Funding cuts mean nurses are missing out on child protection training

Nurses are struggling to access child protection training due to funding cuts, according to a survey by the Royal College of Nursing (RCN) published today.

The survey has found while more than half of nurses feel up-to-date with crucial training, more than a third have had to use their annual leave to attend courses and fund training themselves. Around 3,000 RCN members were surveyed throughout the UK and the findings will now feed into the college’s 2010 election manifesto.

RCN executive director of nursing and service delivery Janet Davies said she is concerned about the implications this might have on the profession. “Mandatory training is there for a reason, it ensures staff are up to date with infection control procedures, life saving techniques and good practice.”

The college blame lack of cover for staff who want to attend training, staff shortages and funding cuts.

“It is up to trusts and managers to ensure that staff are up to date and can access the training they need,” Davies added.