Solving Emergency Department Nursing Shortages

Solving Emergency Department Nursing Shortages

"Reports that Wellington's Emergency Department will increase nursing numbers raises issues about our nationwide nursing shortages," said Geoff Annals, New Zealand Nurses' Organisation CEO today.

"Although any steps to address the current crisis will be welcomed by nurses, the real issue of nursing shortages will not be solved until the issue of nurses' pay is solved."

Geoff Annals said not only are the nursing shortages within DHBs, but there was also a shortage of nurses available to fill the gaps.

"We already have nursing shortages around the country and when the pressure goes on, nurses are stretched to the limit," he said.

"One of the main reasons for the shortage is the fact that nurses are simply not paid what they are worth."

Geoff Annals said NZNO has embarked on a major campaign to win fair pay for nurses.

"Until that campaign is won, there will be recruitment and retention problems in nursing in New Zealand," he said.

Geoff Annals said DHBs need emergency plans to ensure safe nursing levels so that situations did not occur where there was insufficient or unsafe staffing.

"When there are insufficient resources, whether they are be they staff shortages or bed shortages, there should be an emergency plan in place to ensure that care is safe,' he said.

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