A NURSING union has hit out at new
shift patterns which they claim will compromise the care of vulnerable dementia
patients and put staff at increased risk of assaults.
The
Independent Federation of Nursing is considering legal action over a change in
work patterns for staff at Glasgow’s Stobhill hospital.
Nurses who care for elderly patients
with advanced dementia within mental health wards at Stobhill Hospital are
entitled to three half-hour breaks in a 12-hour shift.
The union said the shift pattern also
entitled staff to an extra day off over a four-week period.
Shift patterns are now to be aligned
with staff at the acute hospital, which will afford them two one-hour breaks.
The Independent Federation of Nursing
say shorter, more frequent breaks gives dementia patients greater continuity of
care as well as respite for staff from the pressures of the job.
Irenee O’Neil, general secretary of
the union, said: “The implications for patient care is that there will not be
the intensity of clinical interaction between staff and patients.
“Where we are dealing with patients
with dementia, there needs to be a constancy.
“If people are off the ward for an
hour at a time because of their fragile mental state it can confuse patients
and could increase the number of assaults.”
The union believes it may have a case
to pursue individual discrimination claims on the grounds that it will impact
on the work life balance of staff.
A spokesman for NHSGGC said: “We have
a flexible rostering policy which local ward managers implement to agree work
patterns that best suit the needs of patients and staff.
“This ensures there are the right
numbers and skill mix on duty, at the right time, to deliver care and ensure
safe and effective services are delivered.”
SOURCE: Caroline Wilson, Greenock Telegraph
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