Spain faces major nurse shortage

What this means for healthcare

by Lorraine Williamson
nurse shortage Spain

Spain is grappling with a critical shortage of nurses, with the healthcare system currently lacking 100,000 professionals. According to the Spanish Ministry of Health, this deficit places the nation far behind the European average in nurse-to-population ratios.

The European Union average is 8.5 nurses per 1,000 inhabitants. In Spain, this figure is only 6.5. Regional disparities further complicate the issue, with some areas faring far worse than others.

Long-term recruitment challenges

Despite increased hiring in recent years, the pace of recruitment remains insufficient. The Ministry of Health estimates it could take 22 to 29 years to reach the European average if current recruitment rates persist. Bridging the gap would require a 29% increase in nursing staff.

Causes of the shortage

The shortage stems from longstanding issues in Spain’s healthcare system, highlighted by unions and professional bodies. In 2022, the General Council of Nursing estimated a deficit of 95,000 nurses, with the situation worsening over time.

Currently, Spain employs 345,969 nurses, including 46,114 specialists in fields like geriatrics, mental health, and paediatrics. However, many nurses are unable to work in their specialised fields, limiting their contributions to the healthcare system.

Widespread discontent among nurses

A survey of 55,000 nurses found that 39.4% are considering leaving the profession within the next decade. Over half (55.2%) report that understaffing at their workplaces compromises care quality. The public healthcare union Satse also found that 85% of nurses manage more patients than they believe is safe.

This workload, combined with staffing shortages, contributes to incidents that affect patient safety and nurse well-being.

Regional disparities in healthcare

Significant regional differences exacerbate the crisis. In Madrid, each nurse is responsible for an average of 1,950 patients, while in La Rioja, this number is 958. Variations in population density and age demographics drive these disparities.

Wages also differ dramatically. Canary Islands nurses earn up to €3,318 per month in primary care, while salaries in regions like Cantabria and Madrid are significantly lower, at €1,647 and €2,005, respectively.

Implications for healthcare

The nurse shortage affects the healthcare workforce and the quality and safety of patient care. Without urgent action, the strain on Spain’s healthcare system will continue to grow.

Investment in nursing education, better working conditions, and strategic policy reforms are essential to align Spain with European standards. Addressing these issues now is crucial to safeguard the future of healthcare.

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