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Title

Safe staffing for older people's wards

Subject

Staffing levels
Older people
Quality of patient care

Source

Royal College of Nursing (RCN)

Year of publication

2012

http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/article/uk/rcn_care_of_older_people_let_down_by_low_staffing_levels

Abstract

A report published by the Royal College of Nursing (RCN) sets out a threshold of staffing levels below which care becomes compromised on older people’s wards. 'Safe staffing for older people's wards' suggests that despite older people often having the most complex needs, evidence shows they regularly suffer from a severe shortage of nurses and health care assistants (HCAs), coupled with an inappropriate skill mix of HCAs to nurses. The RCN has said that important tasks such as comforting and talking with patients, promoting mobility and self care and helping patients with food and drink are therefore being compromised. Report: http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/article/uk/rcn_care_of_older_people_let_down_by_low_staffing_levels BBC News report: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/health-17436928

Date added20/03/2012

Created byKath Williams

Published by

East Midlands Strategic Health Authority