A WA parliamentary question addresses reduced operating hours at Wyndham Hospital since October 2021, seeking clarification on the temporary nature of the changes, restoration timeline, and reports of staff working triple shifts. The Minister's response indicates the hospital remains operational 24/7, workforce changes are temporary, and denies knowledge of triple shifts.

AnsweredQoN 1312Legislative Council
Asked
19 October 2023
Portfolio
Health

QuestionView source ↗

WYNDHAM HOSPITAL — OPERATING HOURS
1312. Hon MARTIN ALDRIDGE to the Leader of the House
representing the Minister for Health:
I refer to the reduction in
operating hours at Wyndham Hospital that occurred in October 2021 and remains
in place two years later.
(1) Does the state government still
maintain this closure is temporary?
(2) What is the time line to
restore full services to Wyndham Hospital?
(3) Is the
minister aware of any occasions when healthcare staff at Wyndham Hospital have
been asked to work triple-shifts, and what is the minister doing to stop this
unsafe and unacceptable work practice?

AnswerView source ↗

I thank the
honourable member for some notice of the question.
(1) The Wyndham
Hospital service remains operational 24/7. The nursing workforce changes are
temporary, based on nurse supply and availability.
(2) The changes
made are temporary and services will be re-established, subject to consistent
and sustainable workforce availability.
(3) No. When
staff work additional hours, appropriate measures are taken to ensure safe
practice. At all times, staff are encouraged to escalate concerns to executives
for support.

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