- Joined
- Dec 15, 2004
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Dear Public health peoples,
I was wondering if nurse to patient ratios (6:1 for med surg, 4:1 PCU, 2:1 ICU etc) would at all be considered a public health issue. My analogy would be that public health regulates food service businesses and keeps the public safe from food born illnesses. I do not see why it is also not public health's responsibility to protect the public from hospital corporations who may choose to cut staffing in order to meet budget while compromising patient care (this has been well documented in medical journals).
I am but a young family doctor and would appreciate responses either disagreeing with my anaology (and why) or letting me know if there is already a push in this direction and how I might be able to help.
I was wondering if nurse to patient ratios (6:1 for med surg, 4:1 PCU, 2:1 ICU etc) would at all be considered a public health issue. My analogy would be that public health regulates food service businesses and keeps the public safe from food born illnesses. I do not see why it is also not public health's responsibility to protect the public from hospital corporations who may choose to cut staffing in order to meet budget while compromising patient care (this has been well documented in medical journals).
I am but a young family doctor and would appreciate responses either disagreeing with my anaology (and why) or letting me know if there is already a push in this direction and how I might be able to help.