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Date: Friday 15 August 2008
Glasgow's nurses warn of staffing crisis on the wards Glasgow
& Clyde health union
UNISON today called for urgent action to address worsening staffing
levels across NHSGGC after a UNISON survey of nurses and nursing
assistants showed 68% of responders believed that staffing levels
for nurses in wards was worse than it was two years ago.
UNISON Branch Secretary, Cathy Miller said, "This is the first
ever comprehensive survey of UNISON members who are nurses or nursing
assistants working in the NHS in Glasgow and Clyde. It is clear
from our members' responses that they feel that staffing levels
are getting worse and that a significant majority are not confident
that their line managers are able deal positively with their concerns."
The union called for employers to take action to address the staffing
shortage, and said that the issue was likely to lead to other problems
in the wards.
Cathy Miller said "Our nursing members work hard everyday and patient
wellbeing is at the forefront of their commitment. UNISON is concerned
that unless urgent action is taken to help front line staff, the
situation will get worse, staff will get burned out, increasing
the chances of mistakes and more outbreaks of hospital acquired
infections. It may also lead to increasing numbers leaving the job.
39% said this was likely.
"NHSGGC needs to take action now to work with UNISON and other
unions to improve staffing levels in key areas and to better support
staff in the delivery of services."
ENDS
Notes for Editors A copy of the survey report is available
from the contacts below or(later) on the branch website at http://www.unisonglasgowclyde.com
UNISON surveyed every member working within NHSGGC who was identified
as being a Qualified Nurse or Nursing Assistant. A survey was sent
direct to their home addresses during June 08. NHSGGC employs approx
12,000 staff who are qualified or unqualified nursing staff More
than 50% of this group are UNISON members
For Further Information Please Contact: Matt McLaughlin
(Regional Organiser) 07904341979(m) Cathy Miller (Branch Secretary)
07738803825 (m) Chris Bartter (Communications Officer) 0771 558
3729(m)
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