Of all those interviewed a third strongly agreed. Eight in ten members feel that the workload of HCAs has become more complex over the last 5 years. This is particularly illustrated in relation to long term care where we have argued that the approach in the NHS Plan for England would create an artificial divide between nursing and personal care based on whether this was provided by a registered nurse or a health care assistant. A large amount of hands-on nursing care is delegated to health care assistants. We also believe that the current regulatory arrangements to protect patients should include health care assistants and it makes sense to adapt our own structures to reflect this view.
Full membership is supported by around one in five of all members.
Interviews were conducted between 14 and 22 June 2000. Final results are weighted to precisely match the profile of the RCN's membership base. The ballot is a vote on principle and if passed the RCN will have to apply to the Privy Council to amend its charter. A two-thirds majority of those voting is needed for the ballot to be passed. It is the largest professional association of nurses in the UK and one of the largest in the world.