Patients still at risk from chronic nurse understaffing, says UNISON

Chronic understaffing across the NHS is putting patient lives at risk, according to UNISON’s UK-wide annual survey of nurses published today (Monday) at the start of its health conference in Liverpool. The 2017 survey found that the situation has not improved over the last 12 months. Almost two-thirds (63%) of respondents still saying wards are so understaffed that nurses cannot ensure safe, dignified and compassionate care. The report Ratios Not Rationing highlights how patient-to-nurse ratios are worst on wards for the acutely ill or injured. Here, more than two in five (41%) nurses are caring for eight or more people, the point at which patient safety is at risk– according to official guidance*. The report reveals that unsafe staffing levels among nurses across the NHS are affecting patient care. Nearly two-thirds (63%) said they were so busy they either had no time at all or were rushed when trying to comfort or talk to patients and relatives. Half had to work through their breaks to make up for the lack of colleagues, and four in ten (41%) worked more than their contracted hours. This is leading to exhaustion and burnout, with more than half (54%) of respondents saying they would leave their current job if they could. One in ten said they want to leave nursing altogether. Setting acceptable nurse-to-patient ratios would improve recruitment and encourage nurses to stay in the profession, UNISON believes. It could also make nursing more attractive to the next generatio...
Source: UNISON Health care news - Category: UK Health Authors: Tags: News Press release health care Health Care Service Group Conference 2017 NHS safe staffing Source Type: news