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RCN Wales calls for appraisals for all nurses

RCN Wales launched its strategy on the future of nursing education today

All nurses and healthcare support workers must receive an appraisal, RCN Wales has said. 

The royal college launched its strategy on the future of nursing education in Wales today. 

At a leadership summit event at RCN Wales headquarters in Cardiff, delegates heard about the college’s ambition to see all NHS organisations providing appraisals for 100% of their nursing and healthcare support worker (HCSW) staff.

The strategy says ‘ongoing education and training for appraisers is essential’. 

Nurses must also receive support from their organisations and senior nurses to ensure they are able to revalidate successfully, the strategy adds. 

This support should include identifying opportunities for continuing professional development. 

A ‘radical review of workforce planning’ is also required and there should be a ‘move away from a preoccupation with commissioning numbers towards a focus on what is required in terms of role, skill mix, and competencies to deliver the workforce for the future’.

Welsh health minister Mark Drakeford, who was presented with a copy of the strategy at the summit, said it has ‘important things to say on workforce planning’.

He added: ‘It will help to shape the agenda for the next [Welsh government] administration.’

The event marked the 50th anniversary of the opening of the RCN Wales headquarters, Ty Maeth, and the first minister for Wales, Carwyn Jones, unveiled a rededication plaque.

Mr Jones said: ‘[RCN] members speak with authority.

‘It is important for us to have an organisation that holds us to account.’

He added: ‘This building will continue to serve nurses well for many years to come.’