Australian Nursing and Midwifery Federation appalled as Whyalla Hospital shuts birth unit

The nurses union warns more services “will ultimately close” unless new incentives for regional nurses are offered.

As Whyalla Hospital’s birthing unit temporarily shuts from Monday due to a midwife shortage, the nurses’ union warns more services “will ultimately close” unless the state government makes good on increasing incentives for regional staff.

The Australian Nursing and Midwifery Federation was “appalled” no rural incentives to attract and retain nurses in rural areas were included in this month’s state budget as expected.

In saying the Whyalla closure was “entirely avoidable”, state secretary Elizabeth Dabars revealed on Saturday the union would meet with Health Minister Chris Picton this week to discuss the issue.

Australian Nursing and Midwifery (SA Branch) CEO Elizabeth Dabars. Picture: Keryn Stevens

“The ANMF has been seeking a comprehensive suite of rural and regional incentives and allowances to attract and retain nurses and midwives for years,” Ms Dabars said.

“Successive governments have failed to put strategies in place. This includes both the immediate past government, who rejected our proposals outright during enterprise-agreement negotiations and instead put ‘guidelines’ in place with no resourcing.

“In relation to the current government, we have been completely frustrated by the fact we were given a commitment to resolve this issue by negotiation but those negotiations, while initially promising, have so far failed to bear any fruit.

“Given these negotiations, we were particularly appalled to see no reference to any resources to address this issue in the most recent budget.

“Everyone knows the issues but there is a lack of action. If the government continues to fail to act, services will continue to be fragile and will ultimately close.”

Health Minister Chris Picton Picture: NCA NewsWire / Brenton Edwards

Ms Dabars sent a letter last month to Mr Picton expressing her deep concern about nurse and midwife shortages and outlining solutions, including increased incentives.

The letter noted: “We have been advocating for rural and regional incentives and allowances for approximately 12 months with still no resolution.

“It is important to resolve these issues to attract and retain nurses and midwives in the long term.”

Mr Picton said the government continued to consider ways to better attract and retain regional health staff.

“We are offering financial incentives to health workers who relocate here from interstate and overseas, as well as for existing SA health workers who move from metro to country regions,” he said.

“Successful applicants who sign contracts with SA Health before the end of the year will be eligible for financial reimbursements of up to $15,000. This will help cover relocation costs such as travel, short-term accommodation, and other reasonable expenses.”