Nurses union slams ‘bad administration’ of state hospitals

State nurses’ union Pasyno proposed referring patients to the private sector and suspending non-emergency procedures, as well as getting nursing staff off desks in a bid to reinforce ICUs and Covid wards, which are feeling the pressure as admissions rise every day.

In a statement on Monday, the union said ICUs were understaffed while personnel had not been trained in the management of Covid, despite assurances given in the summer.

Pasyno claimed decisions by the state health services organisation (Okypy) were taken by people who have no clinical experience.

It said decisions were made without consulting the union or at least informing it so that it can convey the changes and instructions.

Pasyno said it was a “bad administration that increased problems instead of resolving them, resulting in burdening nurses physically and mentally with effects on patients’ health and safety.”

As an example of the problems, the union said Covid wards have been deployed in all hospitals, but they have not been staffed with additional nurses in line with protocols.

Pasyno also charged that despite the lack of personnel, nurses were being seconded to administrative positions, like the health ministry and offices inside hospitals.