AUS
NZ
UK
CA
USA
FRA
GER
ESP
ITA
NLD
PRT
SWE
GRC
IND
POL
BRA
ZAF
RUS
CHN
UAE
Highlights
- Some countries are facing a shortage of healthcare service providers with the newest rise in the cases of COVID-19.
- The shortage of the healthcare workforce is affecting the working capacity of medical centers.
- Australian Health Minister has highlighted the need for a strong healthcare system as the country also faces a shortage of nurses.
Staffing shortages have been hitting several industries worldwide, and now they are hitting the most vulnerable one, healthcare sector. With the recent rise in COVID-19 cases in few countries, the staffing shortage is now extending to hospitals. On 1 September 2021, the American Nurses Association advised the federal Department of Health & Human Services to announce a nurse staffing emergency as well as to take immediate actions to execute solutions.
The significant shortage of nurses is also impacting the workflow in the hospitals. Moreover, in the US, the shortage of staffing has caused few metro hospitals to temporarily close few beds.
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Source: © Nanausop | Megapixl.com
Healthcare staff shortages in Quebec
Quebec Health Minister Christian Dubé informed that the healthcare services across the region could be impacted because of the staff shortages. He was also concerned on how staff shortages and the fourth wave of the COVID-19 pandemic could impact the surgery waitlists in the region. However, with a rising number of COVID-19 cases in places such as Montreal, the impact on the health network will be monitored closely.
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The health minister also highlighted that the government is looking into recruiting nurses from the private sector and agencies.
Australia also facing nurse shortage - SA is looking to recruit 370 nurses
In Australia, the COVID-19 Delta outbreak is pushing frontline hospital staff to the edge, as the country is facing a shortage of healthcare service providers. South Australia is looking to recruit 370 nurses amid union concerns over too much workload for hospital staff, after struggling with the COVID-19 pandemic and other issues in the health system of the state.
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Australian Health Minister Stephen Wade stated that the COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the requirement of a robust healthcare system. The Australian government is committed to continuing to increase workforce in healthcare system.
Source: © Milosdrn | Megapixl.com
In the country, the recruitment drive started after the release of a survey earlier this week that highlighted that many nurses were not happy as they worked unpaid overtime, including double shifts, with more than 50% thinking to leave the industry in five years.
Bottom Line
The COVID-19 pandemic has emphasised the need for a strong healthcare system. With the governments focusing on the recruitment of healthcare staffs, it is anticipated that the healthcare service sector will have adequate staff in place soon.
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