Home›Questions on Notice›QoN 2109

❓ Hon Martin Aldridge asks a detailed question regarding nursing staff levels, overtime, agency usage, recruitment challenges, and retention strategies within the WA Country Health Service (WACHS). The answer refers to another question, QoN 2071.

AnsweredQoN 2109Legislative Council

Asked

7 May 2019

Member

Hon Martin Aldridge

Portfolio

Health

QuestionView source ↗

I refer to WA Country Health Service (WACHS) nursing staff at hospitals and nursing posts, and I ask: (a) what is the frequency and length of overtime conducted by nursing staff by site for 2017-18 and 2018-19 to date; (b) what is the maximum period of time a nurse may remain on shift in accordance with WACHS policies; (c) will the Minister please list the 10 greatest shift lengths by location in each of the financial years 2017-18 and 2018-19 to date; (d) which sites are relying upon agency nursing staff in 2017-18 and 2018-19 to date by site and cost; (e) how many nursing positions were advertised by site in 2017-18 and 2018-19 to date, which have not been filled and identify the reason for not being able to fill the position; (f) what is the government’s strategy and plan to address nurse shortages in regional locations; (g) which sites are offering additional incentives to nursing staff to attract or retain them in the community from sources other than Government; (h) of those identified in (g), what is the nature of the incentive and who is providing the incentive; and (i) for each site, what is the minimum nursing standard to be rostered at during normal hours of operation?