21 October 2020
The Special Care Baby Unit at the Women’s and Children’s Hospital for sick and premature infants is undergoing a redevelopment. The first stage is now complete with the 31-bed unit ready to be occupied.
Members have been very concerned about inadequate nursing numbers per shift to provide care to their young patients.
They have been steadfast in their position and were successful in gaining an extra person on night duty.
The new plan will see:
- the additional nurse/midwife on night duty (three month trial) and
- A Business Rules Review in place with a specific escalation tool in development for implementation if extra staff are required in the event of more than 31 babies being admitted.
- Fortnightly meetings to address issues as they arise.