Prime Minister praises NHS nurses

Gordon Brown was the first prime minister to speak at the RCN conference in the event’s 93-year history.

His speech covered a range of topics, including swine flu – assuring attendees that the Government would provide ‘every piece of equipment and every anti virus that is necessary to deal with the problem’ – to controversy over ministers’ expenses. But his overarching theme was acknowledging the invaluable contribution all nurses make to healthcare.‘I don’t think we thank you enough for saving lives, for relieving pain, for giving people comfort when they’re suffering, for helping people through difficulties, for just being there,’ he said.

Mr Brown spoke of his first experience of the NHS. After being concussed playing rugby as a 16 year old, he had an operation on a retinal detachment and was in and out of hospital for five years to try to save the sight in both his eyes. ‘I remember lying blinded for weeks and all I had was the warmth and the support of nurses talking to me, helping me and I do not forget now the names of the nurses who helped me,’ he said.

The Prime Minister said he wanted nurses to become ‘even more involved in what happens in the health service in the future’ and that his Nursing Commission will help to make sure that happens.