Nurses say shifts could leave them ‘burnt out’

NURSES in Tayside said today they’re worried that proposed new shifts could leave them “burnt out” and exhausted.

Disgruntled staff at the health board have raised fears over proposed changes in shift patterns, which they say could leave them only 10 hours between shifts.

The proposed changes would see nurses work from 7am to 3pm, 1pm to 9pm and 8.30pm to 7.30am.

A spokeswoman for the nurses said: “These changes would leave only 10 hours between shifts but the NHS Tayside rostering policy states that there should be 11 hours between shifts. It is concerning that many NHS Tayside staff travel from as far as Arbroath and Fife.

“There has already been a massive exodus to neighbouring health boards who offer 12-hour shifts giving a better work/life balance.”

The nurses said that the proposed 7am start, with a 9pm finish, was of particular concern.

The spokeswoman added: “These workers who finish at 9pm, and live in places such as Forfar, Arbroath or Leuchars, will not get home until 10pm and will have to wake up at 5am for an early shift.

“After they have an hour to wind down, shower and prepare for bed this gives them only six hours’ sleep inbetween shifts. How can this benefit patient safety? The affect on nurses and families will be huge.”

The spokeswoman said the proposals would impact on a workforce that was already burnt out.

Jenny Alexander, Unison’s health spokesman in Dundee, said talks were ongoing with senior management in regards to standardisation of nursing shifts and that no final decision had been made.

George Doherty, NHS Tayside’s director of human resources and organisational development, said: “Historically, our nursing staff have worked a variety of shift and break patterns. Early high-level reviews suggest that by standardising our shifts we can improve the quality and continuity of care for our patients.

“No decision has been taken on the shape of any new shift patterns, and through engagement and consultation with all our nursing and midwifery staff, and with our trades unions, we aim to agree the best model to ensure NHS Tayside has the right staff in the right place and at the right time.”