Guernsey nurses' morale low following cuts, says RCN

Morale among Guernsey's nurses has not recovered following a series of cuts and closures in December, according to the Royal College of Nursing (RCN).

Regional officer Lindsay Meeks said she had met with members to discuss their frustration over ward closures.

The Health and Social Services Department said in December 2012 that closures, delayed surgery and a stop on recruitment would halt an overspend.

Martin Storey, Deputy Health Minister, acknowledged morale had been hit.

He said some members of staff had been taken out of their comfort zones by being placed in different wards.

Ms Meeks said nurses' moral had dropped due to the upheaval caused by the closure of two wards at the Princess Elizabeth Hospital and one at the King Edward VII Hospital.

She said by talking with union representatives and Health and Social Services Department manager, communication would improve.

She added that she remained confident that a solution to the staffing issues would be found.