7 April 2021
In what must be a new low for regional health, the Balaklava hospital was left without a doctor for Good Friday and Easter Saturday.
“The idea of the hospital remaining open for business including emergency presentations whilst having no medical coverage, shows a level of dereliction of your duty of care not seen before in any LHN to our knowledge,’’ ANNMF (SA Branch) CEO/Secretary Adj Associate Professor Elizabeth Dabars AM wrote to the CEO of the Yorke and Northern Local Health Network.
“Members have stated that management were aware of the lack of medical support on Thursday 1 April 2021, and no provisions were made to divert SAAS or make other arrangements.
“On the Friday early shift, the most senior staff member in the hospital was a year 2 RN and they were left running an Emergency Department. All staff on the weekend felt overwhelmed by the situation and greatly under supported, the DON was contacted numerous times for assistance and guidance.
“We have been informed that Nursing Management failed to attend the facility to offer assistance and guidance. SAAS were still arriving with unwell patients and staff were simply informed to send all patients they were concerned about to the Lyell McEwin Hospital for assessment.
“This failure of leadership is unacceptable.’’
We have requested an urgent response from hospital management by COB today.
Read the full letter
here.