Why Are The Waiting Times In Public Hospital Emergency Departments So Long Essay Example

access to emergency departments and surgical treatment, while also reducing infections in NSW public hospitals.

A recent survey conducted by NSW health (4) revealed an improvement in overall performance among non-admitted public patients who sought care at the Emergency Department. Between 2007 and 2009, there was a slight rise from 81.7% to 82%.

The text reveals that 6% of patients give a rating of "very good" for the overall care provided, but express dissatisfaction with the wait time. Both the government and frontline healthcare staff share responsibility for this issue. The Nurses Union has noticed a rise in stress-related leaves and a decrease in job satisfaction among its members over the past 5 years. One nurse emphasized, "Our expectations have risen, which has taken a toll on us. We have more patients and tasks to handle without any increase in compensation. The stress is not worth it. Nursing is about caring, but who cares about us?" The report also points out an increase in nurses' working hours from 32 hours.

Between 2003 and 2007, the average hours worked by nurses increased significantly from 5 to 33.3, which is a concerning trend that adds more stress on our nurses.

Furthermore, the percentage of nurses aged 50 and above also rose from 28% in 2003 to 33% in 2007.

Ms. Kearney emphasized the importance of addressing the challenges posed by Australia's ageing healthcare workforce, specifically in relation to nurses. She highlighted the need to increase nursing undergraduate slots and make the profession more appealing due to an expected retirement rate of 40% within a decade. In response, the government has allocated additional funding to support NSW public hospitals in managing the increasing

number of patients and their impact on medical staff.

This funding allows for expanded patient services, extended after-hour care, reduced emergency waiting times, and increased recruitment of healthcare professionals like nurses and general practitioners. These efforts have already yielded positive results with further improvements planned for the next ten years.

Reference

1. Linnell. C "Let the workers run the business" The Daily Telegraph, 7th April, p22
2. Fairfax media. Pyrmont Sydney Australian Nursing Federation "Medilecon International" Ltd Bexhill UK Etd 2004
3. "NSW Health Budget 2009/2010"
4. Premier's report. "NSW Health Budget 2010/2011"
5. Premier's report. NSW health 2009
6. "NSW state report" executive summary Feb 2009 http://www.health.

The website for the budget of the NSW government can be accessed at nsw.gov.au/aboutus/budget/index.asp. Additionally, information regarding the health action plan is available at healthactionplan.nsw.gov.

The text below is a link to the website "http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/16741php", accessed on 8/04/11 at 1:22 AM.