Ensuring safe practice during the pandemic

Safe staffing as part of the COVID-19 response has required significant focus from senior nurses. The patient case mix has changed significantly and, typically, 10-15% of the clinical workforce have been self-isolating or been off sick themselves.

NHS Employers (2020) details that emergency legislation and support from the professional regulators has provided guidance for existing staff, student nurses, recently retired professional staff and those who had left in the past 3 years, to enable them rejoin the workforce, through nationally and locally coordinated processes.

The bringing staff back regional team contact me a number of times a week with details of staff who have indicated that they have either previously worked in my Trust and/or that they wish to work for us to support the COVID-19 response. Although initially there was quite an interest, over time, these numbers have significantly reduced. Despite proactive contact with this potential pipeline of nurses, and offers of refresher training, the campaign for my organisation and colleagues has not translated into many additional nurses.