19.04.13
Calls for minimum staff to patient ratios
Unison has called for minimum staff to patient ratios after a survey of nurses, healthcare assistants and midwives suggested care is at “breaking point”.
The union’s research, which questioned 1,500 NHS staff, found that 60% of them did not have enough time to deliver safe and compassionate care and that 45% of respondents were looking after eight or more patients on their shift.
Just under 30% of respondents said they felt their own trust was ‘at risk’ of a Mid Staffs type situation.
Christina McAnea, Unison head of health, said: “This survey exposes a health service under severe strain. On this typical day many staff worked through their break and stayed after their shift – but this still did not give them enough time to complete all their tasks.
“The hidden voice in the survey must surely be that of the patient who is not getting the level of care they are entitled to expect.
“Government cuts are making matters worse by reducing staff, including nurses, at a time when patient demand is growing.
“Introducing minimum nurse-to-patient ratios would provide a safety net of care, restore public confidence and show nursing staff they are respected and valued.”
But Sue Covill, director of employment services at the NHS Employers organisation, said: “Every hospital has different demands on its services and we should be alert to the dangers of some 'one size fits all' approaches. We believe arbitrary national minimum staffing ratios would limit how hospitals could plan resources in a way that's best for their patients.
“Getting care right all the time is what we strive for and this means matching the skills of staff to the needs of patients, within a culture of compassion and diligence. The best decisions can only be made by looking at the healthcare team as a whole, which means addressing the balance between nurses, doctors, support staff and many others.
“We are pleased that the Government’s response to the Francis report supports our view that it is local NHS organisations which are best placed to take responsibility for minimum staffing levels and skill mix.
“And we would support the further development of the evidence base for making decisions about safe staffing levels which is being developed by the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE).”
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