A new website launched by the Royal College of Nursing aims to encourage all nurses to participate in the debate on future Government health policies in preparation for the 2010 General Election.

The Royal College of Nursing (RCN) represents people in all levels of seniority in the profession, from junior nurse to nurse manager. Jobs in healthcare will be among those most affected by the outcome of the General Election, as all parties seek to make substantial savings in public spending and promise different approaches to the NHS and improvements to hospital services.

Commenting on the launch of the website, Peter Carter, chief executive and general secretary of the RCN, said: "The RCN is now committed to placing power in the hands of nurses on the web. While there are around 1,800 members of the nursing family in each constituency, the online constituency knows no bounds".

"I encourage all nurses to get involved, be active and join us online to help shape the future health landscape".

The new website, 'Nursing Counts', can be found at generalelection.rcn.org.uk. It invites both members and non-members of the organisation to "add their voice to the debate" and "become part of the largest online community of nurses in the UK". The site will encourage discussion of the RCN's election priorities, allow nurses to share ideas with colleagues, upload photographs and blogs relating to the election and their support using the Twitter social network.