Nurses’ Professional Association of Queensland warns hospital of significant financial consequences

A nurses’ union has warned a Far North Queensland hospital failure to address staff parking issues could cost more than $90,000 if safety measures are not prioritised.

Nurses’ Professional Association of Queensland is warning Cairns and Hinterland Hospital and Health Service of significant financial consequences. Picture: Supplied

A nurses’ union has warned a Far North Queensland hospital failure to address staff parking issues could cost more than $90,000 if safety measures are not prioritised.

Queensland nurses revealed in a recent union survey that they no longer feel safe leaving work after evening shifts and are now boycotting them.

However, a Cairns hospital and health executive said efforts to find safety and parking solutions for staff had been made.

In response to the concerns raised, the Cairns Post launched Operation Safe Zone calling for additional off-site staff parking and a free shuttle service.

Healthcare crisis: nurses on the verge of quitting amid safety concerns. Supplied.

These measures include a security escort service to assist staff safely back to their cars seven days a week who are working between 6.30pm and midnight.

Cairns and Hinterland Hospital and Health Service chief executive Leena Singh said she understood the challenges posed by limited parking options.

“Safety of our staff is our highest priority,” Ms Singh said.

“Our security team does a fantastic job protecting staff, patients and visitors within the hospital boundaries, but they cannot restrain individuals or intervene in incidents outside the hospital.”

Cairns hospital and health executive Leena Singh pushed back, claiming they have made efforts to find safety and parking solutions for staff. Picture: Brendan Radke

While recognising the lack of parking spaces, Ms Singh said finding solutions weren’t simple.

“I can assure you, CHHHS is deeply committed to supporting our healthcare workers... however, as our population grows, parking demand will remain a reality,” Ms Singh said.

“Public transport needs to be more accessible and reliable to encourage consistent use.”

Data from the survey shared with the Cairns Post revealed concerning trends, including several attacks on hospital staff earlier this year.

Of the 530 nurse respondents, 55.1 per cent reported no external security measures, like duress alarms.

Kara Thomas, says Queensland hospitals are not doing enough to protect their staff. Photo Steve Polhner

Nurses’ Professional Association of Queensland president Kara Thomas said hospital staff should feel safe coming and going from work.

“These unsafe conditions potentially violate Queensland’s Work Health and Safety Act,” Ms Thomas said.

Numerous members of NPAQ indicated they would “consider leaving” or are “avoiding shifts” due to safety concerns and parking issues.

Nurse have said they tie their hair back, keys held in a defensive grip, and phone in hand while walking to her car after a shift. Picture: Supplied.

Ms Thomas warned CHHHS that parking issues could lead to significant financial consequences for the hospital, with the cost of recruiting and training a replacement nurse estimated at $60,000-$90,000 per position.

“The financial impact of inaction far exceeds the cost of implementing safety measures we’ve requested,” she said.

Ms Singh said regular meetings were taking place with Cairns Regional Council to address parking in the hospital area.

However, she said the precinct – home to two hospitals, one of the largest schools in Far North Queensland, the esplanade, holiday accommodation and various businesses – had parking issues affecting everyone, not just staff.

“It’s important to understand this issue affects not only staff but also patients, visitors and anyone else wanting to park in the precinct,” Ms Singh said.

“Unfortunately, there simply isn’t enough vacant land to accommodate everyone.”

On average each weekday, 1600-1700 patients, including 225 emergency department arrivals and 800-1000 outpatient appointments, along with their visitors, compete for parking alongside about 2000 staff members.

Cairns and Hinterland Hospital and Health Service chief executive Leena Singh unveiled a new memorial dedicated to former Cairns staff members Lynette Muller and Jack Carter, who were killed by radiology student Gregory Keith Prince on March 30, 1995. PHOTO: Brian Cassey

“Street parking is not within the control of the health service, so we can’t dictate how it’s managed,” Ms Singh said.

The Far North Queensland Hospital Foundation manages the seven-storey car park at Cairns Hospital, which has 667 spaces.

“It operates on a first-come, first-served basis, and by 3pm, the car park is typically about 80 per cent full,” Ms Singh said.

“Availability generally improves later in the afternoon, though occupancy can increase during periods of heavy rain or challenging weather.”

When asked about collaborating with Cairns Regional Council on a free bus shuttle service, Ms Singh confirmed discussions have been had.

“We’re exploring land options to create a park-and-ride system for staff,” she said.

Originally published as Nurses’ Professional Association of Queensland warns hospital of significant financial consequences