Staff shortages putting NHS patient safety at risk, warn healthcare professionals
The majority of independent healthcare professionals (85%) are concerned that ongoing staff shortages will cause a decline in NHS patient safety, a survey has found.
The research by the Independent Health Professionals' Association (IHPA), questioned 537 independent healthcare staff on a range of issues affecting their working lives.
When asked what they felt is putting the biggest strain on care provision in the NHS, staff shortages topped the list.
A further 64% of respondents believe that funding cuts are responsible, with 54% stating that management, internal bureaucracy and wastage is to blame. Over one in five (21%) believe that a decline in patient care standards is being driven by the number of patients using the service without genuine need.