Even in Colorado, a state-funded system where the defender's office is subject to a number of legislative safeguards that makes it one the most well funded in the country, agency executive Doug Wilson said his department was operating at a 10% staffing deficit.
Taking into account the growing contribution of non-countable Sect. 2 activity, a more accurate staffing deficit in the participating hospitals is approximately 100 WTE posts.
In addition, most homes suffer from staff deficits, in which cases the quality of care is threatened [ 21].
The uneven situation is illustrated by the fact that 52% of the global population living in rural areas as compared to 24% in urban areas is excluded from health services due to staff deficits.
Our observations show that the consequences of staff deficits and poor conditions of work include heavier workloads for those on duty, the closure of some services, the inability to release staff for continuing education, loss of quality, conflicts with patients, risks for patients, unsatisfied staff (with the exception of ancillary staff) and hazards for health workers and managers.
In district health facilities, staff deficits are reported: … in Mitande [Niassa] there is only one nurse… he does dental chores … conducts labours … consults with patients besides doing his own nursing work … He runs the dispensary, … We have some health posts where the only staff present is auxiliary midwives and a maid.
Inspectors noted there was still an "overall nursing staff deficit of 11% at the end of January 2010", and that staff would have to be hired to meet patients' needs.
In both countries, health facility managers experience a significant staff deficit at all levels of care.
