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Wales could be first UK country to ensure 'enough nurses'

A bill will be presented before the Health Committee later which aims to ensure safe nurse staffing levels in hospitals across Wales.

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Law change needed to guarantee more nurses on wards says Welsh Lib Dem leader

Welsh Liberal Democrat leader Kirsty Williams says all other attempts have failed to guarantee minimum numbers of nurses on wards. She's trying to introduce a new law which would force health chiefs to guarantee staffing levels.

Giving evidence to the Assembly's Health Committee, Kirsty Williams told AMs that some health boards continue to fail to do so despite strong guidelines and targets.

Wales could be first UK country to ensure 'enough nurses'

A plan's under discussion later which would see Wales become the first country in the UK to ensure there are enough nurses.

Backers of the More Nurses Bill say it would mean staff spending more time with patients. Credit: Peter Byrne/PA Wire

Kirsty Williams, the Welsh Liberal Democrat leader, is to present her 'More Nurses' Bill to the Health and Social Care Committee today.

The Bill, which aims to ensure safe nurse staffing levels in hospitals, could see Wales become the first country in the UK to legally ensure this.

"Safe nursing levels are a bedrock for effective care. Nurses provide round the clock care for patients, and work in every kind of healthcare setting. Quite simply, nurse staffing levels are too important to be left to 'guidance'.

"Making safe nursing levels a statutory responsibility will provide a legislative basis for patients and staff to challenge poor levels of nurse staffing."

– Kirsty Williams AM, Welsh Liberal Democrat leader

Over 4,500 people have so far either signed petitions or written to their AMs urging them to back the Bill.

The Bill was introduced to the Assembly last month, but today represents the first stage of its scrutiny.

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