Amid claims a major Tasmanian hospital was 10 emergency department nurses short of the mandated minimum on Friday night, the state health department confirms nurses and midwives will not be exempt from vacancy control measures that are put in place to save money.
The Tasmanian branch of a nurses and midwives union has described staffing at the Launceston General Hospital as "absolutely diabolical", with claims staff shortages led to hospital beds being closed on Friday night.
"It was absolutely diabolical. And it was extremely stressful for staff and of course for patients, many of whom are receiving care in the waiting room," ANMF state secretary Emily Shepherd said. "At no time were 15 beds closed due to the staff shortages … at the moment we wouldn't be using all of the treatment points at the ED because there's only 20 people requiring treatment," Health Secretary Dale Webster said.
Following a conversation between the health secretary and the ANMF, 10 agency nurses from other areas, including the Royal Hobart Hospital, have been approved to be redeployed to the LGH.In June, the health department introduced a 'vacancy control committee', which assesses whether jobs need to be filled before advertising them, in pursuit of savings.On Friday, the ANMF said they had received confirmation that nurses and midwives would be exempt from vacancy control measures.
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