Local MP Wendy Tuckerman has responded to the critical situation at Yass Hospital, saying the town was "top of mind" following extensive community outcry.
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Staff at Yass Hospital have been front and centre of recent statewide strike action, with NSW Nurses and Midwives Association representative Paul Haines warning of a complete collapse of the Yass health system.
In addition to a shortage of staff, Haines said that over Christmas 2021 paramedics were forced to staff the emergency department, a scenario that was also floated at Goulburn Base Hospital.
Beds at Yass were also closed in mid-2021 due to ongoing staff shortages and concerns around facilities have also been brought to the Goulburn MP's attention.
Mrs Tuckerman said she met with Minister for Regional Health, Bronnie Taylor MLC and the Southern Local Health District Executive Director of operations to address the deteriorating situation.
"I want a renewed focus on Yass Hospital, with better outcomes for the community and our valued health workers who are providing care for the region," Mrs Tuckerman said.
"A number of issues have been brought to my attention in recent weeks, including ongoing frustrations that just haven't been able to be resolved internally."
While conceding that there was still a long way to go, Mrs Tuckerman said a number of actions have been taken.
"While I certainly appreciate that not everything is a simple fix, we need to be more transparent on exactly what is happening," Mrs Tuckerman said.
"The relationship with the Yass Community Consolation Committee (CCC) needs to be better, the CCC is a critical link to not only knowing problems but also solving them quickly.
"Security and issues with faulty duress alarms is being rectified and expected completion of the system is June 2022. Interim measures are currently in place with Security One contracted whilst remediation works are underway.
"A security review has initiated approved plans for increase in security cameras and replacement of the faulty duress system.
"Regarding the telephone system - an external provider was engaged to investigate concerns which were resolved last month."
The Dominic Perrottet-led Liberal state government came under fire again in March when nurses and midwives walked off the job for 24 hours to protest against what they called a failure to negotiate with the union over a pay rise and staff ratios.
Again Mrs Tuckerman conceded vacancies were an ongoing issue that government would need to find a solution to.
"Staffing adequacy and vacancies are a huge issue across the health workforce right now," she said.
"In NSW, our entire health workforce has worked tirelessly during the two years of the COVID-19 pandemic, along with other frontline workers. I recognise this and am thankful for this committed workforce.
"Recruitment is underway for the current nursing vacancy with interviews completed and applicants identified. The Yass Hospital site manager position is currently advertised and closes on April 18.
"The provision of X-ray services 24/7 once relied on a single radiographer to be on call - this was unsustainable but again recruitment is now underway to solve this.
"I will continue to advocate for a strong response from the NSW Government and ensure Yass Hospital is well serviced to attract staff, to join the vibrant community which is the Yass Valley region."
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