|
Shortage of hospital staff now ‘critical’
By VERONICA MANUK
MAJOR hospitals throughout the country are
facing staff shortage.
The crisis forced one hospital – the Lorengau Hospital – to spend
K35,000 in the past five months to refer patients to other hospitals.
However, this has become a nationwide issue after Department of
Personnel Management failed to speed up the process of allowing
hospitals to recruit new staff.
Lorengau Hospital chief executive officer Boe Avue told The National
yesterday the level-four hospital with a capacity of 100 to 120 beds
critically needs 60 more personnel and seven doctors.
He said due to staff shortage, especially doctors, most of the patients
for general operations were referred to other major hospitals like Angau
Memorial Hospital in Lae and Port Moresby General Hospital.
Mr Avue said last September, there were 15 referrals with two more
coming this week.
He said the hospital spent almost K35,000 for the referrals.
The hospital board had submitted a proposal for additional staff and
doctors to Department of Personnel Management and were waiting for its
approval, he said.
Mr Avue said it was important that the Health Department, DPM and
Finance Department take up the issue.
He also said there are many young doctors unemployed which DPM and
Health Department should consider hiring.
Nonga Base Hospital and Angau Memorial Hospital also raised similar
concerns.
Nonga Hospital chief operating officer Dr John Maku said apart from
staff shortage their hospital is also in need of oxygen supplies.
He stressed that their staff are being overworked, adding that one nurse
is catering for 15 patients.
“That’s too much …” Dr Maku said.
Due to the problem that began last year, the Nonga Hospital board had
resolved to reduce the number of beds from 350 to 300, with the
outpatient section operating only from 8am to 4pm instead of 24 hours.
The hospital has also discharged patients early to complete treatment at
home or in other hospitals.
 
|
