Glasgow's nurses warn of staffing crisis on the wards

by Matt McLaughlin, Regional Officer

UNISON's NHS Greater Glasgow & Clyde Branch has called for urgent action to address worsening staffing levels across the health board 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.

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 to deal positively with their concerns."

UNISON called for employers to take action to address the shortage, warning the issue was likely to lead to other problems in the wards.

Cathy said, "Our nursing members work hard every day 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."

See the report at www.unisonglasgowclyde.com

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