[Barbados Today] : QEH Boss Maps Out Plan To Tackle Nurse Shortages

The Queen Elizabeth Hospital (QEH) is exploring strategies to address the pressing issue of nurse shortages at the nation’s public general hospital, Neil Clark, the hospital’s new chief executive officer, has said.

Two months into his tenure, Clark has set out a road map to tackle the shortage while enhancing the delivery of healthcare services.

He revealed plans for overseas recruitment drives, particularly targeting countries like Ghana and the Philippines. He emphasised the importance of understanding the underlying reasons for nurses leaving their positions, whether related to salary concerns or job enrichment opportunities, and expressed a commitment to addressing these factors to mitigate attrition rates.

In response to inquiries about potential enhancements to nursing roles within the QEH, Clark enthusiastically endorsed the implementation of specialised positions such as nurse practitioners and nurse consultants, a position previously lobbied for by the Barbados Nurses Association. He highlighted the dual benefits of such roles – providing nurses with opportunities for professional growth while also optimising healthcare delivery through more efficient utilisation of clinical expertise.

“The introduction of nurse specialists not only enriches the nursing profession but also offers a cost-effective solution for delivering specialised services,” Clark explained, emphasising the importance of aligning staffing configurations with clinical needs to maximise efficiency and reduce patient waiting times.

When questioned about the potential impact of these strategies on reducing patient waiting times, the CEO affirmed that optimising staffing levels to match individuals’ skill sets could indeed lead to significant improvements. By empowering healthcare professionals to operate at the highest level of competence, he believes that the QEH can streamline service delivery while ensuring adherence to professional standards and patient safety protocols.

“Efforts to streamline healthcare delivery must prioritise safety and professionalism, ensuring that each member of the healthcare team operates within their scope of practice,” Clark emphasised, stressing the hospital’s commitment to delivering high-quality care through strategic staffing and role optimisation.

Acknowledging the global nature of the nurse shortage crisis, Clark noted that Barbados faces a unique challenge due to the allure of higher salaries in other regions. But he stressed that not all nurses are solely motivated by financial incentives, highlighting the compassionate and dedicated nature of many in the profession.

“It’s essential to recognise the invaluable contributions of nurses and provide them with the support and recognition they deserve,” Clark said, pointing to the need to ensure competitive salaries and well-supported working environments for nursing staff. 

Article originally published 05/30/24 by Barbados Today.