UK nurses "lack tools of their trade"

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UK nurses "lack tools of their trade"

September 9, 2003 -- Today's issue of The Times (London) ran an unsigned article about a recent survey by Nursing Times indicating that more than two thirds of UK nurses sometimes lack the tools to do their jobs properly, and a campaign by the nursing publication, called "Equip Us To Care," to highlight the problem. In the survey of more than 2,500 nurses, over half of the respondents said they "always" find themselves short of one piece of equipment, often basic but important items such as thermometers or blood pressure monitors. According to the article, the Nursing Times noted that a lack of paper towels, wipes, alcohol gel and soap dispensers threatened to undermine infection control, and that hospital-acquired infections "can cause death and misery." The nursing publication argued that the shortage of basic equipment also harms the professional integrity of nurses and the nurse-patient relationship.

See The Times article Staff lack tools of their trade.

Join the Nursing Times' campaign to properly equip nurses in their work or learn more about their campaign to adapt it and create one in your own state or country.

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