Nurse Shifts

The Hodgman Liberal Government is improving the way our health system operates so that patients get the care they need and deserve.

Unlike previous Governments, we have spoken openly with the public about the many serious problems in the health system – problems that Labor tried to keep secret.

The long-standing issue of double shifts is a serious concern for our hospitals and the Double Shift Working Group, which includes representation from the THS and the ANMF, has investigated the issue closely and developed strategies to reduce the number of double shifts occurring in our hospitals.

The safety of our patients and the health of our staff is paramount.

The impacts of extended nursing shift lengths are well documented in contemporary literature, with double shifts placing nurses and midwives at risk of fatigue and other health issues and ultimately putting both patient and staff safety at additional risk.

Today I am pleased to announce that I will issue a Ministerial Policy under Section 42 of the Tasmanian Health Organisations Act 2011, to mandate a cap of 12 hours on the maximum nursing shift length.

Under the policy, a shift exceeding 12 hours will only be permissible in exceptional circumstances, when approved by the Executive Director of Nursing for the relevant region, or an appropriate delegate.

The policy will introduced Statewide and come into effect from Monday, 18 January 2016. This lead time is for the development of necessary administrative arrangements for the policy.

In August, The Hodgman Liberal Government announced an additional 40 FTE were being recruited to the Royal Hobart Hospital permanent pool, to be allocated to wards on a basis of need, as well as the 9.58 FTE for the Launceston General Hospital.

These staff who are currently be recruited will help provide cover for staff on sick leave, reducing pressure on casual nursing and on double shifts, providing greater flexibility for wards to flex open beds to deal with change in demand, providing greater staff availability.

We are also recruiting an additional 15 graduate nurses this year on top of the 115 positions recruited as a minimum each year.

The graduate positions will be offered across the Tasmanian Health Service, in the three regions North, North West and South and will commence in early 2016.

Today’s announcement will put real downward pressure on double shifts in our hospitals ensuring better, safer care for patients. While it’s not a silver bullet, it is a strong step in the right direction, and is complemented by increases in nursing staff.
Michael Ferguson, Minister for Health