BY MICHAEL COOK and JESSICA ROUSE
A recent incident involving a local mother and her premature baby has highlighted the severe staff shortage issues in the state-wide Newborn and paediatric Emergency Transport Service.
The NSW Health funded Service operates 24 hours a day, seven days a week, however, the vital work they do may be hindered if it is not fully staffed at all times.
Wallsend MP Sonia Hornery is urging the government to fix the serious issue and is this week asking the government what actions they are planning to take to address the severe staff shortages.
“I’m hoping that the health minister listens and responds investigates staffing levels and improves staffing levels to make sure that we can adequately maintain the staff so that there are no shortages in the services anymore,” said Sonia Hornery.
The Transport Service provides emergency treatment and stabilisation and inter-hospital transport for very sick children up to the age of 16 which is absolutely pivotal for many families.
“Some poeple may not be aware of what they do. I certainly wasnt until I got into theis job but if you have a sick child ora sick young person, you may well require this service so we need the staff to be able to operate it. Staffing shortages in healthcare just don’t work,” said Sonia Hornery.