Royal College Of Nursing Welcomes Government End Of Life Care Strategy, UK

Main Category: Palliative Care / Hospice Care
Also Included In: Alzheimer's / Dementia;  Cancer / Oncology
Article Date: 22 Jul 2008 - 1:00 PDT

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The Royal College of Nursing is encouraged by the Government's plans to increase its investment in training and development of health and social care professionals, as part of the End of Life Care Strategy.

Dr Peter Carter, Chief Executive & General Secretary of the Royal College of Nursing (RCN), said:

"The RCN welcomes this important strategy but the Government now needs to take action and spell out how it intends to deliver the £286 million set aside to deliver high quality, compassionate and dignified end of life care.

"Delivering quality palliative care requires a well resourced workforce and it is vital that Strategic Health Authorities recognise the need to invest in the staff that provides these specialist services.

"There are numerous examples of the voluntary sector and independent hospices delivering high quality care across the UK and its' important that such work is recognised.

"Alongside the children's strategy for palliative care, this plan is complementary and together they offer the opportunity to focus on the needs of young people, as well as older adults who require such care.

"Nurses and carers more generally will be working hard to ensure that this strategy further enhances the quality of palliative care in every part of the country, so that patients and their loved ones receive the service that they deserve and expect. We look forward to working with the government to achieve this."

Royal College of Nursing (RCN) is the voice of nursing across the UK and is the largest professional union of nursing staff in the world. The RCN promotes the interest of nurses and patients on a wide range of issues and helps shape healthcare policy by working closely with the UK Government and other national and international institutions, trade unions, professional bodies and voluntary organisations.

www.rcn.org.uk