A health union has threatened to boycott the opening of two wards at the Lismore Base Hospital unless staffing levels are increased.
The Health Services Union is demanding that an extra thirteen hospital positions are created, including security people, wards people and X-ray operators.
Greens MP Dawn Walker has raised the issue of staffing at the Lismore Base Hospital in state parliament following safety concerns raised by the union.
‘It’s appalling that the NSW Government is failing to listen to concerns about excessive staff workloads at Lismore Base Hospital, which is risking patient care, stretching the capacity of hospital staff and jeopardizing the opening of new wards at the Hospital,’ Ms Walker, who is the health spokesperson for her party, said.
‘When I questioned the Government over staffing at Lismore Base Hospital on Wednesday, they failed to even answer the question. Yet we know that under-resourcing of hospital staff is an ongoing problem at Lismore Base Hospital.
‘Only last month mental health nursing staff were forced to consider closing beds due to major concerns over patient safety following planned cuts to clinical nursing staff levels.
‘The Lismore Base Hospital redevelopment should position the Hospital as a state-of-the art facility for the North Coast, but the Liberal-National Government seem determined not to resource it adequately.
‘The Government and Northern NSW Local Health District must consult with the Health Services Union, NSW Nurses and Midwives Association and other bodies over staffing levels so patient care isn’t compromised.’.
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