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Additional guidance to support the nursing contribution to implementation of reforming emergency care

In October 2001 the Secretary of State for Health announced additional resources for emergency care. The resources included an extra allocation for nursing. This DH notice provides guidance to Regional Nurse Directors, NHS Trust Executive Nurse Directors and Emergency Care Leads on how to target and organise this extra resource. The paper reiterates the rationale of the extra allocation (more efficient throughput of patients) and emphasises its link with performance. It moves on to summarise the nursing contribution to reforming emergency care and to detail the basis for the effective targeting of resources. Attention is drawn throughout to national and local performance targets and to the prerequisite nursing skills, knowledge and competencies. Guidance is provided on the effective streamlining and care of patients and on linking strategy to service delivery. Information is also included on recruitment and retention strategy. Further guidance will become available online at: www.doh.gov.uk/capacityplanning.

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