Public Health
We won! No job cuts at Maclean District Hospital
Maclean is celebrating a decision from the Northern NSW Local Health District (NNSWLHD) to withdraw a reconfiguration of Maclean District Hospital that would have resulted in the loss of two staff.
In February, NNSWLHD announced a plan to merge two inpatient wards, effectively creating a ghost ward and cutting two positions.
Nurses at the hospital received no warning about the proposal and were asked to respond within two weeks. NSW Nurses and Midwives’ Association (NSWNMA) members stood up and voiced their concerns for patient safety immediately, taking swift action and organising a community forum, which was featured on the evening news.
In just a few short weeks, the plan to cut staff has been put on hold and a new Maclean Community Advisory Group will be established by the LHD to involve local residents in any reviews of health services going forward.
The NSWNMA and its members are monitoring the situation and a petition to table in parliament is still active.