Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 4 July 2017
427. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Minister for Health the results of the framework for safe nurse staffing and skill mix, which has been operating on a pilot basis in six hospital wards; if it has had an affect in retaining nurses and reducing agency staff; if so, the figures for same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31322/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe pilot results demonstrate the impact and outcomes from implementation of the framework for safe nurse staffing and skill mix. In all wards, that received amended staffing, there was a reduction in the proportion of nursing hours provided by agency staff. The reductions ranged from 4.3% to 19.5%. Intention to leave was also measured during the pilot, which revealed an overall reduction in intention to leave by 6%, demonstrating a positive trend.
The Minister recently announced the extension of the pilot to a further ten wards, therefore further data akin to that outlined above, will be collected across these additional wards.
