Majority of Welsh people back safe staffing bill

Wales could take one step nearer to making safe staffing mandatory across the country as a poll of the population shows nine out of ten adult people back the new law.

RCN Wales commissioned the firm ComRes to survey opinion on the Safe Nurse Staffing Levels (Wales) Bill in which 87% said it was important it be passed, with 57% saying it was very important.

RCN Wales director Tina Donnelly said: ‘Nurses support this legislation because it will save lives. This poll shows the public also strongly support the new law.

‘There can be no higher priority for the Welsh Government than protecting the lives and wellbeing of patients by ensuring they receive safe nursing care.’

Financial resolution for the bill is due to be discussed by the assembly tomorrow (Tuesday November 3).

RCN Wales has already launched its Time to Care manifesto ahead of next year’s Welsh elections, in which safe staffing is highlighted as a top priority for all aspiring assembly members.

A study of UK wards by former dean of the Florence Nightingale School of Nursing and Midwifery and Kings College health policy chair Anne-Marie Rafferty found that mortality increased by 26% on wards with lower nurse staffing levels.