Nursing reports

New Zealand Nurses Organisation media release, 8 December 2021

Nurses and other health workers at Auckland Metro district health boards (DHBs) say they are concerned that the picture of a robust health system painted by Wellington health officials is a far cry from the reality they face each day on the frontline.

“The country is being told over and over that the health system is fine and that we’re well-placed to handle a COVID surge,” says NZNO organiser Sarah Barker.

“That might be what DHB executives are reporting, but Auckland nurses say they’re already dealing with caseloads they can’t handle. They’re stretched to the maximum and people are falling through the cracks right now.

“Because of lockdown and the Auckland outbreak, people aren’t coming to the emergency department until they are gravely ill. There are also huge spikes in people with mental health and social issues and people whose conditions are significantly worse because COVID has delayed their much-needed surgeries.

“There just aren’t enough nurses to deal with these complex needs, and nurses say their colleagues are departing at a rate of knots.”

Ms Barker says nurses are still expected to provide adequate and expert care when working conditions are both intolerable and unsustainable.

“We don’t expect people to work in hazardous workplaces, but nurses are continually being asked to do just that, and virtually nothing is being done to manage the situation by the people with the power to do so.

“Nurses are ignored or side-lined when they raise the alarm. Agreed escalation processes that would reprioritise less urgent care are not being used to reduce pressure on our health system, and staffing shortages are not being proactively addressed.”

She says some of the things nurses suggest could be done include active recruitment campaigns; free nursing education; and making it cheaper and easier for people to visit their general practitioner.

“Nurses don’t want to be just the ambulance at the bottom of the cliff, but right now that’s about all they have capacity to do.

“I am really concerned that the Government is telling the people we can handle a COVID surge when the reality is we have 1000 health care worker vacancies across the Auckland region. This isn’t getting any better, and we’re actually in pretty deep trouble.”

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Media inquiries: Rob Zorn, NZNO Media and Communications Advisor: 027 431 2617.

New Zealand Nurses Organisation Media release, 8 December 2021.

A delegation of New Zealand Nurses Organisation (NZNO) and E tū members working in the aged care will deliver a parliamentary petition and open letter to Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern tomorrow calling on Government to mandate safe staffing levels in the Aged Care sector.

NZNO Industrial Adviser Lesley Harry says existing regulations have not been safe for many years and have not kept pace with the care requirements of senior citizens who are increasingly frail and have complex needs.

"Poor as they are, the Health and Disability Standards are vague and do not specify minimum staffing levels. Way back in 2012 the Human Rights Commission recommended that the standard indicators for safe staffing in aged care and dementia care should be compulsory to ensure the protection of both carers and older people.

"Almost a decade later and the sector is now in crisis and unable to retain experienced and skilled staff."

Ms Harry said nurses and caregivers are simply run off their feet and are unable to provide the safe care that their residents and patients deserve with vital care being missed or significantly delayed because there aren’t enough staff on the floor.

"Our senior citizens in hospitals and rest homes should be able to trust they will get the care they need when they need it and that their quality of life in their twilight years will be respected. That can’t happen when there are too few staff on hand to respond as needed."

She said COVID-19 has made the problem worse in a sector that relies on overseas nurses and carers to address workforce shortages.

"We have an escalating crisis here with inadequate staffing regulations and not enough nurses and carers wanting to work in aged care.

"Addressing heavy workloads with mandatory safe staffing would be a great start to retaining experienced and dedicated staff. With the risk of ongoing border restrictions, we need a multipronged approach to attract younger people to care for our seniors including access to affordable education and training to support growing our own.

"Caring for frail and dependant seniors is complex work and requires a high level of skill as well as sufficient staff on the floor now and into the post COVID future."

In the petition and open letter NZNO and E tū call on The Government to mandate minimum staffing levels and skills mixes, and for Government and providers to work with them on solutions to ensure a viable workforce is available and willing to care for an ever-increasing ageing population.

