Ex-nurse blows the whistle

The nurse, who didn’t wish to be named for fear of reprisals, spoke of a department that is divided, especially between the senior nurses and the younger doctors, that is seeing a number of senior nurses leaving the hospital.

She said the intimidation went all the way to the top with the administration at the Illawarra Shoalhaven Local Health District.

“We are told to report incidents or make complaints and when we do they are just dismissed,” she said.

“We go to human resources and somehow they have already been made aware of the problems – how are you supposed to get a fair hearing in that case?

“Or we get counter claims made against us which are upheld.

“That’s what happened to me. And then they target you.

“If you talk out, you get bullied and harassed.

“And management don’t seem to want to do anything about it.

“If you’re a whistleblower and are found out you won’t get work anywhere.”

The incident in question related to the “take down” of a patient, which the nurse we spoke to thought was unwarranted.

“You stand up for your patient, yet you are made out to be the bad person,” she said.

“Management don’t listen to our concerns and then make you feel responsible.

“I was probably in the wrong and made a big deal about it, I should have just shut my mouth, but sometimes you can’t do that.

“As nurses we took an oath to protect our patients and be advocates for them.”

What followed were warning letters, mediation, a month’s enforced leave and eventually moves to other departments where she said she wasn’t required.

“When I was first notified of my meeting with management I was told I wasn’t allowed to talk to anyone about it, including the other nurses who were involved in the incident,” she said.

“I was told I would be in trouble if I spoke to anyone, that’s not fair.

“The senior nurses get into trouble for anything that happens.

“They have had enough and can’t do much more.

“Senior nurses are advanced clinicians and in the emergency department undertake procedures like inserting cannulas, taking blood and even administering pain relief without doctors.

“And they (the younger doctors and some managers) don’t like that.

“I don’t know, maybe they feel it undermines them.

“The senior nurses are leaving and that only leaves juniors in place.

“It has divided the doctors and nurses.”

She said it was sad to say but she had lost total interest in the place.

“It used to be a wonderful place to work, we were like family,” she said.

“There’s none of that anymore. And they are losing very good nurses.”

She also questioned the staff numbers on night shift.

“They have 11 nurses on afternoon shift but come nightshift it is cut back to just seven,” she said.

“Nights are often extremely busy and we don’t have enough staff to cover it.

“If we have a big resus (resuscitation) it may take three or four nurses off the floor as they work on it – that only leaves the other three or four to look after whatever other critical patients we may have and whoever else is being treated in emergency at the time.

“And that’s why there is often a build up of patients in the waiting room, we simply don’t have the staff to see them.

“We should have access to an on-call nurse if we get swamped, but management don’t see it that way.

“They are only worried about the bottom line, money. They say the statistics don’t warrant it, you can make statistics say whatever you want.

“Sometimes you are so stretched you just want to cry.

“Often we don’t take breaks, just work through.

“Most of the time we take our breaks while at the computers.” 

Hospital takes claims seriously

THE Illawarra Shoalhaven Local Health District has said any cases of bullying and harassment at Shoalhaven Hospital are taken seriously and has denied claims the emergency department is understaffed.

A spokesperson for the Illawarra Shoalhaven Local Health District (ISLHD) said Shoalhaven District Hospital continually works to maintain high quality services with a nursing staff level that is both safe and appropriate. 

“The emergency department is appropriately staffed with clinicians of all skill levels according to activity,” the spokesperson said.

“The hospital has in place a number of strategies to adjust staffing levels at any time to meet changes in demand. 

“The ISLHD and the hospital has in place robust and equitable procedures to thoroughly investigate and manage complaints and issues raised by staff. 

“Every single member of the ISLHD workforce has a responsibility to adhere to the organisation’s code of conduct – any alleged breaches of the code, including inappropriate behaviour, bullying and harassment are taken very seriously. 

“Staff are always encouraged to raise issues of concern with their direct manager/supervisor in the first instance.”

The spokesperson said there are specific policies in place which outline the complaints process for raising and managing workforce concerns and the responsibilities of the organisation in dealing with the matters. 

“These policies are well known to staff and education sessions are regularly held,” the spokesperson said.

“Staff also have the opportunity to provide feedback on all aspects of their work environment as part of ISLHD’s Staff Engagement Strategy. 

“This program works across the district to bolster the wellbeing of our staff and their workplace. 

“The ISLHD workforce is currently involved in the state-wide YourSay survey, which gives all staff the opportunity to anonymously raise concerns or provide suggestions and comments about their workplace.”

Complaints cause for concern: Ward

MEMBER for Kiama Gareth Ward, who is compiling a dossier of alleged bullying at Shoalhaven District Hospital, said some of the information he had gathered so far had given him “great cause for concern”.

Mr Ward had tabled a notice of motion in NSW parliament demanding the health department resolve the ongoing problems with airconditioning in the operating theatres at Shoalhaven Hospital. At the same time he said he was willing to call for a full investigation if he could find any evidence of the alleged bullying.

“I’ve had a handful of people contact me and I would certainly like to hear from more,” he said.

“The more information I have, the more I can do about these issues.

“Bullying in any part of the public service is unacceptable and anyone subjected to bullying in our health system can contact me and be assured of confidentiality and anonymity.

“I can’t help if I’m not armed with the information I need.”

He said he has been concerned by some of the information he has already received.

“Some of the staff members’ information has given me some great cause for concern,” he said.

“And I am following up those concerns with the Health Ministry.

“If I’m not happy with their response I will delve further.”

Mr Ward said he can be contacted at his Kiama electorate office on 4232 1082 or by email Kiama@parliament.nsw.gov.au