Concern at nurse’s ‘18-hour’ shift

Concerns have been raised about staffing levels at Geraldton Hospital, with claims a nurse had no choice but to work 18 hours straight during a recent spike in nurses’ overtime. It comes amid revelations in State Parliament that Geraldton nursing staff worked almost 2200 overtime hours in May and June alone. WA Health Minister Roger Cook declined to confirm or deny whether a nurse had been compelled to work an 18-hour shift, instead saying staff were not obliged to work overtime but may be asked from time to time. “To make sure the hospital can respond to community need, particularly during peak periods and throughout periods of unexpected leave, overtime is sometimes included in our rostering,” he said. Mr Cook said all rosters were developed to meet required standards set out in all relevant industrial agreements. “Overtime hours are also approved in this manner and with appropriate rest breaks and other measures to ensure staff health and wellbeing,” he said. Member for Geraldton Ian Blayney said a patient at the hospital, concerned for the wellbeing of nursing staff who had no choice but to work extra hours, told him about a recent overtime spike in which one nurse had to work 18 hours continuously. He said the issue was of “great concern”. Mr Blayney said data obtained in Parliament had confirmed nursing staff overtime of more than 70 per cent in May and June this year compared with April. “I want to ensure that staff are supported to do their jobs and patients receive the care that they deserve in a timely manner,” he said. “Almost 2200 overtime hours were worked in May and June alone, which is not only having an impact on staff, but also on the budget allocated to Geraldton Hospital, due to the burden of higher staffing costs.” He called on the minister to review the causes and consider employing more permanent nursing staff at the hospital.