What about remote area nurse safety?
What about remote area nurse safety? Conference Paper
14th National Rural Health Conference: A World of Rural Health
- Author(s): Keighley, H
- Secondary Author(s): Coleman, Leanne
- Published: 2017
- Publisher: National Rural Health Alliance
Abstract: In 2016 the death of remote area nurse (RAN) Gayle Woodford triggered widespread concern about the safety and security of nurses and midwives working in remote communities across Australia. In response to these events the Northern Territory (NT) Department of Health initiated a review into safety policies and practice across NT Health services. This paper will discuss the process followed and the recommendations of this important review. In April 2016 a project management team and steering group was established within the Department of Health (DoH) to oversight and direct the review process. External consultants were engaged to work collaboratively with the project team to conduct interviews with NT Health service staff employed in all 53 remote Primary Health Care (PHC) services across the NT. The external consultants provided an ‘arms’ length independence to the project. In addition the internal project team reviewed documentation including Work Health and Safety policies, callout practices, orientation/induction and equipment safety and quality checks. The review built on previous research and findings in the literature and considered contributors to staff safety such as cultural awareness and preparation for clinical practice in the remote environment with particular consideration of orientation and induction procedures in the context of high levels of staff turnover. Other major considerations in regard to staff security relate to clinical governance and policy development, safety equipment available and infrastructure issues. The presentation will also include progress to the time of the conference in the implementation of the review recommendations.
- Urls: http://www.ruralhealth.org.au/14nrhc/sites/default/files/Keighley%2C%20Heather_E4.pdf Available from, http://www.ruralhealth.org.au/14nrhc/program/concurrent-speakers Download site
- Publisher Location: Cairns