Hospital worker speaks out amid "critical" staff shortages

A hospital staff member has described “critical staffing shortages” and deteriorating working conditions after a politician raised concerns that Jersey’s healthcare workers are going without their legally required rest breaks.

One of Jersey’s main nursing unions called for “action” after Deputy Catherine Curtis flagged serious concerns about hospital working conditions in the States Assembly.

She said that some healthcare staff were working full night shifts without breaks, and others were working 14 consecutive days without any time off.

One hospital worker, who spoke to Deputy Curtis anonymously, described “critical staffing shortages” that regularly leave just one person handling an overnight shift.

“The role involves long, high-focus tasks, and during busy periods, essential breaks can easily be missed to maintain service delivery,” they said.

Pictured: Deputy Curtis said that some hospital staff were working full night shifts without breaks, and others were working 14 consecutive days without any time off.

The staff member warned that recruitment freezes, bureaucracy, and a lack of leadership are fuelling the crisis – with even low-grade roles left unfilled.

“Working conditions continue to deteriorate, retention rates feel lower than ever, endangering service continuity,” they said.

Deputy Curtis added that, despite attempts to improve whistleblowing procedures, many staff remain too afraid to speak out.

“I know that efforts have been made to make it easier for staff to raise concerns,” she said.

“Unfortunately, many are still not feeling that they can.”

Deputy Curtis confirmed that States Employment Board Vice Chair Malcolm Ferey was flagging the issues with the Government’s Chief People Officer.

Pictured: “Ensuring staff take regular breaks is important for morale and patient safety.”

Following queries from Express, Royal College of Nursing senior regional officer Sam Crooks said it was “unacceptable” that hospital workers were being denied adequate breaks.

“Health and safety in the workplace is critical and ensuring staff take regular breaks is important for morale and patient safety,” he said.

The Royal College of Nursing has offered to work with the Government to identify potential solutions.