Every hospital ward in Scotland should display the number of doctors nurses on duty at any given time so patients and relatives are fully aware of staffing levels.
It is hoped that the introduction of “real time” information on the ratio of nurses to patients would help to provide greater transparency in the NHS and, most importantly, provide better patient care.
In line with the advice from the nursing campaign group, Safe Staffing Alliance, the Scottish Conservatives believe there should be a minimum number of nurses on duty to maintain high standards of patient care, especially at night and during the weekends.
The party is also demanding that a central point of contact for complaints should also be posted on wards.
In England, in the wake of the Stafford Hospital scandal, the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence has backed the recommendation, which is being rolled out across hospitals down south.
Nursing failures were also highlighted in the recent Vale of Leven Hospital inquiry.
Liz Smith, Scottish Conservative MSP for Mid Scotland & Fife said:
“In recent months, the issue of NHS a staffing has been at the forefront of public debate. Patients know only too well that there are severe shortages of doctors and nurses and that the ratio of these professionals to patients on our hospital wards is vital to ensure raise standards of care.
This week's report from Audit Scotland, which has flagged up the extreme pressure on NHS services, just intensifies the demand for new ways to improve care.
Liz Smith MSP said:
“One way of doing this would be to display ‘real time’ information on the number of nurses on duty at any given time.
“This would provide reassurances to those being treated by the NHS that staffing levels are adequate.
“This was a major issue at Stafford Hospital and we must do everything possible to prevent a similar scandal in Scotland.
“It is important that we build a culture of openness within our NHS and providing the public with the most up-to-date information would help achieve this and alert patients to any staff shortages.
“We know that our NHS is under immense pressure and I want pay tribute to all staff for their commitment and dedication for working under difficult circumstances but they cannot do their job effectively unless they are supported by more resources and greater transparency amongst health boards.
“I have written to the health secretary to urge all NHS boards across Scotland to display the number of doctors and nurses on duty in wards in hospitals to be displayed along with a central contact for complaints.”