Wednesday at Congress

The media has continued, yet again, to focus on RCN Congress. Today’s main story was the publication of a survey of learning disability nurses. The survey found that nurses have "real concerns" about the safety of their clients because of cuts in services, such as health education and personal care packages. The story was covered extensively in the Guardian, who published both a full page feature and a news story, as well as by Press Association and Independent i.

Dr Peter Carter is quoted in the news article as saying: "The NHS has a duty to treat everyone as equals and provide the care we all require. However, when it comes to people with learning disabilities, today's survey clearly shows that this is just not happening. With increasing caseloads and complexity of care, alongside decreasing staffing levels, it is hardly surprising that nurses are voicing concerns about the safety and welfare of their patients. Our worry now is that in this tough economic climate, the NHS could end up forgetting people with learning disabilities". The feature article has more data on the survey, and Dr Peter Carter is quoted as saying that the findings should make the government "sit up and take notice".

The keynote speakers also continued to garner headlines. The Daily Telegraph and the BBC previewed Sir Keith Pearson’s address to Congress, and what he was expected to say about dignified care this afternoon. Meanwhile, the reaction to Ed Miliband’s speech was covered in many of the national newspapers this morning. The Daily Telegraph, the Daily Mail and the Guardian were among those reporting on yesterday’s event.

One other interesting story was the BBC reporting that RCN Congress yesterday passed a motion calling for more education and awareness about the risks of children playing adult-rated games. It mentions that nurses present said some products on the market were littered with explicit references to violence, sex and drug-taking.

Many members also continue to be interviewed by the media on a wide range of issues.