RCN calls for specialist nursing for all long-term care patients

The Royal College of Nursing is urging the government to provide funding that will enable all patients with long-term illnesses to receive specialist nursing care.  Its call comes shortly after the Prime Minister announced that all cancer patients will receive this care.  The RCN wants to extend this to cover other long-term conditions such as Parkinson’s, MS or epilepsy.  The College claims that specialist nursing care provided at home could save the NHS up to £220 million per year, as it helps prevent unnecessary hospital admissions and GP home visits.  At a time when many specialist nursing positions are under threat due to public spending cutbacks, the RCN wants the government to provide guaranteed funding so that vital services remain available to patients.  Chief Executive Dr Peter Carter comments: ‘While the temptation may be to cut or downgrade specialist nursing roles, this would be a false economy which would only add to the growing cost of treating long-term conditions.  Specialist nurses are a unique lifeline for patients and families, who are unequivocal in saying that the specialist nurse is the key factor in preserving their quality of life.’

Tags: Care at Home, NHS, Royal College of Nursing