General News
24 August, 2023
Night shifts change for better care
West Wimmera Health Service has introduced a change in night shifts across all of its hospitals and aged care facilities, following a positive consultation with their staff. The health service said the Jeparit, Kaniva, Rainbow, Natimuk and Nhill...
West Wimmera Health Service has introduced a change in night shifts across all of its hospitals and aged care facilities, following a positive consultation with their staff.
The health service said the Jeparit, Kaniva, Rainbow, Natimuk and Nhill hospitals and aged care facilities will be changing to 10-hour shifts overnight, and the move will include a “raft of benefits for both patients and staff.”
The Executive Director of Clinical Services, Cheree Schneider said staff were overwhelmingly in support of the change.
“We continually look for ways to improve our employee and patient experience, and we think this will be positive for all involved, with staff pleased about the new rostering periods,” she said.
“We’re also grateful for the support of the Australian Nursing and Midwifery Federation and the Health Workers Union in bringing about this positive change.”
For staff, the 10-hour night shifts mean they work fewer days in a week - where fulltime staff were working five rostered nights with two off, they will now be working only four nights with three off.
The change will allow for longer periods of rest between shifts, more time for recovery and self-care, and potentially less time spent commuting to and from work.
The overlap between the morning and afternoon shifts will also enable time for education sessions, quality activities and staff meetings.
Chief Executive Ritchie Dodds has commended the collaboration between organisations that brought about the change.
“It’s heartening to see everyone working together on ways to enhance our care, particularly so in a way that supports the health and wellbeing of our frontline warriors,” he said.
“It’s all part of our aspiration to make West Wimmera Health Service a great place to work for everyone.”
The longer shifts will allow for more consistent care to patients and residents, with staff getting increased blocks of time to focus on providing care and building rapport with patients and residents.
It will also mean dedicated time for handing over patient care, thereby providing greater continuity of service, with fewer chances for miscommunication between shifts.