- Lack of implementation of key documents: "Long-term State Policy for Nursing and Midwifery in Poland" and agreements with the Minister of Health dated July 9, 2018 are not implemented.
- New approach to employment standards: The introduction of common employment standards for all health professions raises concerns about lowering standards in nursing and midwifery.
- The need for systematization and control: The need to create a catalog of qualifications and competencies, as well as real control of existing standards to ensure adequate working conditions and patient safety.
The Ministry of Health was represented by Deputy Minister Jerzy Szafranowicz, and the National Health Fund was represented by Marek Augustyn, deputy chairman.
Summary of state policy implementation
The main purpose of the meeting was to summarize the implementation of the "Long-term State Policy for Nursing and Midwifery in Poland" and the agreement with the Minister of Health of July 9, 2018. Unfortunately, both documents are not being implemented, and clear information on their future has not been provided. There are fears that the agreement will be terminated and the "Policy" will become a dead file.
New approach to employment standards
During the meeting, the Director of the Treatment Department at the Ministry of Health presented a new approach to developing employment standards to be prepared for all health professions jointly. This approach arouses great surprise and concern in the nursing and midwifery community. First of all, because of the long time required for this task, and the possibility of lowering the current employment standards for nurses and midwives by including other health professions in their remit. The need to systematize and describe the competencies of all health professions before any action is taken was also reported.
The need for real control of standards
It was stressed that the mere existence of standards is definitely not enough. A system of real control of them is needed to ensure proper working conditions and patient safety. Without this, standards remain only theoretical guidelines that do not translate into reality in hospitals and other medical facilities.
Catalog of qualifications and competencies
One of the key topics discussed at the meeting was the lack of a catalog of qualifications and competencies of nurses and midwives for each level of training. This catalog is necessary for the correct classification of employees into the groups specified in the Salary Law. It was assured that draft legislation on this issue will be presented in the coming months.
Education and its impact on the labor market
The problem of pre- and post-diploma education was also discussed. It was noted that the increasing number of students does not translate into an increase in the number of people entering the profession in the public health system. This is a problem that requires urgent action and reform to ensure an adequate number of qualified medical professionals.
Intensification of activities
In the coming months, it is planned to intensify efforts to implement the "Policy" and the 2018 agreement. As declared by Deputy Minister Szafranowicz, meetings at the Health Ministry will continue.
Expectations of the Minister of Health
Representatives of NIPiP and OZPiP hope that the next meeting will be held in the presence of Minister Izabela Leszczyny, who, in accordance with her public declarations, will take action to expand competencies and define the professional path and recognition of qualifications. Currently, there is a feeling that the Minister of Health underestimates the importance of the topic, and many talks are being held only to gain time and talk over problems, which the nursing and midwifery community does not agree with.
Source: NIPIP
