Nursing shortages are linked to an increase in patient death rates, a study of English hospitals has found. BBC News, October 23, 2006 Scientists discovered mortality was 26% higher for the hospitals with the worst staffing levels compared with those with more nurses per patient. The Royal College of Nursing said the study, published in the International Journal of Nursing Studies, showed it was essential to retain nursing posts. But the Department of Health said nurse numbers had risen in recent years. ... Nurse