The Health Minister has told critics of the decision to send nurses from the Royal Hobart Hospital to Launceston on an ‘all-expenses-paid trip’ to fill in for sick staff to “get a grip”.
Guy Barnett’s comments came after the Australian Nursing and Midwifery Federation (ANMF) said two nurses were sent north at short notice over the weekend after an urgent text message was sent out to staff.
“I think it’s very clear that it’s Team Tasmania at work. We have one health system in Tasmania,” Barnett said.
“It’s a free world. I’m sure if the nurses would like to operate in another part of Tasmania … then that’s a matter for those in management and those nurses relevant.”
“Having a nurse who’s based in Hobart actually from time to time or when required working in Launceston is totally fine. I mean, let’s get a grip of ourselves. This is reasonable. It’s acceptable.”
ANMF Secretary Emily Shepherd said the situation “speaks volumes” about current workforce shortages, suggesting that sometimes half of the 24 staff needed for a shift are not rostered on.
Shepherd said while it is not unheard of for staff to be asked to work in other regions, it is unusual, unsustainable and could lead to staff burnout.
The Health Department views the practice of filling gaps with staff from other regions as normal and said the callout was made due to unplanned sick leave.
They said it is not unusual for staff to work across different sites and that the cost of meals and accommodation is typically covered.
Barnett said 138 new nurses have been employed across the state since April, adding more doctors, nurses, paramedics and allied health professionals will be employed in the next year.
“We’re on the go and I thank those in the health service for what they do. They’re awesome. It’s 24 hours a day, seven days a week and I’m so thankful for their work,” he said.
