In a message to half a million nursing staff in England tonight following comments from Wes Streeting MP, Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, on the refusal to treat patients, RCN General Secretary and Chief Executive Professor Nicola Ranger shared updated guidance on withdrawing care and said:
“I’m sure like all of you, I’ve been horrified in the last week to see the appalling scenes across the country.
“Today, the Health Secretary has talked about his commitment to tackling any abuse of nursing staff and all health workers. Wes Streeting said that for him that this is grounds for turning away patients.
“We have updated the RCN’s guidance on when and how our members can refuse to treat a patient in their care. This is the most difficult decision and every situation and patient interaction is unique.
“I am demanding that government ensures anybody targeting our members pays a very heavy price. Hearing that nurses going to work in Sunderland came under attack is unforgivable.
“Migrant nursing staff are precious members of our communities, hardwired into the very DNA of our health and care services. Our international colleagues are welcome, valued and owed a debt of gratitude.
“These scenes around the country are nothing short of despicable racism - they have no place in our society. As an anti-racist organisation, the RCN will take a lead part in tackling this hatred.
“Your employer has a duty of care to keep you safe at work. Whether that’s a hospital or delivering care alone in community settings. Your organisation needs to act urgently to reassure nursing staff, review risk assessments and implement any measures necessary to keep you safe.
“These scenes are even more outrageous and disgusting when some of you are still involved in caring for the children and adults involved in the Southport tragic incident – taking away from where our thoughts should be.
“Nursing staff of every nationality and ethnic heritage are holding the health and social care system together. You are a credit to our profession and a powerful reminder of the strength we find in diversity and unity.”
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