A controversial restructure at Canberra Hospital has drawn sharp criticism from the Australian Nursing and Midwifery Federation (ANMF), who describe the changes as “a kick in the guts for hard-working nurses” and warn of potential risks to patient safety. The restructuring, which took place in January, is currently under review by Canberra Health Services (CHS).
According to CHS, the changes were intended to streamline the nursing and midwifery workforce by realigning reporting lines. “This involved a realignment of some reporting lines to create a streamlined nursing workforce,” a CHS spokesperson stated. “Given we are nearly 12 months on, we are evaluating the impact of these changes. This includes looking at what’s working well and opportunities to do things differently.”
Union’s Concerns Over Restructure
Carlyn Fidow, the ACT branch secretary of the ANMF, expressed deep concerns about the restructure, highlighting its distressing impact on nurses and the reduction of senior positions at the hospital. “The new structure demonstrates CHS’s lack of understanding of nursing and is yet another kick in the guts for hard-working nurses,” Fidow stated.
Fidow noted that nurses have been left confused about reporting lines and that there is insufficient clarity regarding roles and responsibilities.
“[The] failure to establish clear and effective nursing governance through the restructure will have negative implications for patient safety and the morale of nurses,”
Fidow warned.
The union has also reported that the new structure has hindered its ability to secure timely and meaningful action on issues affecting nurses, midwives, and patient care. “Poorly planned restructures come at a cost – both to the workforce, workplace culture and to the health system,” Fidow added.
Further Changes on the Horizon?
In addition to the current restructuring concerns, the ANMF claims that Canberra Health Services is planning further changes to leadership within community services at the hospital. The union has requested that CHS pause these proposed changes to allow for proper consultation.
Fidow expressed frustration over the timing of these potential changes, noting that many staff, including executives who could be affected by restructuring, are on leave. “Not only has CHS got the new nursing structure wrong, but it has also just undertaken a poor consultation process to push through more organisational change,” she said.
Looking Ahead: Evaluation and Implications
The current evaluation of the restructure is being informed by an organization-wide survey, which includes both quantitative and qualitative questions, as well as a series of individual interviews and a review of relevant data. CHS aims to identify what, if any, effect the organizational change has had on the team’s ability to complete work duties.
The implications of the restructure and any further changes remain a concern for the union, which continues to advocate for the interests of nurses and midwives. As the evaluation progresses, the ANMF will likely continue to push for greater clarity and involvement in future organizational decisions.
This situation highlights the ongoing challenges in balancing administrative efficiency with the need to maintain a supportive and effective working environment for healthcare professionals. The outcomes of the evaluation and any subsequent actions by Canberra Health Services will be closely watched by stakeholders across the healthcare sector.
