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Protesters outside the Shoalhaven Hospital . Photo : Nathan Schmidt
Nurses ‘ at risk ’
Staff shortages strain regional hospital .
By Eleanor Campbell
Peaks have called on the government to address severe staffing shortages in a state hospital after a nurse was allegedly stabbed by a patient during a busy emergency shift .
According to the NSWMWA , emergency patients at Shoalhaven Hospital on the
NSW South Coast are waiting up to 48 hours to be admitted into a bed .
This has led to a spike in reports of violence and aggression , the union said , which came to a head in April after a senior nurse was reportedly attacked by a female waiting overnight for a transfer .
“ We have serious concerns about the number of vacant nursing positions left unfilled , as well as the Local Health District ’ s efforts to try and retain staff ,” said NSWMWA acting general secretary Shaye Candish .
“ We are aware treatment spaces in parts of the emergency department are not funded around the clock , meaning not enough nursing staff are available to care for the volume of patients .
“ This is why it ’ s crucial shift by shift ratios in all emergency departments are supported by the NSW government and opposition .”
The union has said Shoalhaven Hospital agreed to provide more on-site security for health staff after concerns were first raised 12 months ago .
NSWNMA Shoalhaven branch secretary Michael Clarke said despite this staff have been put “ constantly at risk ” due to ongoing roster shortages .
A recent parliamentary inquiry into regional hospitals recommended the NSW government “ urgently engage ” with the federal government to address reoccurring workforce shortages .
The report found healthcare workers reported a “ culture of fear ” in speaking out about understaffing and lack of resources . ■
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