❓ Hon. Neil Thomson questions the Minister for Health regarding reduced operating hours and staffing shortages at Wyndham Hospital, and other Kimberley health facilities. The Minister acknowledges workforce challenges exacerbated by COVID-19 and outlines recruitment efforts and accommodation upgrades.
AnsweredQoN 881Legislative Council
QuestionView source ↗
WYNDHAM HOSPITAL — STAFF
881. Hon NEIL THOMSON to the minister representing the
Minister for Health:
I refer to the ABC news article from
20 October titled ''WA Country Health Service cuts operating hours at
Wyndham Hospital amid nurse shortage''.
(1) Why was a decision made to
reduce operating hours at Wyndham Hospital?
(2) What is the appropriate
operational FTE level at Wyndham Hospital?
(3) What is the current FTE level at
Wyndham Hospital?
(4) Is the minister aware of any other public health
facilities in the Kimberley that are not appropriately staffed ; and, if
so, please identify these facilities?
(5) Noting the state government's $5.8 billion
surplus, what specific measures is the minister taking to increase staffing levels at Wyndham Hospital?
881. Hon NEIL THOMSON to the minister representing the
Minister for Health:
I refer to the ABC news article from
20 October titled ''WA Country Health Service cuts operating hours at
Wyndham Hospital amid nurse shortage''.
(1) Why was a decision made to
reduce operating hours at Wyndham Hospital?
(2) What is the appropriate
operational FTE level at Wyndham Hospital?
(3) What is the current FTE level at
Wyndham Hospital?
(4) Is the minister aware of any other public health
facilities in the Kimberley that are not appropriately staffed ; and, if
so, please identify these facilities?
(5) Noting the state government's $5.8 billion
surplus, what specific measures is the minister taking to increase staffing levels at Wyndham Hospital?
AnswerView source ↗
I thank the honourable member for
some notice of the question. The following answer is provided on behalf of the
Minister for Health.
(1) It was
because of workforce shortages and personnel security concerns, and to reflect
staffing availability, which has been exacerbated during the COVID-19 pandemic.
This challenge is being experienced across the entire country.
(2)–(3) It
is 20.5 FTEs for a 24/7 service and 13 FTEs for the current operating hours,
with two FTE Aboriginal employees to commence shortly, increasing staffing to
15 FTEs.
(4) Rosters are
reviewed daily to determine safe coverage. Workforce gaps are being experienced
across many WA Country Health Service locations.
(5) The region is
continuing recruitment efforts and progressing new strategies to attract staff
to the East and West Kimberley. Staff accommodation upgrades are being
progressed.
some notice of the question. The following answer is provided on behalf of the
Minister for Health.
(1) It was
because of workforce shortages and personnel security concerns, and to reflect
staffing availability, which has been exacerbated during the COVID-19 pandemic.
This challenge is being experienced across the entire country.
(2)–(3) It
is 20.5 FTEs for a 24/7 service and 13 FTEs for the current operating hours,
with two FTE Aboriginal employees to commence shortly, increasing staffing to
15 FTEs.
(4) Rosters are
reviewed daily to determine safe coverage. Workforce gaps are being experienced
across many WA Country Health Service locations.
(5) The region is
continuing recruitment efforts and progressing new strategies to attract staff
to the East and West Kimberley. Staff accommodation upgrades are being
progressed.
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