DoH: Specialist nurses are vital

Specialist nurses are vital and the government is working to ensure they are used effectively, health services minister Ann Keen has said.

Her comments follow concerns from the Royal College of Nursing that specialist nurses are facing job cuts as a result of financial tightening in NHS trusts.

"Nurses caring for people with conditions such as multiple sclerosis, epilepsy, strokes, diabetes, breast cancer and Parkinson's disease are vital to vulnerable groups of patients," Ms Keen commented.

"The Department [of Health]is working closely with the charities associated with these conditions to develop guidance for the NHS to ensure they can commission effectively and make best use of the skills of specialist nurses.

"I meet regularly with the charities associated with these conditions and the department is working with them closely."