When: Thursday 9 December

Where: Parliament steps, Parliament Buildings, 1 Molesworth Street, Pipitea, Wellington

Time: From 1pm

Available: Members from NZNO and E tū working in aged care will be available for comment at the presentation, as well as a Grey Power representative and E tū and NZNO spokespeople. 

ENDS

For more information contact:

Rob Zorn | Communications and Media Advisor, New Zealand Nurses Organisation

Email: rob.zorn@nzno.org.nz, Tel: +64 (0)4 494 8242, Mobile: +64 (0)27 431 2617

New Zealand Nurses Organisation media release, 30 November 2021

Member-led protest action by the New Zealand Nurses Organisation (NZNO) at three district health board (DHB) head offices, planned for today, has been called off.

The protest action at the corporate offices of Canterbury, West Coast and Waikato DHBs was initiated by NZNO members angry that the DHBs had not met agreed timeframes for paying wage increases negotiated in the recent NZNO/DHB MECA negotiations, which concluded on 15 October.

Until the protest action was threatened, these three DHBs had not even responded to requests from NZNO that timeframes for payment be provided now that the six-week deadline had passed.

NZNO Industrial Adviser David Wait said he was pleased the DHBs had now agreed to pay before Christmas as was requested.

“This delay was just one more blow to our DHB members who, alongside all nursing staff in all nursing sectors, have proven their value and dedication over and over again on the frontline.”

He also said he was proud of NZNO members who collectively instigated and actively organised the protests.

“This is just one more testament to the power of member action and delegate leadership. Our MECA campaign motto was, ‘Together we are stronger’ and that has certainly proven to be the case.”

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More information

The NZNO media release, 29 November 2021, ‘NZNO to march on DHB corporate offices in protest’ is available here.

Media inquiries: Rob Zorn, NZNO Media and Communications Advisor: 027 431 2617.

New Zealand Nurses Organisation media release, 29 November 2021

Nurses and other health workers who are NZNO members will be holding demonstrations outside the corporate offices of Waikato, Canterbury and West Coast District Health Boards (DHBs) on Tuesday 30 November to protest their failure to meet pay deadlines agreed to under the recently ratified NZNO/DHB MECA (multi-employer collective agreement).

NZNO Industrial advisor David Wait says the 20 DHBs collectively said they would pay the back-dated base-rate increases and lump sum payment within six weeks of the agreed MECA. That period passed on 28 November and, while no DHB has met this deadline, 17 DHBs have at least said all payments will be made before Christmas.

“It’s really disappointing that Canterbury and West Coast DHBs have said only some of the payments will be made before Christmas with adjustments to base-rates and associated back pay not being given until mid-February.

“Even worse, Waikato DHB has not only failed to meet the agreed timeframe; It has also failed even to respond to our request for payment dates and confirmation that payments will be made before Christmas.

 “The indifferent approach shown by the three DHBs is a real affront and underscores members’ belief that they simply cannot trust their employers. Once again, the clear message from these DHBs is that their word has no value and their hard-working employees do not matter.

“Frankly it’s an absolute disgrace that they cannot even give our members the dignity of a reply over such an important matter.”

Wait said members understood that Waikato DHB had payroll issues arising from the recent hacking incident that led to them over-paying some employees.

“We understand that, but what we find so irksome is that plenty of effort has been put into recovering that money from our members by the DHB, but hardly any has gone into paying their promised increases by the agreed timeframe.

“Members are rightfully angry at this disrespect shown to them and are marching in Hamilton, Christchurch and Greymouth to demand payments are made before Christmas.

“That they are forced to do this as the holiday period approaches and on top everything else they have endured this year is just appalling. No doubt this will make the next round of MECA negotiations, scheduled for late 2022, much harder, and that is a real shame.”

Note, these protests in Canterbury, West Coast and Waikato are not strike action and members will still be showing up for work if they are rostered on at the time. Details of the protests are included below.

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Protest details

Waikato: Protesters will meet on the corner of Selwyn and Pembroke Streets, Hamilton and picket the area from 11.45am until approximately 2pm.

