The Royal College of Nursing (RCN) still has concerns over the Government’s planned NHS reforms, following a recent suggestion from David Cameron that the RCN and other organisations supported the Health and Social Care Bill.
Mr Cameron made his remarks during Prime Minister’s questions as the Bill cleared its Commons stages early in September. In response, RCN chief executive & general secretary, Dr Peter Carter, has said: “While we acknowledge that the Government has listened to our members in a number of areas, we still have very serious concerns about where these reforms leave a health service already facing an unprecedented financial challenge.” A message to members, published as an RCN parliamentary briefing, was sent to MPs and peers before the Bill’s third reading, Dr Carter warned that patients’ and nurses’ interests are under threat through the combined effects of health service cuts, waste and bureaucracy, and key aspects of the bill.
