Nurses at Gilgandra Multi Purpose Service (MPS) have been working an average 138 hours of overtime a month since May, resulting in unsafe conditions in the Emergency Department and acute ward.
Despite numerous attempts by the Gilgandra NSW Nurses and Midwives’ Association (NSWNMA) branch to resolve the issue with management, there are still two full time equivalent vacancies.
NSWNMA Lead Organiser, Linda Griffiths, said the situation has forced the branch to close beds of their own accord as they become vacant.
“Nurses are overworked and fatigued, giving us no choice but to close five beds in the acute ward until the staffing issues are resolved,” said Ms Griffiths.
“To date, the skill mix and vacancy concerns have not been addressed and the branch remains committed to ensuring the community and patients are treated safely and not compromised by budgetary constraints.
“The branch is extremely disappointed that the 12 acute beds have been fully opened, despite there not being the staff to manage them safely.”
The Gilgandra NSW Nurses and Midwives’ Association (NSWNMA) branch has requested a response from management by Monday, 19 September. If a reasonable solution is not put forward, they will commence closing the beds in the acute ward from Tuesday, 20 September.
The NSWNMA will continue to assist the branch to achieve a safe level of staffing that does not compromise patient safety.
Download this media release: Unsafe overtime at Gilgandra threatens patient safety
