A WORLD-WIDE shortage of nurses has impacted on Bermuda's hospitals with the properties at times staffed at levels less than optimal for patients or healthcare professionals working there.

The Bermuda Hospitals Board (BHB) yesterday reported wide fluctuations which at times exceeded the level of recommended care and at other times fell just below it.

"Nurse patient ratios are determined by a variety of factors that include ward, time of day, and patient acuity," explained Kathy Ann Lewis, Director of Clinical Programmes.

"The BHB strives to benchmark whenever possible with global best practices institutions. In some areas we exceed best practices, with nurse patient ratios as high as 1:1. In other areas, our average ratio may be up to 1:5 during daytime shifts.

"In addition, nursing assistants, orderlies and aides provide direct patient care. Like other jurisdictions, the BHB is faced with a world-wide shortage of healthcare professionals and is actively undertaking initiatives to recruit and retain nurses."

A study by the International Council of Nurses (INC) found medical professionals coped better with no more than four patients. Also discovered ? an increase to their workload by as few as two people saw the likelihood of death within 30 days of admission rise by 14 per cent.

Similarly, a workload of eight patients was associated with a 31 per cent increase in mortality. Hospitals with higher staffing levels saw less "urinary tract infections, pneumonia, upper gastrointestinal bleeding and shock in medical patients and lower rates of 'failure to rescue' and urinary tract infections in major surgery patients".

The global organisation released the findings of its research in anticipation of Nurses' Week, which will be celebrated around the world between May 7 and 13.

Locally, the issue will be brought to the forefront by the BHB, which plans to honour the support given by nurses with a week of events organised under the theme, 'Safe Staffing Saves Lives'.

"Globally, improved nurse staffing is associated with lower inpatient mortality rates and shorter hospital stays ? saving both lives and money," said acting BHB CEO Venetta Symonds.

"(The) BHB has made adequate nursing staff levels a priority. Nurses are vital to quality patient care and we are committed to recruiting and retaining sufficient numbers of nursing professionals."

Nurses comprise the largest group of healthcare professionals on the island, employed in a variety of areas including administration, asthma care, diabetes, hyperbaric and wound management, mental health, maternity, oncology and substance abuse.

The BHB said it worked doggedly to maintain an appropriate staff level, actively recruiting and investing in the future ? $250,000 each year is provided in scholarship to local students pursuing an education in the industry.

As well, training has been made cheaper through a recent partnership, which enables would-be nurses to complete their first two years at the Bermuda College, and then transfer to Hampton University in Virginia.

The Bermuda Nurses' Association has sponsored a series of events for the week, all designed to highlight the important role played by nurses. The events begin with a church service and luncheon on May 7, when the Nurse of the Year will be named. Additional activities include a noon rally at City Hall, a lecture on 'Safe Staffing' and a tour of Westgate Correctional Facility.

"Nurses' Week highlights the valuable work we do," said Lisa Symonds, president of the Bermuda Nurses' Association.

"Raising the issue of adequate staffing levels is critical at this point. Nurses play such a crucial role in health services. Proper nurse-patient ratios translate to quality patient care."