UK Health Minister launches 'Recruitment and Retention of Staff in Critical Care
Rosie Winterton said:
"I truly appreciate and welcome the contribution that nurses have made towards improved critical care services, as they are very much in the forefront of change - breaking down professional and organisational barriers and working differently to meet the demands and changes within the service.
"Over the past 3½ years, building on the Government's substantial investment in critical care, we have witnessed tremendous developments:
· Increased the number of adult critical care beds by one-third, with a 33% increase since January 2000.
· Fewer critical care transfers for non-clinical reasons, with a reduction of over 40% between 2000-01 and 2003-04.
· Outreach services have developed in an unprecedented way, with 170 in operation
· Established 29 critical care networks - improving service standards and performance
"To further improve care for acutely ill patients we must have sufficient numbers of 'appropriately trained' motivated staff of all professions and backgrounds to progress further. It is not just about recruiting more staff but also about retaining those in the service. Therefore, I am delighted to launch today a helpful document to assist the development of new ways of working entitled the 'Recruitment and Retention of Staff in Critical Care'.
"This shares some successful practices and policies that have been implemented locally to overcome some of the recruitment and retention issues facing many staff involved in the provision of critical care services. It can be used to inform local plans in support of a service where staff face particular pressures. The document contains many practical examples that local units/hospitals can use to adopt and consider; as maintaining a motivated workforce will enable the delivery of an efficient and effective critical care service.
"I would like to thank the RCN for their role in the great progress that has been made. I hope that we continue working in partnership to direct the future of critical care and other health services."
Related links
Key emergency care publications
Notes to editor
1. 'Recruitment & Retention of staff in Critical Care' is available in the critical care section of the Department of Health website. Please click on the above link.
2. The Government provided £299m additional funding specifically for critical care between 2000 and 2003, which is now incorporated in PCT baselines. Capacity for critical care is at record levels with 3128 beds - a 32% increase since January 2000 and the reported number of patients transferred between hospitals for non clinical reasons has fallen by 48% since October 2000.
3. Every hospital with a critical care service is included in one of 29 critical care networks, that work to common standards and protocols and take responsibility for all critically ill patients in all specialities within a geographic area. All networks aim to improve service standards and performance; and assist commissioners and providers with the planning of service provision.
4. Of the 220 hospitals in England with critical care services, 170 now have outreach services, and the Department would like to see them developing in every appropriate hospital. They provide additional capacity by preventing unnecessary admission to critical care, facilitating earlier discharge to appropriate levels of care and assisting general ward staff through training and sharing of critical care skills.
5. For copies of the speech given by Health Minister, Rosie Winterton, please contact Ben Lewis on the number below.
Media enquiries ONLY to:
Contact Press Office
Phone Ben Lewis
020 7210 5229
E mail ben.lewis@doh.gsi.gov.uk
Regatul Unit Ministrul Sanatatii a lansat programul "Locuri de muncã ºi menþinerea în activitate a personalului în ingrijire critica - UK Health Minister launches 'Recruitment and Retention of Staff in Critical Care - articole medicale engleza - startsanatate