The workforce module acts as an interface between the nursing unit and a central resource allocations unit. It conveys information in real time relating to

• the number of staff required to safely staff a shift
• the number of staff actually on the ward per shift
• sick leave hours.

It is used to identify

• permanent staff rostering numbers
• staff vacancy levels
• staff overtime hours
• bank hours / bank shifts / cost of bank
• agency hours / agency shifts / cost of agency.

Requests for extra resources are only processed with the provision and recording of a rationale.