Maternity staff in the UK have admitted they are so exhausted they are making mistakes that could harm patients.
A total of 1,361 maternity staff responded to a survey conducted by the Royal College of Midwives.
The survey aimed to better understand the health, safety and wellbeing of midwives, student midwives and maternity staff working in the UK.
The results revealed that 52% of midwives had witnessed an error, near miss or other incident in the past month alone.
“I am worried about making a mistake at work because I am exhausted”
The same number agreed or strongly agreed with the statement: “I am worried about making a mistake at work because I am exhausted”.
Staff shortages, increasing demands and dwindling resources were all cited as causing stress, with 48% of maternity workers saying that stress was a daily feature of their working life.
Many reported working long hours, foregoing entitled breaks and going without food or drink.
In fact, 62% said they felt dehydrated at work because there was no time to drink, and only 21% said they took their breaks ‘all of most of the time’.
The Royal College of Midwives described the findings of the survey as “disturbing”.
Poor maternity care
If you were harmed as a result of substandard medical care, please get in touch with us at Glynns Solicitors.
Share Article With:
|
|
|
|
|
|
