Discussions over hospital's Ward 5 Provisional Improvement Notice continue

A109 Light Utility Helicopter flight with mayor Gisborne City from the air in November 2023.

Discussions are continuing five months after a Provisional Improvement Notice (PIN) was issued to Gisborne Hospital’s Ward 5 because of concerns about staffing levels.

A PIN legally requires an employer to address a health and safety issue before a certain time — in this case within eight days, according to New Zealand Nursing Organisation (NZNO).

The Gisborne PIN was served on December 20 of last year by the health and safety representative for Ward 5 after staff voted overwhelmingly in support as they believe staffing  shortages were making it unsafe for patients and staff.

NZNO media and communications adviser Rob Zorn told The Gisborne Herald that delays had been caused by WorkSafe inspectors being on leave, Cyclone Gabrielle and Te Whatu Ora/Health NZ being late in providing evidence to WorkSafe.

NZNO was due to meet again with WorkSafe.

“Unfortunately, these discussions are supposed to be confidential so we can’t really say much more as long as negotiations continue,” Mr Zorn said.

In December, NZNO Tairāwhiti delegate Christine Warrander said every time there was an acute staffing shortage it meant a patient was at risk of not getting the correct care they needed.

“PINs like these highlight exactly why so many experienced nurses are moving overseas to safer environments, and we just don’t have the nurses to replace them,” she said.

The PIN recommends reducing the bed count in Ward 5 from 25 beds to 20 to ease the pressure on staff.