Greens say Tasmanian Liberals have broken pledge not to cut frontline services

Reductions to casual nurses shift lengths is a direct breach of the Government’s promise not to cut key services, the Greens say.

The Royal Hobart Hospital. Picture: MATT THOMPSON

CUTS to nurses shifts at the Royal Hobart Hospital were a breach of the Government’s promise not to cut frontline services, the Greens say.

A Health Department memo issued to RHH managers and rostering staff obtained by the Mercury mandates shorter shifts for all casual and part-time staff undertaking additional work.

The reduction in shift times from eight hours to six is understood to have come into effect from late last week.

SHIFT CUTS MEAN INCOME CUTS, SAY NURSES

Greens health spokeswoman Rosalie Woodruff says the cut breaks a promise.

“The enforced reduction of nurses’ shift hours is the next frontline health cut under the Liberals’ efficiency dividend,” she says.

“It follows the requirement to slash 15 per cent of elective surgeries on the waiting list.

“Last week, the Health Minister, Sarah Courtney couldn’t remember how many beds would be in the finished Royal Hobart Hospital.

“Now it seems, they won’t be appropriately staffed.”

The Hodgman Liberal Government is attempting to cut spending by $450 million over the next four years. It has repeatedly promised there would be no cuts to frontline services.