Eve Jeffery
Issues at Byron Central Hospital (BCH) are still under the microscope with the Health Services Union (HSU) claiming that morale at the facility is at rock bottom following allegations of misconduct against senior hospital staff.
Secretary of the HSU NSW, Gerard Hayes, says that hospital workers are frustrated by a culture of secrecy, and by a lack of support for frontline staff.
‘There is clearly a problem with the workplace culture at Byron Central Hospital, and it’s time that hospital management and the Northern NSW Local Hospital District (NNSWLHD) took steps to address it,’ he said.
‘The HSU has been providing assistance to members on a case-by-case basis, but the issues at Byron Central are broader than a few individuals. Workers need to know that management is serious about providing both the highest quality of care for patients and a positive work environment for staff.’
Claims refuted
Chief Executive of Northern NSW Local Health District, Wayne Jones, says the claims by the HSU are not a true reflection of the passion and conduct of the amazing staff working at BCH.
‘We highly value all staff at BCH, from those in frontline clinical roles, to domestic and support staff, as well as administrative staff.’
Mr Jones says that local and district management make it a priority to support staff and foster a positive workplace environment, to make sure staff can continue to provide a high standard of care for our community.
‘The level of care patients experience at BCH is consistently high, and this is directly thanks to our excellent staff and their commitment to patient care.’
Member for Ballina, Tamara Smith says she is meeting with Wayne Jones on 1 November to raise concerns about the recent fraud allegations at Byron Hospital and to seek a briefing on how the Area Health Service is working to improve the work culture at the hospital.
‘I look forward to updating the community and monitoring things at BCH into the future,’ she said. ‘We know that the vast majority of nurses, doctors and staff in our public hospitals do an incredible job in very challenging work environments. I am confident that the Area Health Service will do all it can to address matters at Byron Hospital and support the staff there, moving forward.’
Mr Jones said that the Northern NSW Local Health District provides good support for frontline staff, and encourage all staff to take advantage of the available avenues which support their wellbeing and workplace culture. These avenues include: a local staff representative on the district-wide Workplace Culture Committee; taking advantage of personal or group counseling – provided through our Employee Assistance Program (EAP); attending staff forums; raising issues or suggestions directly through line-managers or executive team members.
‘All staff are also welcome to become involved in our future planning around initiatives to foster positive culture, both at BCH and across our health district.
‘At the local and the district level, forums already exist where the HSU and NNSWLHD discuss all workplace issues, and we continue to welcome the HSU’s input in these settings’ said Mr Jones.
The 2019–20 budget for NNSWLHD is over $875 million, this is an increase of more than $37 million on the 2018–19 budget.
NSW Shadow Minister for Health, Ryan Park MP said that patients deserve the very best of care when they go to their local hospital.
‘The government has a responsibility to the community that our hospitals are well run and managed and focused on patient care and treatment,’ he said.
‘This issue certainly needs to be examined and both the government and the local LHD need to be open and transparent with the community about what changes will be put in place to ensure local residents are getting access to a first-class health service.’
Mr Hayes said the HSU had extended an open invitation to hospital management to meet and discuss initiatives to improve the workplace culture.
‘The hospital is a first-rate facility, but currently, it’s a third-rate working environment,’ he said.
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