14.04.14
NHS nurses under severe strain – Unison
Half of NHS nurses in the UK are working through breaks or beyond their shifts, yet they still feel not enough time is being spent with patients, a new report has revealed.
The Unison survey – Running on Empty – also found that 65% of staff said they did not have enough time to spend with patients and, as a result, this meant care was left undone.
With responses from almost 3,000 nurses across the UK, it was also revealed that three-fifths felt that the number of staff working on the day resulted in a lower standard of care. And, as well as feeling extremely stretched with their duties, 45% of nurses say they are caring for eight or more patients.
Gail Adams, Unison head of nursing, said: “One of the most damaging findings of this survey is how little has changed since last year. Despite all the government rhetoric, despite the Francis, Keogh and Cavendish reports, the spectre of another Mid Staffs still looms large over the NHS. Progress on safe staffing levels has been glacial and that means poorer care and patients still at risk.
“It’s clear that despite nurses working through breaks and beyond their hours, they simply do not have enough time to give patients the care and attention they need. That is distressing for patients and for the staff trying to care for them.”
“The coalition government needs to face up to the damage it is inflicting on patients and staff, by not introducing legally enforceable nurse to patient ratios, and take urgent action.”
Unison’s survey also revealed that 45% of staff said they worked alongside one or more agency/bank workers. Highlighting an “over use” of agency staff in the NHS.
However, a Department of Health spokesperson told NHE: “The NHS now has the highest ever number of professionally qualified clinical staff since census records began. It's clear that the Francis report has already had an effect, with over 4,200 more nurses on our wards since 2010, greater transparency, and compassionate care replacing tick-box targets as the major focus on boards and wards.
“We know that nurses are working hard to care for patients. The staff survey showed that this year more staff would recommend the NHS as a place to work and would want friends and relatives to be treated where they work.”
Although beyond the remit of the Nursing and Midwifery Council for comment, the regulator told NHE it does have guidance for nurses and midwives on raising concerns, available here.
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