David Cameron's plans to begin 'a transformation of primary care' did not mention the primary care nurse workforce and instead focused on investing in the GP workforce.
In his first major speech since the election, Mr Cameron spoke about his plans to create a seven-day health service. A key part of the plans is to extend the hours of general practices until 8pm, seven days a week. Mr Cameron said that this would be achieved by increasing the number of GPs.
However, he did not outline any plans to invest in the primary care nurse workforce. He said that there would be 'a new deal for GPs with more investment, more training and a more personal link with patients.'
Heather Henry, co-vice chair of the NHS Alliance, said: 'David Cameron is not wrong when he says that primary care needs more GPs. However, it is a massive disservice to primary care nurses that they were not mentioned in his speech. General practice is not just general practitioners. There is a triumvirate of managers, nurses and GPs. If we continue to have an unidisciplinary focus, then primary care will not evolve.'
A representative of the RCN said: 'The health service needs sufficient resources to be able to provide enough staff when they are needed. This includes all nursing, diagnostic, imaging, medical and support services.'
Mr Cameron also announced that there would be an increased focus on mental healthcare, building on the legacy of the coalition with the Liberal Democrats. He committed to 'full transparency over the quality of mental health services in every part of the country.'