RCN expresses concern over speed of planned NHS reform

The Royal College of Nursing (RCN) has expressed concern over the radical nature of planned reforms to the NHS outlined in the government's recent white paper.

Dr Peter Carter, the RCN's chief executive and general secretary, welcomed the principles of patient and outcome-centric care provision, but warned that pushing a large number of changes through too quickly could cause damage to health services.

The organisation pointed to the fact that many of the proposed reforms are untested concepts which may not be fully supported by staff, as well as highlighting omissions such as guidance on the role of nursing.

It also indicated that the NHS is ill-equipped to take risks given the current economic climate, recommending instead that all proposals are piloted and evaluated before implementation.

Dr Carter said: "The RCN is not opposed to change, but it is critical that reforms are tried and tested with a strong evidence base behind them that staff feel they can support."

This comes after the British Medical Association voiced its own concerns this week that moves outlined in the white paper to increase competitiveness within the NHS could prove damaging to outcomes.