There is a belief among nurses working in the NHS that there are not enough staff to deliver good quality care to patients, according to a new survey from the Royal College of Nursing.
The survey says that mounting pressure on NHS frontline staff – unfilled vacancies and recruitment freezes – give rise to the feeling that patient safety could be compromised. The RCN argues that staffing levels need to be given a higher priority throughout health organisations, given the clear link between failing care and poor staffing levels. RCN chief executive and general secretary Dr Peter Carter believes that the survey results should act as a reality check for those saying that cuts aren’t biting in the NHS. He said: “It is deeply worrying that some nurses are telling us that they do not have enough staff to deliver quality care and that safety could be compromised. The NHS is about to go through a very shaky transition period as a result of a far-reaching reform programme. Coupled with the drive to make efficiency savings, we are concerned at the NHS’ ability to cope.” The RCN is urging employers and policy makers to take note of, and act on, the findings of the survey and ensure that staffing levels are regularly reviewed to ensure patients continue to get quality and safe care. “Throughout this period it is vital that managers do not lose sight of the basics – having the right number and balance of staff to provide safe care,” adds Dr Carter. The RCN has recently warned that at least 27,000 jobs have been earmarked to be cut, as NHS trusts come under pressure to make £20 bn of efficiency savings.
