BRITAIN's biggest nursing union has welcomed the publication of a far-reaching report into the state of mental health services in Bolton.

The Royal College of Nurses, which represents many of the nursing staff on the psychiatric unit at the Royal Bolton Hospital, said it welcomed the acknowledgement in the report of the calibre, commitment and loyalty of nursing staff.

It was also pleased by the favourable comments made about the role of Practice Development Nurses in the Mental Health Directorate. A spokesman for the union, said: "The RCN shares the concerns expressed in the report regarding the ratio of trained to untrained nurses and the use of bank staff.

"It clearly demonstrates how the quality of care for patients is dependent in having sufficient numbers of qualified nurses involved in their care.

"The assurance from the Chief Executive of the Trust, that the recommendations will be properly implemented and that extra funding will be sought, is also welcomed by the RCN."

The union adds that it will be monitoring the implementation of the recommendations in the interests of patient quality and care.

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