Sickness absence amongst nursing staff at two hospitals.

Abstract

Sickness absence amongst qualified nursing staff at two major acute hospitals in Leicester was analysed for one year. Comparisons were made between full-time and part-time staff, between day staff and night staff, between grades of staff and between certificated and uncertificated sickness absence. Patterns of sickness absence throughout the year were also compared. Results showed that absence was 4 per cent per annum at the Leicester Royal Infirmary and was double this figure at the Leicester Maternity Hospital (8 per cent per annum). Part-time staff had more time off sick than full-time staff at both hospitals, but the hospitals showed different results for day and night staff. Grades of staff sickness absence showed a predictable trend at the Leicester Royal Infirmary, but not at the Leicester Maternity Hospital where staff midwives had the worst sickness absence record. Sickness absence patterns were analysed at greater depth at the maternity hospital. The results are discussed and recommendations made.