Sunday at Congress

Another year, another congress and it’s certainly been a lively start with the RCN receiving extensive coverage in today’s papers. We published details of a new survey which found that patients are being placed on hospital trolleys for hours on end and treated in corridors and make shift wards. The story was covered by The Independent on Sunday, The Sunday Express, The Sunday Times, The Observer, The Sunday Telegraph and The Sunday Mirror. It was also covered by the BBC with Dr Peter Carter quoted as saying: "Treating patients on corridors and areas not designed for care is a high-risk strategy, which can have a serious impact on patient care. Patients need to be able to interact with staff, to be able to reach call bells and to know they are visible." The Sunday Mirror, who led with the headline “Trolley Folley,” also published a leading article on the issue.

Peter was interviewed by the BBC as part of their package while RCN England Director, Tom Sandford, was interviewed live on BBC Breakfast. Head of Policy and International, Howard Catton was also interviewed on BBC Radio 5 Live this morning and the BBC’s News Channel at lunchtime. Again we have several members of the BBC’s health team here with us in Harrogate, with tonight’s six o’clock news including an interview with Peter direct from Congress.

We all know the health service is facing an incredibly challenging time and the RCN will continue to speak up and voice concerns about patient safety on behalf of our members. I look forward to updating you tomorrow after the Health Secretary’s visit and on the coverage from our latest Frontline First report.