Staffing crisis at North Shore Hospital reflects public dissatisfaction

The long-term staffing crisis at North Shore Hospital reflects high levels of public dissatisfaction with the service provided, says National's Associate Health spokesman and MP for Northcote, Dr Jonathan Coleman.

"I recently conducted a postal survey of the Northcote electorate,” says Dr Coleman.

“Of the 2,458 respondents who were asked whether the service provided at North Shore Hospital met their expectations, 28% said the service did not meet expectations, 43% said it did, and a further 29% answered that they didn't know whether the service met their expectations or not.

"Assuming that the ‘don't knows’ haven't had to call on the services of North Shore Hospital, 40% of people who have experienced North Shore Hospital felt services did not meet their expectations.

"This Government has known for years that there is a workforce crisis, and I have been receiving regular anecdotal reports of pressure on North Shore Hospital staff – from staff members themselves as well as members of the public.

"The situation at North Shore is entirely predictable, given the Government's seven years of inaction on workforce development.

“Apart from 42 reports on workforce development, there's been little else done to address staffing problems. It’s no surprise there are vacancies for 95 nurses and seven junior doctors.

"It's safe to assume that the staffing crisis at North Shore Hospital is contributing to these high levels of public dissatisfaction,” says Dr Coleman.

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