Why are so many nurses still on 12-hour shifts, despite the risks?

Fewer but longer shifts have become the only practical, cost-effective way of working, say some nurses, but they may risk safety and cost services more

• Increased costs related to travel and parking charges are among the reasons why many nurses opt for 12-hour shifts over fewer days
• Longer shifts are associated with higher rates of sickness and nursing instances of missed care
• Ensuring work-life balance, safety and the required staff cover may come down to doing 12-hour shifts better, rather than reverting to eight-hour rotas, some suggest

Some nurses like 12-hour shifts as they mean fewer days spent at work, while others find them too long and tiring, but amid staff shortages and