16 September 2021
A plan to recruit an extra 370 nurses and midwives for Adelaide's public hospitals has attracted criticism from the ANMF (SA Branch).
The State Government says the recruitment drive includes 120 registered nursing, midwifery and enrolled nursing positions available across the Southern Adelaide Local Health Network, 150 positions across the Central Adelaide Local Health Network and 100 positions across the Northern Adelaide Local Health Network.
However, ANMF (SA Branch) CEO/Secretary Adj Associate Professor Elizabeth Dabars AM told the ABC the positions are not new but rather they have filled gaps in existing rosters and more staff are needed.
Ms Dabars said 140 extra beds are required to ease pressure on the stretched hospital network with regular ambulance ramping outside emergency departments offering direct proof of the problems.
“They really are tinkering around the edges,’’ Ms Dabars said. “What we do need is a strategy and a strategic way of approaching this issue which means that people can be seen and treated in a timely and effective manner in a safe way and with appropriate resources and supports.’’