Health secretary Alan Milburn has told the RCN conference in Harrogate that nurses can only expect pay increases in return for taking on new roles and responsibilities.

In his speech he also promised the Royal College of Nursing that negotiations over the pay structure modernisation would be completed by the end of the year.

Forum Response: Royal College of Nursing

Dr Beverly Malone, general secretary of the Royal College of Nursing, told ePolitix.com: "We were glad to welcome Alan Milburn to the RCN Congress and pleased that he has clearly listened to what nurses have to say.

"He showed a clear commitment to reform and supporting nurses to expand their roles and responsibilities. We are glad to see he wants to move ahead quickly with pay and career modernisation through Agenda for Change.

"But it is crucial that nurses are fairly paid and their work is recognised throughout the health service. What is good for nurses is good for patient care."