06
Oct 2020
Study finds increasing numbers of NHS nurses quit within three years
New research has revealed that demanding twelve hour shifts, burnout and exhaustion are resulting in increasing numbers of nurses deciding to quit within three years of joining.
The research by the King’s Fund thinktank, found that stress, lack of access to food and drink while at work, and the relentless demands of caring for patients were also key factors in the exodus.
The NHS said that it must make it an urgent priority to tackle the concerningly poor working conditions nurses and midwives face in many hospitals or face worsening workforce shortages.
After investigating the working conditions, the thinktank said “Staff stress, absenteeism and turnover in the professions have reached alarmingly high levels.
“This has been compounded by the Covid-19 pandemic, which has laid bare and exacerbated longer-term issues including chronic excessive workload, inadequate working conditions, staff burnout and inequalities, particularly among minority ethnic groups.”
The thinktank’s director of leadership and organisational development Suzie Bailey, said “The current situation is not sustainable. An urgent review is needed to investigate alternative shift patterns and look at mitigating the impact of 12-hour shifts on staff wellbeing, care quality and safety.”
The Royal College of Midwives welcomed the report and said “We cannot expect stressed, exhausted and demoralised staff to continue delivering high levels of care.
“We need to give them the resources and support they need to do their jobs. This means dramatically improving their working conditions and paying them a fair wage for their incredible work.
“The RCM is calling for an early and significant pay rise for our midwives, maternity support workers and their NHS colleagues. This government and the NHS have a duty of care to NHS staff, and they are failing to honour it.”
Chadwick Lawrence’s specialist team of clinical negligence lawyers have years of experience in medical negligence claims, providing support and guidance after life-changing events. Not only do we represent clients in Yorkshire, but because of our reputation we also represent clients nationally.
If you believe that you or a relative may have been injured as a result of clinical/medical negligence, please call for free legal advice from our medical negligence solicitors on the freephone number below.
Posted by Karen Motley, Clinical Negligence Department, Chadwick Lawrence LLP (tonymay@chadlaw.co.uk ), medical negligence lawyers and clinical negligence solicitors in Huddersfield, Leeds, Wakefield and Halifax, West Yorkshire.
Freephone : 0800 304 7382
- Like this ? Share with friends