Nurses at Nepean Hospital in Kingswood, western Sydney, are raising concerns regarding alarming understaffing levels in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU). Alicia Rodgers, a nurse with 11 years of experience at the hospital, highlighted that the unit frequently accommodates more patients than its funded capacity of 12 beds, compromising the safety of the care provided to vulnerable newborns.
Rodgers emphasised that these infants, often as critically ill as patients in adult intensive care units, are not receiving adequate staffing levels, which are essential for their health and well-being. The current staffing ratio has led to nurses feeling stretched thin, with many resorting to overtime and double shifts. This situation not only poses risks to the infants’ care but also to the well-being of nursing staff, leading to fatigue and burnout.
Furthermore, the NICU’s lack of additional staff hampers the ability to deliver beyond basic care. Mothers and families are also affected, often missing out on necessary support during such a critical time. Currently, the hospital only has a part-time lactation consultant available to assist new mothers, leaving a significant gap in care for both patients and their families.
Rodgers and her colleagues from the NSW Nurses and Midwives’ Association are urging the NSW government to address this staffing crisis. They are advocating for increased funding and staff to ensure that NICU can provide safe and effective care. A rally is planned at Nepean Hospital, calling for government action to rectify the situation.
Rodgers stated, “We are desperate to provide the most safe and effective care possible… Our NICU deserves the same commitment as emergency departments and adult ICUs.” The nurses believe that improving staffing levels is crucial not only for the care of newborns but also for the overall health of the hospital environment.
Overall, the current conditions at Nepean Hospital’s NICU reveal a serious need for systemic change to safeguard the future of vulnerable newborns and support the dedicated nursing staff providing their care.