PS Calls for Greater Recognition of Nurses in Madeira
Madeira GuideOn the eve of International Nurses Day, the Socialist Party (PS) in Madeira has called for greater recognition and support for nurses, emphasizing the need for career enhancement and increased workforce.
In a significant move, the Socialist Party (PS) in Madeira has issued a salute to the region's nurses ahead of International Nurses Day. The PS has submitted a formal commendation in the Legislative Assembly of Madeira, recognizing the critical role nurses play in delivering healthcare.
The PS's initiative highlights the urgent need to increase the number of nursing staff and enhance their career conditions. This call comes in response to ongoing challenges faced by nurses, including excessive workloads, accumulated fatigue, and insufficient professional recognition.
Marta Freitas, a notable voice from the PS, emphasized that despite the indispensable role of nurses in the healthcare system, many continue to experience underappreciation and overwork. According to data from 2024, Madeira's nursing workforce comprises approximately 2,730 registered professionals, of which 2,086 are actively working in the Regional Health Service. This results in a nurse-to-population ratio of 8.3 per 1,000 inhabitants, which is below the European average of nine.
Freitas further noted that while recent recruitment efforts have been made, they fall short of the 200 new hires promised by the Regional Government. The persistent reliance on overtime, particularly during high-demand periods, exacerbates existing challenges, including delayed overtime payments.
The PS's call to action not only seeks to improve working conditions but also aims to ensure that the profession attracts and retains skilled professionals, thereby enhancing the quality of healthcare delivery in Madeira.
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Madeira Guide
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