More medical staff 'needed in UK hospitals'
Monday 26th April 2010
More doctors and nurses may be required in hospitals around the UK, according to Katherine Murphy, director of the Patients Association.
Her comments follow the release of figures by the Royal College of Physicians, which suggested that the number of doctors on duty in hospitals at night varies widely.
While the average sum of patients such medical professionals were responsible for was 61, some were overseeing up to 400.
In addition, consultants were less likely to be available, with junior doctors taking an active role in many cases.
The statistics are to be published later in the year in the Clinical Medicine journal.
Responding to the findings, Ms Murphy said: "Doctor patient and nurse patient ratio information should be routinely collected and published to help patients decide whether they think their local hospital is adequately staffed."
She added that managers should ensure they put in place rotas which have sufficient cover and are thereby safe.
Written by Mathew Horton
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