By Ólafur Guðbjörn Skúlason, Vice-President and EORNA Board member from ISORNA (Iceland)

A Crisis in Numbers: What the OECD Tells Us

The OECD’s Health at a Glance: Europe 2024 report reveals a growing crisis: healthcare systems across Europe are under strain due to workforce shortages and burnout. Recruitment and retention are particularly difficult in high-pressure environments like the operating theatre. While the number of nurses has increased in some regions, demand continues to outpace supply, threatening surgical capacity and patient outcomes.

The Invisible Backbone: Perioperative Nurses in Crisis

Perioperative nurses are vital to safe, effective surgical care, yet their roles are often overlooked in workforce planning. Their specialised skills and high-stress environment require targeted support. When surgical teams are short-staffed, risks rise, and hospital efficiency suffers.

Burnout in the OR: Why Retention Is Critical

Burnout is at record levels, and perioperative nurses are especially vulnerable. The loss of experienced staff impacts team cohesion and patient safety. EORNA supports improved mental health resources, peer programs, and ongoing professional development to retain this critical workforce.

Investing in Surgical Teams for Resilience

OECD recommendations call for stronger investment in workforce resilience. For surgical services, this includes:

Initiatives in countries like my own country, Iceland and the Netherlands offer models to follow.

EORNA’s Role and Recommendations

EORNA advocates for recognising perioperative nurses in national strategies. We recommend:

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