Nurses rally over hospital staffing
Nurses and midwives have held a rally outside the Naracoorte Hospital, in South Australia’s South-East, to raise their concerns over under-staffing.
Elizabeth Dabars, branch secretary of the Nurses and Midwifery Federation, said Country Health SA is under-staffing the hospital and putting patients at risk.
“The nurses and midwives are concerned that Country Health SA continues to under-staff the hospital, which is clearly contrary to patient interests,” she said.
She said an official dispute has already been lodged with the Industrial Relation Commission, but the issue had been raised with the health department a year ago.
“Nurses and midwives have been very disappointed with the lack of real progress to date,” Ms Dabars said.
“There seems to be no genuine interest from Country Health SA to resolve outstanding issues.
“Nurses (and) midwives believe patient care should be first and foremost. This is the professional responsibility and personal obligation they hold.
“However, they need to be supported by adequate numbers of nurses (and) midwives with the right combination of skills at the right time.”
She said staff are concerned that failing to resolve the issue will see patient care suffer.
“They are currently working to breaking point to ensure the level of care for patients at the hospital is not compromised,” Ms Dabars said.
“If Country Health SA will not act, nurses and midwives are forced to.
“We are calling for community support to help the nurses care for the community.”
