Your web browser is outdated and may be insecure

The RCN recommends using an updated browser such as Microsoft Edge or Google Chrome

Royal College of Nursing responds to Royal College of Emergency Medicine report on infection prevention and control

Press Release 26/02/2024

Responding to the Royal College of Emergency Medicine’s report which warns emergency departments must put infection control at the ‘top of their agenda’, RCN General Secretary and Chief Executive Professor Pat Cullen said:   

“Emergency departments are crowded, undignified and dangerous. Nursing staff are doing everything possible to keep their patients safe but mounting pressures make everything a relentless battle. 

“When beds are lining the corridors and patients are sitting on chairs and treated in cupboards, safety is compromised. Infection prevention and control should be paramount but high standards become harder to maintain in these circumstances and the staff of emergency departments, including nursing, feel set up to fail. The health and care system needs to be brought back from this perilous position.” 

Ends  

Press Office Contacts

Tom Colclough, Head of Media
07891 109 146

Nick Spears, Senior Media Officer
020 7647 3696

Claire Nelson, Senior Media Officer
029 2054 6401

Michael Finlayson, Media Officer
020 7647 3459

Out of hours duty press officer
020 7647 3633