A Southern NSW Local Health District spokesperson said its facilities were staffed to provide “safe and effective care”.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Responding to the December 19 rally across the road from Moruya Hospital, the spokesperson said staffing was based on the nursing award.
RELATED CONTENT: Nurses demand one-to-three nurse-to-patient ratios
“Southern NSW Local Health District (SNSWLHD) values its nurses and midwives and acknowledges the vital and challenging work nurses and midwives do to support our community,” the statement said.
“The skill, professionalism and extraordinary effort shown to patients each and every day is recognised and appreciated.
“SNSWLHD staffs its facilities to ensure patients are provided with safe and effective levels of care.
“Facilities are staffed according to NSW Public Health System Nurses & Midwives Award based on Nursing Hours per Patient Day (NHPPD).
“The Award was agreed on by the NSW Nurses & Midwives Association. This approach allows greater flexibility with rostering across shifts and areas of the hospital during the week.
“The Award allows for the provision of higher staffing numbers for times of high demand or peak periods of activity. That means that when the emergency department (ED) is busier, more nurses are brought in.
“Extensive profile planning is also conducted by the Health District. Data is used to adjust staffing levels accordingly.
“There are also specific plans for expected peak times such as the winter season and summer holidays when the number of people presenting at Emergency is higher.
“This planning ensures appropriate staffing numbers in times of expected increased activity.
“The Moruya Hospital emergency department has outperformed average waiting times for EDs across the state. According to the Bureau of Health Information 2018 Quarterly Report (July to September), 2,377 patients presented to the Moruya Hospital ED, a drop of 4% compared to the same period last year.
“The median time patients spent in the ED was two hours and 24 minutes, compared to the NSW average of two hours and 52 minutes.
“The NSW Government has invested heavily in the workforce across the District, with the 2018-19 budget for SNSWLHD sitting at more than $419 million, an increase of over $16 million on the 2017-18 annualised budget.
“Meanwhile between mid-2012 and mid-2018, SNSWLHD has increased its workforce by an additional 440 full time equivalent staff – an increase of 24.9 per cent, including 28 more doctors and 142 more nurses.
“The NSW Government has also recently announced an upgrade to the health services provided throughout the Eurobodalla, with $150 million set aside for a new health facility in the Shire, with work to commence in the next term of government.”