Statements
Nursing hours remain an issue
Shadow Health Minister Rebecca White said Labor has been raising concerns about the amount of overtime and double shifts performed by nursing staff for a number of months now.
“Rosters need to be appropriately staffed so that nurses aren’t required to do overtime and double shifts as regularly as they have been,” Ms White said.
“The announcement by the Government to cap overtime at four hours does mean that nurses will be leaving half way through an ordinary shift.
“If the Government does not properly resource the roster to make sure that there are enough nurses working each shift this could have terrible consequences for staff and patients if clinical needs aren’t met.
“It could also lead to more cancellations of surgery due to staff shortages.
“The Government needs to work collaboratively with the ANMF and all staff to ensure that staff and patient needs are met.”
Rebecca White MP Shadow Health Minister