Page 4006 - Week 14 - Tuesday, 23 October 1990
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MINISTER FOR HEALTH, EDUCATION AND THE ARTS
LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY QUESTION
QUESTION TAKEN ON NOTICE ON 18 SEPTEMBER 1990
Woden Valley Hospital
MR STEVENSON - asked the Minister for Health, Education and the Arts:
How many outpatients and how many inpatients are handled each week by Ward 12B at Woden Valley Hospital? How many doctors and nursing staff are available or on duty at any one time and are these staffing levels adequate or are patients often left to their own devices?
MR HUMPHRIES - The answer to Mr Stevensons question is:
In recent months the average number of inpatients at any one time in Ward 12B has been 28, with approximately 12 to 14 new admissions per week. Ward 12B does not conduct an official outpatient clinic, however, outpatients do attend the ward (usually soon after discharge or if inpatient admission is being considered). Approximately 25 outpatients are seen in this capacity per week.
There are two full-time and two part-time psychiatrists, together With three medical officers in training who are available to provide medical services to the Ward. The number of medical staff is considered adequate, but shortfalls have occurred because vacancies have taken time to fill.
The number of nurses on duty is determined by an agreed ratio between the ACT Community and Health Service and the Australian Nursing Federation of nurses to inpatients. Should the number of nursing staff on the ward fall (for recruitment or other reasons) the available inpatient beds are adjusted downwards accordingly. The current ratio between nurses and beds is considered adequate.
I am aware that there have been complaints of patients being left to their own devices. There is some basis for this complaint as medical vacancies have been a problem in the recent past. This situation has been largely corrected and it is anticipated the remaining vacancies will be filled in the next few months. In addition the current ward design limits opportunities for recreational and diversional activity. However this will be corrected in the proposed Psychiatric Block for the Principal Hospital. There may be a need to increase occupational therapy staff, as it is proposed that the new unit will provide more adequate conditions for such activities. I)
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