"Concern over staffing levels on ward 7"

I was admitted to Ward 7 of University Hospital Monklands over recent weeks. I have been in hospital many times over the years and have always been pleased with the service I have received from the nursing staff and doctors. During my recent stay, the nursing staff were fantastic: hardworking, dedicated, and clearly 100% committed to their job.

However, they were unable to do their jobs properly as a result of severe staff shortages which I felt were having a huge impact on the day-to-day running of the ward. This, through absolutely no fault of the nurses on the ward, impacted hugely on the service that was provided.

I felt the need to write to let you know the concerns I have for the staff working on that ward. I witnessed the nurses under extreme pressure and rushed off their feet. I am fully aware that the staff shortages are likely to be a result of the current pandemic and can sympathise with this, however, I wanted to ensure that management are fully aware of the dreadful situation on the ward and the impact it will inevitably have on staff shortages in the future due to the current staff being overworked and not getting a chance to eat for the entirety of their shift.

I watched as, several times, some of the nurses attempted to take a break and sit down to eat. However, due to the needs of patients their break time was spent on their feet while grabbing a mouthful of food each time they got a chance. Many staff gave up and binned their food. I felt genuinely sorry for them and felt it important to bring this to your attention in order to ensure that the current staff (who are working tirelessly to keep the ward running) do not end up unwell due to the current lack of staffing and the effect it is having on their health and wellbeing.

It is inevitable that the lack of staff in Ward 7 could lead to the currently overworked staff making mistakes. I believe it is vital for patient safety that this ward is provided with more staff. This would help them to deliver the service that is expected of them and will ensure that patient care is maximised; it would also help to protect the health and wellbeing of the existing nurses and hopefully prevent future staff shortages.