International Day of Care

"We would have liked to celebrate Nurses' Day in the WHO Year of the Nurse with a big party," says Yvonne Ribi, Managing Director of the SBK. "Instead, we find ourselves in the biggest global health crisis in recent history." Nurses are doing an extraordinary job in this country and around the world. "The pandemic has brought our work to the fore and shown how important nurses are in healthcare." However, there is a lot wrong; a nursing crisis is looming. The SBK has been warning about this for years. "We now need action instead of words," emphasizes Ribi. "The next step is for the Council of States Health Committee to adopt the indirect counter-proposal to the Nursing Initiative adapt."

The facts have been on the table for a long time
By 2030, 65,000 additional nurses will be needed. But the Training figures are far too low, and not even half of the required number of qualified nurses are being trained. Almost every second nurse leaves the profession early and there are currently 11,000 vacant nursing positions.

These are the figures that should actually make it clear to everyone that the provision of nursing care to the population in Switzerland is at risk, even without a pandemic.
"Our people are working above the limit even under normal conditions. In addition to a training offensive, further improvements are urgently needed in the indirect counter-proposal to the nursing initiative. We need enough time to care for our patients. Working conditions and the attractiveness of the profession must improve so that those who have completed their training remain in the profession."

With the public appeal, the SBK wants - once again - to seek the support of the population. They had already backed the carers in 2017. Within eight months, the necessary signatures for the popular initiative for strong care were collected. "People know what is at stake. They want strong care. They want to be sure that they will receive competent care when they need it. Need care", emphasizes Yvonne Ribi.

Musical gifts for May 12 from Gimma, Any Sabadi and Social Misdancing and from Nico N&P and Pascal Rinaldi
In the midst of the coronavirus crisis, the Graubünden rapper Gimma, the young Graubünden musician Any Sabadi and the Liechtenstein musicians Andi Biedermann and Ryan Michel aka "Social Misdancing" have released the song "Everything and more" produced. The song is intended as thanks and recognition for healthcare professionals. The SBK has called on radio stations to include the song in their music program on 12 May. "We are delighted to be able to use this great song for May 12," says Yvonne Ribi.

"We are also very happy that the well-known Ticino rapper Nico N&P spontaneously produced the song 'Senza fiato' at our request, which will be played on Ticino radios. The Valais artist Pascal Rinaldi wrote a song for nursing care in record time, which is great. After all, May 12 is also a day to celebrate, and the best way to do that is with music!"

Left:

Nothing works without care! When, if not now, must politicians respond to this? With a open letter on April 21, 2020, the SBK called on Parliament to finally implement the demands of the care initiative. The message was heard. Numerous major daily newspapers and television picked it up. However, a further push is needed from care professionals and the general public to ensure that parliament decides in favor of the care initiative. We are therefore making a joint appeal to politicians. You will receive the link to the appeal on May 12, with the request to sign and forward it.

An appeal for care - available to sign from May 12

Swiss Professional Association of Nurses SBK - ASI: www.sbk-asi.ch
www.pflegeinitiative.ch

International Council of Nurses ICN