3 September 2020
Wallaroo Hospital nurses have voted to take action next week to protest against proposed staff cuts.
The Yorke and Northern Local Health Network is planning to cut three nurses from acute ward rosters at Wallaroo Hospital, prompting members to raise concerns about safe staffing levels.
A spokesperson for the Wallaroo Hospital and Health Services executive told the Yorke Peninsula Country Times this week the proposed changes were intended to meet current patient activity for the ward.
However, ANMF (SA Branch) CEO/Secretary Adj. Associate Professor Elizabeth Dabars AM said reduction of staffing would impact on the safety of both patients and nurses.
"It is vital staffing is maintained at adequate levels, to not only provide optimal care for patients but to guard against stress, burnout and fatigue among healthcare workers, which have become significant issues within the profession," she told the Yorke Peninsula Country Times.
"They (nurses) really are trying desperately to provide safe services to the community and they do not feel like they are being supported to do that. The reality is the executive are looking at the base numbers, not looking at complexity of care, the diversity of care and the quality of care."
Ms Dabars is working with staff members and said they are deeply distressed by the situation.
Nurses voted last Friday to take Code Purple action and from Monday the Yorke Peninsula community is being encouraged to wear purple as a show of support for Wallaroo nurses and to contact local hospital board members to demand that patient safety is guaranteed.
“The ANMF (SA Branch) is aware of the crucial role health care workers play in regional and rural communities and we remain opposed to any actions that may adversely impact on the health of those communities and the people who provide care for them,’’ Ms Dabars said.
The ANMF (SA Branch) has today filed an urgent notice of dispute with the South Australian Employment Tribunal, to be heard on Monday.