Whitty
RCN General Secretary and Chief Executive, Professor Nicola Ranger, said: “Today’s evidence profoundly captures the relentless devastation nursing staff faced during the pandemic. Despite trying to give patients the best care, they faced an almost unimaginable scale of death in a health and care system which was completely overwhelmed."
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25/09/2024
Press Release
Royal College of Nursing responds to the health secretary’s speech at the Labour Party Conference
RCN General Secretary and Chief Executive Professor Nicola Ranger said: “Those working in the NHS recognise the health secretary’s diagnosis and stand ready to help in delivering the change needed to improve care for all patients. It requires investment in the nursing workforce who currently do not feel valued – the government has an opportunity to show a fresh path at next month’s Budget."
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25/09/2024
Press Release
Royal College of Nursing Wales launches NHS pay consultation
The Royal College of Nursing Wales has today (Wednesday 25 September) launched a member consultation on the latest NHS pay award for nursing staff in Wales.
Page last updated - 23/09/2024