Christchurch: Protesters will meet at the hospital outpatients building (2 Oxford Terrace) at 11.45am and march to the corporate building for arrival at 12 Noon.

Greymouth: Protesters will meet at the café (Te Nīkau, Grey Hospital & Health Centre, Greymouth) at 12pm to march around the corporate office before proceeding to the grass area on the main road.

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Media inquiries: Rob Zorn, NZNO Media and Communications Advisor: 027 431 2617.

Health workers who have been at the frontline of the COVID-19 pandemic are being treated to free hotel mini-breaks, thanks to Hotel Council Aotearoa (HCA).

HCA, which represents about 140 hotels around New Zealand, has launched a ‘Gift A Room’ campaign which acknowledges and rewards other industries and organisations who are working hard to keep Kiwis safe and to help New Zealand in its COVID-19 recovery, despite significant challenges.

For the campaign’s inaugural year, HCA has partnered with the New Zealand Nurses Organisation (NZNO) and is gifting more than 300 room nights to its members who comprise nurses, health care assistants, kaimahi hauora and midwives.

They will be able to choose between a weekend in Auckland or Wellington, a break in the Bay of Islands, a night in Napier or a getaway to other popular tourism hot spots like Queenstown and Rotorua.

HCA’s Strategic Director James Doolan said: "Health workers have been in the frontline and have done the hard yards during the COVID pandemic and numerous lockdowns. Our ‘Gift A Room’ campaign is a way for HCA to support those in other sectors who have been working tirelessly and deserve a much-needed break.

"Our hotel workers take pride in providing guests with hospitality and a comfortable place to relax and recharge. Hoteliers’ love hosting international travellers on a trip-of-a-lifetime, but we haven’t been able to do that since our borders closed in March 2020.

"Through the ‘Gift A Room’ initiative, the hotel sector can do its best to create some positive and happy memories for hard-working health workers who have been on the frontline of our country’s health response to COVID," he said.

NZNO Acting Chief Executive Mairi Lucas says the organisation is delighted to be involved in the ‘Gift A Room’ initiative.

"Our members are incredibly dedicated and their courage, compassion and professionalism have been essential to the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic in Aotearoa New Zealand.

"The past two years have really taken a toll and come at a close personal cost to many of our members, so it is heart-warming to be able to give some of them a well-deserved break. We are most appreciative of HCA’s recognition of the sacrifices our members have made, and for them to be publicly valued and recognised in this way."

The hotel stays will be awarded through a competition-based draw. Winning NZNO members will be able to choose which destination and hotel they would like for their night away and break from work between 1 January and 30 June next year, excluding public holidays.

Hotel Council Aotearoa board members who have spearheaded the campaign include SKYCITY Hotels, Scenic Hotel Group, Sudima Hotels, Millennium and Copthorne Hotels, Event Hospitality and Entertainment, Commodore Airport Hotel, C.P. Group New Zealand and Heritage Hotels.

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For further information contact Amy Robens at Campfire, amy@campfirepr.nz or 021 399 544

Rob Zorn | Communications and Media Advisor, New Zealand Nurses Organisation

Email: rob.zorn@nzno.org.nz, Tel: +64 (0)4 494 8242, Mobile: +64 (0)27 431 2617

New Zealand Nurses Organisation media release, 25 November 2021

The New Zealand Nurses Organisation (NZNO) is pleased to announce the appointment of Paul Goulter as its new Chief Executive. Mr Goulter is currently the National Secretary of New Zealand's largest education union, NZEI Te Riu Roa, and will commence his role with NZNO on 21 February 2022.

NZNO Kaiwhakahaere Kerri Nuku says Mr Goulter is well-suited to NZNO because of his long and distinguished union career, having in the past been General Secretary of finance sector union Finsec (Now FIRST union), Secretary of the New Zealand Council of Trade Unions and a director at the Australian Council of Trade Unions. He currently serves on the Board of both the Co-operative Bank and Air New Zealand.

