Flu jab warning: nurses face 2,000 patients each

Nurses could face delays in the flu and Covid-19 vaccination drive starting at the end of September, their union has warned. In Madrid on 14 September, the nursing union SATSE called for more staff at primary care health centres, saying teams are already under heavy pressure. It says some nurses are responsible for up to 2,000 people, although the maximum should be 1,500.

Giving a jab is only one part of the job, SATSE said. Primary care nurses must also provide information beforehand, record vaccinations, look out for possible side effects and follow up where needed.

Without enough nurses, the whole process slows down, the union said. It warned that the difficulties are particularly acute in rural areas, where people may struggle to get vaccinated on time.

Targets put more pressure on teams

Spain’s national vaccination strategy aims to reach 75% of older people. The target is 60% for pregnant women and children up to 59 months old.

SATSE said nurses need protected time for every stage of the vaccination process if those targets are to be met. During the campaign, it said, staff spend weeks informing, encouraging and vaccinating thousands of people.

Staffing law still waiting for approval

The union blames a long-running shortage of nursing professionals across health services. It wants regional health ministries to reinforce primary care teams before the campaign begins, rather than allowing the familiar delays and problems to return.

A proposed law on nurse-to-patient ratios, launched by SATSE through a citizens’ legislative initiative, is still awaiting approval. The union said the vaccination campaign also leaves little time for other essential prevention and health-promotion work.

Topics: Jobs & labour · Health · Politics

Source: Europa Press / Mallorca.com