On the occasion of International Health Day, April 7, 2024, it is essential to reiterate the fundamental role of nurses in safeguarding public health and of all healthcare professionals and OSS. With over 33,000 deaths in Europe due to antibiotic resistance, of which 11,000 are in Italy, the shortage of nurses represents a serious threat. The alarm was raised by Farmindustria, which estimates a total of 2.4 million deaths in OECD countries by 2050. In Italy, the expected number of deaths is 450,000, with a devastating economic impact. The WHO estimates that global healthcare spending on antibiotic resistance will reach 120 billion dollars by 2050. Investing in nursing care is an effective solution to counter this problem. A study by the University of Pennsylvania shows that a nurse under stress, with an excessive workload and a high nurse/patient ratio (as in Italy), is more prone to burnout. This results in a reduction of professional skills, clarity, and an increase in chronic fatigue, stress, and workplace accidents. All this is associated with an increase in hospital infections and healthcare costs. According to a study in California, the optimal nurse/patient ratio is 1 to 6. In Italy, however, this ratio is much higher, reaching 1 to 30 in some cases. The 2014 Lancet study highlights that increasing a nurse's workload by one patient results in: A 23% increase in the risk of burnout A 7% increase in patient mortality A 7% increase in the risk that the nurse does not notice patient complications Italy is the worst in Europe for antibiotic resistance. Infections from Escherichia coli and Klebsiella are increasing, spreading in hospitals and nursing homes, with resistance to almost all available antibiotics. Italy needs more nurses, midwives, and OSS. The Italian population is one of the oldest in the world and the NHS will not be able to withstand the burden of a shortage of healthcare personnel. The OECD reports a chronic lack of funds in the Italian healthcare labor market, few career opportunities, nepotism and ridiculous salaries. The result is that more and more nurses are resigning and more and more students are dropping out of their studies. The solution? Hire more nurses and pay them adequately, making the profession attractive. This would result in a reduction in costs, mortality, and infections. On this International Health Day, Nursing Up Emilia Romagna asks the political forces: More nurses for our healthcare system. Better working conditions and adequate salaries for nurses and all healthcare professionals and OSS to the OECD average (at least 1000 euros more, in proportion to risks, responsibilities and OECD average) Benefits, for rent, canteen, utilities (as throughout Europe) Without nurses there is no health. The words of Politicians, Ministers, Orders and Unions are no longer enough, we want action and we want it now. Vincenzo Parisi Nurse and Nursing Up union leader We must raise awareness among colleagues to follow the path set by doctors and join Nursing Up (for 51%) and its advantages. One step at a time, we can build a union that truly represents our interests and fights for our rights. The alternative? Continue complaining, empower the same unions of the last 40 years and wait for the death of the NHS. Share now.
