‘Terror’: Hospital shifts without doctors face strike

“Nurses come to work very worried not knowing what we will face, and the only support we have is ourselves.”

Randell was concerned that the situation was putting patients at risk.

“Nurses are doing the best they can based on their training – we can’t prescribe and we can’t know.”

Nurses also worry that their registration could be on the line if something goes wrong during a shift without a doctor, Randell said.

“I don’t know how long our nurses will want to work in these conditions… It’s clear that we are taking action and we are not willing to work in these conditions.”

Dargaville residents Peter and Bernadette Bristow were among the local residents to show support for the nurses’ strike.

Peter Bristow said the shortage of doctors at Dargaville Hospital overnight was “appalling”.

“We see the Government withdrawing from more responsibilities to take care of the sick and those who are struggling in society.”

For friends living in Ruawai with a sick child, it means they have to travel to Whangārei when the child is sick. He said that the round trip takes two and a half hours and is an expense that many families cannot afford.

Peter Bristow is also concerned that doctors and nurses at the hospital are working under too much stress, and has recommended more money for staffing levels.

The strike is also backed by the Association of Salaried Medical Specialists, where industry official Sarah Thompson says doctors are also under pressure.

“We are in a health crisis and it is very high in rural hospitals at the moment, especially in Dargaville.

“Staff shortages across the system mean that health care is not at its best, and nurses and doctors want to see public health invested in them – it means the workforce is safe.”

Although Thompson admitted that there is a problem in recruiting doctors, he said this can be solved by paying attention to the work that doctors do and giving them incentives to work in provincial areas.

Health workers are the most important, Health NZ says

Alex Pimm from Health New Zealand Te Whatu Ora Te Tai Tokerau said dealing with the pressures facing medical staff was a priority.

“In particular, work is ongoing locally to help resolve issues raised by Dargaville staff and [the nurses’ organisation]. We had very good meetings with health and safety representatives and [the union] and we will continue to work with them to resolve any remaining issues,” he said.

Pimm recognized the important work of nurses and health care assistants in hospitals such as Dargaville.

“Health NZ recognizes the significant contribution that nurses and health care assistants make to the health system, and thanks them for the important role they play in meeting the health needs of whānau and our nation.”

Emergency measures were put in place to ensure safe and effective care during the strike, with the hospital remaining open and treating less than 10 patients.

Pimm said earlier that a variety of short-term and long-term solutions are being implemented to ease the workforce’s woes.

“This includes continuing to hire all staff, while we review our inventory to increase day-to-day security. In addition, the four hospitals within Te Tai Tokerau are working closely together. to share the power of the hospital where it is appropriate to meet the needs of the patients.”

Members of the NZ Nurses Union will launch their collective agreement with a peaceful rally outside the Whangārei office of Health Minister Dr Shane Reti.

The action will take place on Friday from 2pm to 3pm, encouraging Health NZ to ensure there are enough staff.

Denise Piper is a news reporter for the Northern Advocate, which focuses on health and business. He has over 20 years of experience in journalism and is passionate about delivering stories that make a difference.