Safe Staffing Forum 2020: ‘ A collective voice that you ’re a part of ’

Sixty UNISON delegates from across the nursing family gathered in Warwick this week for the Safe Staffing Forum. UNISON has been leading on safe staffing in the health sector for the past decade. UNISON national officer for nursing Stuart Tuckwood opened the day of talks and working groups, by stating: “We’re only going to be able to achieve victories if we work together.” Delegates heard research on safe staffing ratios from Peter Griffiths of the University of Southampton, which found that anything less than a nurse to patient ratio of 1:8 has increased negative outcomes for patient safety. Latest figures show that in England, there are currently 39,000 nurse vacancies. UNISON vice president James Anthony highlighted the challenges for student nurses: “One of the big things that get lost when staff don’t have time is our ability to support student nurses.” Joy O’Gorman, a student nurse from Plymouth, has first-hand experience of how staffing shortages have affected her training. “The nurses that are overworked and stressed just do not have the headspace to be able to give you the training and support that you need,” she said. “While some nurses are fantastic at it and will make that time, it’s hard when a burnt-out nurse has to give you her time when she can barely cope through her own shift herself. It’s a big ask.” Stacie May, who is due to qualify as a nurse in 18 months, told the forum: “When we go into placement, other nurses tell u...
Source: UNISON Health care news - Category: UK Health Authors: Tags: Article News mental health mental health nurse NHS nurses nursing safe staffing safe staffing 2020 Source Type: news