Nursing staff shortages force cuts in health service access during holiday period

Regional communities face a reduction in health service availability during the summer holiday season. Photo: PeopleImages.

Temporary service changes will be in place at five of the Murrumbidgee Local Health District (MLHD) multipurpose service (MPS) facilities over the Christmas and summer holidays to address workforce shortages.

MLHD said in its announcement that securing healthcare staff in regional areas was challenging for the Murrumbidgee region and across Australia.

Despite extensive recruitment efforts, several MLHD facilities have nursing vacancies they have been unable to fill.

From this week (18 December), the temporary changes will be introduced at Batlow, Berrigan, Boorowa, Coolamon-Ganmain and Urana MPS and remain in place until 29 January, 2024.

“The temporary changes will support our dedicated staff and ensure the continuation of safe, high-quality healthcare services for all patients while nursing recruitment continues,” MLHD said.

“MLHD recognises and is deeply thankful for the outstanding commitment and tireless efforts of our nurses and midwives.

“We acknowledge this is disappointing for the impacted communities and apologise for the inconvenience this may cause. We are working closely with NSW Ambulance to maintain a 24/7 response to emergency care.”

The temporary changes at these facilities are:

Batlow MPS: The emergency department will be open between 7 am and 9 pm. Patients requiring ED treatment between 9 pm and 7 am should present to Tumut Hospital or, in case of emergency, call triple zero for an ambulance.

Berrigan MPS: The emergency department will be open between 7 am and 9 pm. Patients requiring ED treatment between 9 pm and 7 am should present to Finley Hospital or, in case of emergency, call triple zero for an ambulance.

Boorowa MPS: The emergency department will be open between 7 am and 9 pm. Patients requiring ED treatment between 9 pm and 7 am should present to Murrumburrah-Harden Health Service or, in case of emergency, call triple zero for an ambulance.

Coolamon-Ganmain MPS: The emergency department will be open between 7 am and 5 pm. Patients requiring ED treatment between 5 pm and 7 am should present to Junee MPS or call triple zero for an ambulance in case of emergency.

Urana MPS: From Monday, 18 December, patients requiring ED treatment should present to Lockhart MPS or, in case of emergency, call triple zero for an ambulance.

If an illness or injury is not life-threatening, people are encouraged to visit their GP or call Healthdirect Australia on 1800 022 222, which is a 24-hour telephone health line staffed by registered nurses to provide fast, expert advice on any health issue and what to do next.