Janet Finch-Saunders MS has taken the Welsh Government to task for failing to ensure safe nursing staffing levels across Aberconwy.
Section 25A of the Nurse Staffing Levels Wales Act 2016 places a duty on local health boards to have sufficient nurses to allow the nurses time to care sensitively for patients wherever nursing services are provided or commissioned.
Questioning the Welsh Government today, Janet said:
“Registered nurse vacancies in Betsi Cadwaladr currently stood at 736.5 in August 2022, up from 541 in November 2020.
“Whilst the staffing level can be achieved in some wards, often this is made up of nurses who are permanent, bank or agency staff.
“Many agency staff are unable to fulfil certain roles even though they may be on a relevant Band, for example, being able to carry out IV work on a patient.
“This results in other nurses having to do more work to ensure patient safety.
“This is making many permanent staff fearful of a situation where getting the right number of nurses on a ward takes precedence over the right nurses with the right training.
“The Welsh Government must ensure that patient safety is not being compromised by these shortages”.
ENDS
