Tens of thousands of patients face potential harm due to a significant scarcity of resources. NHS Nurses, an unsettling inquiry exposes.
In at least one-third of hospitals, alarmingly significant staffing shortages frequently occur in their schedules, particularly affecting neonatal and intensive care units.
Research indicates that even a minor shortage of nurses can elevate the mortality rate, since overstretched personnel may fail to detect indications of worsening conditions.
This also affects various elements of patient care, leading to delays in providing medications, meals, and drinks to individuals—while nurses find themselves too occupied for even a reassuring conversation. Last evening, safety specialists characterized these findings as 'alarming' and 'highly troubling.'
NHS England had to disclose the statistics following a ten-month struggle triggered by Freedom of Information regulations. Channel 4 News FactCheck.
The extensive database, provided solely to the Mail, highlights the discrepancy between the number of nurses hospitals anticipated needing – referred to as 'planned' staffing levels – and the actual number present on duty.
This resource encompasses approximately 250 hospitals and provides an overview of nearly all wards in England over a period of 23 months, spanning from January 2023 through November 2024.
The report shows that one-third (31 percent) of England’s acute hospitals frequently failed to meet over 90 percent of their scheduled nursing staff on average across all wards. Additionally, one-third (30 percent) of neonatal units and nearly one-fifth (18 percent) of critical care wards often did not reach above 80 percent of their intended nurse count.
Moreover, over half (55 percent) of the hospital maternity services failed to meet their nurse and midwife staffing targets by at least 10 percent.
Different reports indicate that there are approximately 27,500 unfilled positions for nurses within England’s healthcare system. Following the Mid Staffordshire scandal—where neglect and inadequate patient care resulted in numerous deaths—the 'nurse fill rate' began being reported starting in 2014.
A probe determined that insufficient nursing staff contributed to the tragedy and recommended that officials disclose information regarding staffing gaps.
Initially implemented, this process saw the data being concealed from public access over the last six years, despite officials continuing to gather it. These statistics follow a University of Southampton analysis of over 600,000 NHS patients, which determined that 'the risk of mortality rose when patients encountered insufficient nursing staff.'
Professor Peter Griffiths, who leads health services research at the institution, stated that insufficient staffing has become standard practice in certain hospital areas. In an interview with the Mail, he explained, "Individuals receiving care on units lacking adequate nursing staff face higher risks of mortality or injury. These perils cannot simply be swept aside."
If the wards are not meeting their average standards, it indicates that on certain days they fall far below expectations. This data is deeply worrying and highlights potential risks for patients.
Rachel Power, chief executive of the Patients Association, said: ‘Staff shortages directly impact patient safety and outcomes, and limit the ability of patients to be actively involved in decisions about their healthcare.
'Attracting and retaining talent continue to be essential elements for the future success of the NHS, as well as ensuring patient safety and the standard of care.'
Robert Wilson, who leads the combined policy team at baby charities Sands and Tommy’s, stated: "An unacceptably high number of infants are losing their lives due to medical practices that do not adhere to nationally established guidelines."
NHS England stated: "Ensuring adequate staff levels remains a top priority for the NHS. The count of nurses—and midwives—employed within the healthcare system has hit an all-time high, accompanied by better employee retention rates and notably lower vacancy numbers. However, they acknowledge that further efforts are necessary."
The Department for Health stated: "We greatly appreciate the efforts of skilled nurses, and our initiatives to revitalize the NHS will enhance conditions for both employees and those receiving care."
Channel 4 News has utilized the data to develop NurseCheck – a resource for public information.
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