“He is also demonstrably committed to te Tiriti o Waitangi and eager to assist us in our organisation’s journey towards true biculturalism,” Ms Nuku said.

“This appointment has taken us some time, but foremost for us was finding the right person, no matter how long that took. We are confident we have found the right person in Paul.”

NZNO President Anne Daniels said, “Mr Goulter’s wealth of experience in creating opportunities for beneficial change in a difficult health care context will be pivotal to meeting the challenges we face together as nurses and NZNO members.”

The NZNO Board would like to thank NZNO Professional Services Manager Mairi Lucas for stepping up into the Acting Chief Executive role and for her dedication and stewardship over the last year.

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Media inquiries: Rob Zorn, NZNO Media and Communications Advisor: 027 431 2617.

New Zealand Nurses Organisation media release, 24 November 2021.

The New Zealand Nurses Organisation (NZNO) and E tū unions are appealing to care home provider BUPA to reconsider its proposal to close Harbourview Home in Porirua. 

NZNO organiser Laura Thomas said she questions the proposed closure of an aged care facility that is meeting the needs of the local Porirua community. 

“The Harbourview community is concerned that BUPA, an international ‘not for profit’ private health care company has proposed to close one of its best performing homes, despite the overwhelming support the home has from staff and residents’ families.”

She says the facility is only 24-years-old and that BUPA’s own website says it offers modern, comfortable living with terrific panoramic views of the sea and Porirua Harbour. It provides a homely environment with 58 beds for rest-home, hospital and dementia care within one building.

“This arrangement, and its sunny location, is favoured by residents’ families, many of whom live within walking distance or within the surrounding Porirua area.”

NZNO and E tū want BUPA to continue investing in the Porirua community by renovating the home.

“Not everyone wants to live in a large multi-story facility. Closing Harbourview will reduce the number of DHB permanent care beds within the Porirua region, and place additional pressure on Kenepuru Hospital at a time when it needs beds due to the COVID 19 Delta variant,” Ms Thomas said.   

She said a residents’ families group has been formed and has collectively responded to the proposal.

“We urge BUPA to acknowledge the strong local community opposition to this proposal and to keep Harbourview Home open.”

BUPA is due to make a decision on the proposal on 30 November.

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Please contact NZNO Organiser Laura Thomas on 0274 297 936 for media enquiries.

New Zealand Nurses Organisation media release, 12 November 2021

The New Zealand Nurses Organisation (NZNO) says it’s concerned staffing levels at hospitals in the Auckland Metro DHBs are putting patient care at risk.

NZNO Lead Organiser Christina Couling says that, while Government and the DHBs report they currently have enough beds, that isn’t a lot of use when there aren’t sufficient staff numbers to look after the people in those beds. 

“The strain on Auckland health care workers right now is enormous. Each of the three Auckland DHBs has 300-400 nursing vacancies at present and, on top of this, members say a lot of staff are taking sick leave which puts even more pressure on those remaining at work.

“Auckland hospitals may be at less than 100 percent bed capacity, but in many cases there are not enough staff to provide the care required for patients who are seriously unwell with quite complex needs.

Ms Couling said nurses in the community are also feeling the pressure as the number of patients being monitored and cared for in their homes increases.

“There are now several hundred such referrals every day and demand for service is growing at a rapid rate. It is a real concern that the system simply does not have the capacity to handle this and that this could result in more deaths among Covid patients isolating at home.”

She said the health workforce is under considerable stress right now across the country but is especially dire in the Auckland region with current increased demands.

“We have contacted the DHBs seeking an opportunity to meet and discuss how we might assist, particularly with finding ways to support our members, whose resilience is waning.

“We are seeing nurses not coming into work because they are overwhelmed and stressed. Stand downs relating to COVID exposures events also create additional pressure. This is only going to get worse if they continue to be unsupported.

“Nurses are caring professionals, but who is there and what is being done to care for them?”

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Media inquiries: Rob Zorn, NZNO Media and Communications Advisor: 027 431 2617.

