UNISON Scotland has today (Tuesday) launched an app for nurses so they can use their phone or tablet to register concerns about patient care in Scotland’s hospitals.
The app – Duty of Care – allows nurses to register their concerns about patient care directly with NHS employers, highlighting issues such as: reduced staffing levels; lack of equipment; care left undone; and violence in the workplace.
Developed by UNISON Scotland, the app is free and can be used by registered and non-registered nurses. It automatically sends a report by email to both UNISON and to the local director of nursing.
Gordon McKay, chair of UNISON Scotland’s Nursing and Midwifery Committee, said: “In a recent survey, 86 per cent of UNISON nurses told us they had left care undone, while 63 per cent said there were not enough staff on shift to deliver safe and compassionate care. I know from speaking to UNISON members across our NHS that many of our members have lost confidence in the current reporting system, because nothing ever seems to change. UNISON’s Duty of Care app will give members the tools to quickly and efficiently report their concerns to their local Director of Nursing and with their union, UNISON.”
Matt McLaughlin, UNISON’s regional organiser, said: “Under the NMC Code, registered nurses have an obligation to raise concerns when they feel that patient safety is compromised. But nursing assistants and health care support workers should feel free to express concerns over patient safety as well – they are after all part of the healthcare team. As part of our work to campaign and organise members for a better NHS, UNISON will be seeking regular meetings with health boards to discuss concerns raised by our members via the app. More importantly, we will be pressing for boards and the Scottish Government to take long-term, positive action in response to our members concerns.”
ENDS
Notes to editors
1. UNISON’s Duty of Care app is available on both Apple and Android devices.
2. The app does not replace the current electronic reporting system (Datix) and UNISON members who work in healthcare are encouraged to comply with their employers’ policies and procedures to report professional and clinical concerns.
3. For further information please visit our website at: https://unison-scotland.org/2016/09/30/unison-scotland-duty-of-care-app/
For further information please contact:
Matt McLaughlin, UNISON’s regional organiser, 07904 341979