Wyong ED nurses facing burnout and fatigue

A community campaign to highlight serious staffing concerns inside Wyong Hospital’s emergency department is continuing, with a second lunchtime rally to be held today, Monday 18 November.

Despite months raising concerns with Central Coast Local Health District, members of the NSW Nurses and Midwives’ Association (NSWNMA) Wyong Hospital branch are still seeking three extra nurses to be rostered each shift in the emergency department, and an urgent staffing review.

NSWNMA General Secretary, Brett Holmes, said the situation inside the emergency department had become untenable and members were distressed by the lack of support from the Local Health District.

“Our members know firsthand that staffing levels inside Wyong Hospital’s ED are inadequate to meet the local growth in population, which is putting patient safety constantly at risk,” said Mr Holmes.

“ED presentations have continued to rise at Wyong Hospital and the patients presenting are very unwell. The hospital’s own data shows this and management knows this, yet they continue to expect their nursing staff to do more with less.

“Our members are reporting increased levels of overtime, sick leave not being replaced, senior nurses being unable to fully support their junior counterparts, as well as high levels of exhaustion and fatigue due to understaffing.

“The branch is asking for one extra nurse each shift in the emergency department’s resuscitation area, one extra nurse each shift for the acute area and one extra nurse each shift for primary care.

“This is not an unreasonable request, given the rising number of patient presentations, particularly in comparison to nearby Gosford Hospital.”

Branch members will raise awareness of the issues during their lunch break today, alongside community members and local representatives.

Download this release: Wyong ED nurses facing burnout and fatigue

Join over 80,000 nurses and midwives in NSW by becoming a valued member today.

You’ll automatically become a member of the Australian Nursing and Midwifery Federation