Healthcare professionals are concerned about the impact fuel shortages could have on patients.
Health and social care workers “need to be a priority” for fuel in light of reports of compromised patient care, unions have said.
Mainstream media reports of fuel supply issues due to an HGV driver shortage has triggered panic buying across the country.
Numerous nursing staff told NursingNotes that they are concerned about the impact panic buying will have on their ability to provide essential care to patients.
Last week nurses pleaded with the public calling upon them to be considerate and not panic buy fuel.
Think about others.
Leah Sparks, a community heart failure nurse said; “These patients are reliant on my clinical assessment and expertise in managing their condition, to keep them well and out of hospital.
“I urge the public to stop panic buying and consider those who are vulnerable and dependent on our community health professionals to provide their care.”
Jade Taylor, who works as part of a community health visiting team, added; “The pandemic has hit new families hard, many of them have been left without support networks and structures.
“Panic buying risks essential health and social care workers from being able to visit those who are most in need and could lead to something being missed.”
“Please, please, think about others”, Jade begs.
Need to be a priority.
Responding to reports of fuel shortages affecting nursing staff and patient care, RCN England Director Patricia Marquis, said: “Nursing staff do valuable work, often travelling long distances to get to work or see their patients in the community.
“Health and care services, already struggling with widespread staffing shortages, cannot afford to lose any more staff because they’re unable to travel.
“We already know some nursing staff are warning their employers they may not be able to attend tomorrow to ensure shifts can be safely staffed.
“In light of these supply problems, health and care workers need to be a priority or patient care will be compromised.”
