Introduction of Safe and Effective Staffing legislation consultation launched

Health Minister Mike Nesbitt has launched a consultation on the Introduction of Safe and Effective Staffing legislation for Northern Ireland.

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Safe and effective staffing is comprised of effective workforce planning, reporting, accountability, and governance, all working together to provide quality healthcare. It also ensures the health, wellbeing and safety of all health and social care service users and staff.

A commitment was made in 2020 to consider and develop safe staffing legislation for nursing as part of the Framework Agreement that led to the suspension of industrial action by Health and Social Care trade unions from late 2019.

Since that date, the scope of the proposed legislation was broadened to include all professional disciplines within Health and Social Care.

Launching the consultation, Minister Nesbitt said: “The most crucial component in our health and social care system is the dedicated and skilled workforce.

“Without our workforce, this system would cease to function and put people’s lives at risk. The people of Northern Ireland rightly deserve a first-class healthcare system.

“Expanding the scope of the proposed legislation has broadened the focus from “safe nurse staffing” to “safe and effective staffing” for all of health and social care.

"In launching this consultation, my Department is seeking feedback from stakeholders which will help inform the final policy position and drafting of a Safe and Effective Staffing Bill. I would encourage everyone with an interest to respond.”

The consultation will run for 12 weeks from Monday 22 July 2024 until Monday 14 October 2024.

The consultation documents are available on the Department of Health website Consultations | Department of Health (health-ni.gov.uk)

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