New Zealand Nurses Organisation media release, 8 November 2021

NZNO members working at Wellington and Hutt Hospitals are appalled by a recent decision by Capital Coast District Health Board (CCDHB) to nearly double parking fees for most staff.

An NZNO delegate says this decision is a huge affront to workers who rely on private transport.

"It's a kick in the guts. We’ve just had a recent pay increase and now having to pay double feels like not getting an increase at all. It'll force staff to find other less desirable places to park, like residential areas, and that presents a big safety concern.

"As a predominantly female workforce who often work unsociable hours, we’re at risk of predatory behaviour and assaults which happen too often. Staff don’t feel safe walking long distances to cars and the same goes for taking public transport late at night.

"There’s also an ongoing issue with cars being broken into while we’re on nights. For us, safety is best guaranteed by being able to park at the hospital."

The delegate says the fee hike was framed by CCDHB as an equity based policy meant to incentivise staff to find greener travel options.

"We absolutely support equitable, green policies but this isn’t really either.

"Many of our patients and their whānau can’t afford parking as it is, and this could likely be the deciding factor for them to not attend appointments.

"It also won’t disincentivise personal car use. It’ll just make our extremely hard working nurses pay more for something that many of us rely on to get to work a little easier and a lot safer."

"We urge CCDHB to prioritise our wellbeing and access for patients and their whānau and scrap the fee hike."  

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Media inquiries: Rob Zorn, NZNO Media and Communications Advisor: 027 431 2617.

New Zealand Nurses Organisation media release, 21 October 2021

The New Zealand Nurses Organisation (NZNO) says Aotearoa New Zealand is dangerously underprepared for what seems an inevitable tsunami of community COVID cases that could completely break our health system, and that nurses must be part all proposed solutions.

NZNO Kaiwhakahaere Kerri Nuku says nurses are a highly skilled workforce and have risen to ever-increasing demands, but they are already burnt out and seriously understaffed. Meanwhile our health system is not adequate to meet the demands of Covid, which is only just beginning to have an impact.

“Basically, we’re saying to the Government that, even though you’re acknowledging things are frighteningly bad right now, ‘You ain’t seen nothing yet,’ and we would have been better prepared had you not decided to go it alone around nursing.

“The Government has not acted swiftly enough and, because it has not consulted with nursing experts or the nurses’ union, we have band aid solutions being applied all over the place that only serve to devalue nurses, while the heart of the problem has remained unaddressed.”

Ms Nuku says the announced 300 monthly MIQ spots for health workers is welcome news, but was a surprise that was way too little, way too late.

“Those 300 monthly health workers will be spread across the health sectors, including allied health, aged care, primary care and Māori and iwi providers starting two months from now – and they will need time to adjust to the Aotearoa New Zealand health system.

“Meanwhile we have around 3500 nursing vacancies nationally across the health sector. Even if the nurses took all 300 MIQ places each month, we wouldn’t be breaking even in a year’s time because so many nurses continue to leave.

“So we need a fair say in how those 300 health workers are selected and deployed each month.”    

Ms Nuku also says the Government’s touted solution of training nurses to work in intensive care units (ICU) is also woefully inadequate.

“It takes two or three years after graduating to become a proficient ICU nurse. Nurses are incredible, but it is not a fair or realistic long-term solution to expect them to function professionally in ICU environments on the basis of four hours’ online training. This will put nurses and patients at risk.”

She says the Government must consult with nursing unions and professionals in addressing nursing problems so properly workable solutions can be found.

“How will we incentivise the right kinds of overseas nurses to come here? What are we doing to keep our nursing graduates here and in the profession? These questions should have been addressed months ago, but they still aren’t even a real focus.

“And this is about much more than hospitals and Covid. Evidence from around the world shows people are suffering and/or dying in other parts of health systems because so many resources have been shifted towards the Covid response.

“NZNO needs to be at the table when nursing issues are being decided by Government and the situation we currently find ourselves is just likely to get worse because that has not happened.”  

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Media inquiries: Rob Zorn, NZNO Media and Communications Advisor: 027 431 2617.