Researchers have raised concerns about the impact of high turnover rates among nurses and doctors in the NHS, warning that more than 4,000 deaths in England each year may be linked to staff shortages. The study, conducted by the University of Surrey and Cambridge University Hospitals Foundation Trust, found that for every 1.21 percentage point increase in nurse turnover per month, there were 35 additional deaths per 100,000 hospital admissions within 30 days. A similar increase in senior doctor turnover was associated with 14 extra deaths per 100,000 admissions. This suggests an estimated 4,020 additional deaths annually due to staff turnover.
Dr. Giuseppe Moscelli, the lead researcher, emphasized that the loss of life was primarily affecting emergency patients. He pointed out that the NHS operates at capacity, leading to shortages of clinical staff. When staff leave in large numbers, the remaining workers are stretched thin, resulting in decreased staff-to-patient ratios, higher workloads, and less time for patient care. The study highlighted the importance of stable staffing for patient safety.
While the data analyzed covered the period from 2010 to 2019, Dr. Moscelli suggested that the figures could be even higher now, especially considering the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic on healthcare staffing. He called on the government and NHS England to implement strategies to retain skilled clinicians within the NHS to prevent the negative impact of high turnover rates on patient care.
The research found that high nurse turnover had a significant impact on surgical and general medicine wards, while the loss of senior doctors affected patients with various conditions. The Royal College of Nursing and the Royal College of Physicians have called for immediate action to address the workforce challenges and ensure patient safety.
Patricia Marquis from the Royal College of Nursing stressed the need to boost recruitment into the profession and retain experienced staff to prevent compromised care and ensure patient safety. Dr. John Dean from the Royal College of Physicians highlighted the importance of a stable and well-supported workforce for patient safety and healthcare professional wellbeing.
Ruth Thorlby from the Health Foundation noted that the NHS is facing a significant staff shortage, with nearly one in 10 posts vacant. Addressing the workforce challenges and implementing long-term solutions should be a priority in the upcoming health plans.
In conclusion, the study’s findings underscore the critical need for stable staffing levels in the NHS to ensure patient safety and quality care. Retaining skilled clinicians and addressing workforce challenges should be a priority for the government and healthcare organizations to prevent further negative impacts on patient outcomes.
