Forum Brief: NHS report

The NHS is still facing severe shortages of doctors, nurses, beds and equipment, a report has revealed.

The NHS modernisation board say that "big problems" are still affecting staffing levels, buildings and equipment, which all need to be improved if the government is to achieve its targets

Forum Response: Royal College of Nursing

A spokesman for the RCN, said: "The Royal College of Nursing (RCN) acknowledges that today's report from the NHS Modernisation Board identifies that progress is being made in developing many services, care and treatments within the NHS. Key to the effective delivery of these services has been the role of nurses.

"Although the report highlights the increase in the number of nurses over the last few years, too many nurses leave the profession early, still feel poorly paid, unsupported and undervalued. For progress throughout the NHS and nursing to continue, improvements in pay and conditions and career development must continually be made to reflect the enormous value of nurses and their role in delivering the best patient care."

Forum Response: Pfizer

A spokeswoman for Pfizer told ePolitix.com: "The implementation of Service Frameworks is dependent upon the NHS having the necessary structure and process in place to ensure patients can access the care they need and receive the treatment their condition requires.

"This requires both appropriately trained healthcare professionals and the capacity in the healthcare system to deal with the numbers of patients involved. A key part of all the Service Frameworks is the early diagnosis and prevention of complications. Without the effective early investment in people and services, the Service Frameworks cannot deliver a healthier population."