EXCESSIVE overtime and unsafe staffing levels inside John Hunter Hospital's emergency department (ED) has stretched nurses beyond their limits, the NSW Nurses and Midwives' Association says.
Members gathered outside the hospital on Thursday to raise awareness of the staffing issues that "plague" the ED. They said Hunter New England Health had been unwilling to address the concerns detailed in an open letter signed by 500 ED clinicians and supporting services that was sent to the chief executive in July. They are calling on the NSW government to introduce nurse-to-patient ratios on every shift, including a ratio of 1:3 in the ED.
Kieran Patterson, NSWNMA delegate for the hospital branch, said one registered nurse worked 11 days straight, including 12-hour shifts.
"We are burnt out and tired," she said.
"We've had nurses working shifts of up to 18 hours in the ED, while others have been required to work significant overtime to cover regular sick leave and rostering shortfalls."
Branch steward and ED nurse, Keely Parkes, said patients were facing "huge waiting times" and were often forced to wait for treatment in corridors or the emergency entrance.
"This is obviously unsafe for our patients and their families. We believe the upcoming closure and scaling back of the GP Access After Hours service will further increase presentations to our ED, making the conditions even worse," she said.
