RCN Responds To Report On NHS Pay Modernisation In England

Main Category: Public Health
Article Date: 22 Jun 2009 - 2:00 PDT

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Responding to the publication of the Public Accounts Committee report, NHS pay modernisation in England: Agenda for Change, Dr Peter Carter, RCN Chief Executive & General Secretary, said:

"Transferring over a million staff to a new pay system in such a short time is no mean feat. NHS staff and employers have worked closely together to achieve this.

"Critics are wrong to speak out after so little time to say the changes have not brought about improvements. It is no coincidence that in recent years the Healthcare Commission has rated more and more Trusts excellent or good, or that the 18 week target has been achieved way ahead of schedule. There is plenty of evidence to show Agenda for Change has made the NHS a better place for patients and for staff.

"However, there is still work to be done. In particular, Trusts must make better use of the Knowledge & Skills Framework (KSF) so that all nurses have the time and support to train. This is key to ensuring patients can receive the best possible quality of care. We look forward to continuing to work with employers to make this happen."

Source
Royal College of Nursing