Welsh assembly says yes to draft bill on safe nursing levels

Members of the Welsh assembly have approved the general principles of a bill that would place a legal duty on hospitals to make sure there are enough nurses to provide safe care.

The Safe Nurse Staffing Levels (Wales) Bill received universal backing when it was introduced into the full assembly yesterday, putting Wales a step closer to becoming the first UK country to introduce legally enforceable nurse-to-patient ratios.

The bill, which was drawn up by Welsh Liberal Democrat leader Kirsty Williams, will ensure healthcare providers maintain nurse-to-patient ratios at all times in adult inpatient wards in acute hospitals, as well as improve working conditions for nursing staff.

The bill will be considered in detail by the health and social care committee on July 9.

For more information go to the Welsh assembly website.