Altnagelvin emergency staff feel ‘burnt out’ – RQIA

Emergency ward staff at Altnegelvin Hospital are ‘tired, stressed and burnt out’, according to a new report.

The Regulation and Quality Improvement Authority (RQIA) carried out an unplanned inspection of the Londonderry hospital in July.

Olive Macleod, RQIA's chief executive said: "In the ED while leadership was good, staffing levels were concerning, there were delays in recruitment and bank or agency staff could not always be secured.

"Staff told us they were feeling tired, 'burnt out' and stressed as a result of low staffing levels."

The report, published on Tuesday, also stated: "We found staff morale was low.

“Most staff reported that they did not feel supported and valued by executive management and there was a delay in response to raised concerns.

"A stress audit had been carried out but staff had not received any feedback.

"Staffing levels for nursing and healthcare assistants (HCAs) had been agreed and additional nursing posts advertised however staffing levels were low, bank and agency staff could not always be secured to cover shifts.

"The delay in recruitment was impacting on staff who raised concerns over issues including; staffing levels; staff retention; staff induction; having the relevant clinical skills; workload; mandatory training; patient privacy and dignity.

"Staff told us they were feeling tired, 'burnt out' and stressed.

"At busy times nurse staffing levels were concerning, with areas within the department not staffed adequately to ensure appropriate patient care. The recruitment of paediatric nurses for the ED was a reported challenge.

"We were told and observed during the inspection of staff working outside their competencies."

The RQIA talked to doctors, nurses, pharmacists, allied health professional peer reviewers and members of the public.

The Western Health Trust said that it accepted the findings of the report and would work to implement its recommendations.

"Whilst the trust are already aware of many of the issues raised we acknowledge the feedback within the report and are pleased to see the independent leadership recognition of our teams in the ED and at ward level,” it said.

The Trust also said it had recruited 14 extra staff to try and help deal with the pressures on the emergency wards.