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Winter 2006

Mixed Outcomes for Supply Office Review

Since the Government take-over of the Mersey Community Hospital, the Supply office has become increasingly busy, with orders increasing from around 900 per month to over 1500, with no extra staff.

The supply office orders and distributes all medical supplies for the North West Regional Hospital, both Mersey and Burnie campuses, as well as supplying dental equipment and stock state-wide. They also provide medical supplies to many outlying areas, such as King Island and Queenstown.

The increase in work created significant staffing and occupational health and safety issues, particularly centred on a lack of space. Supply Officer Geoff Pile reveals that "Staff had on average 70 to 80 days of long service leave and annual leave owing, but we can't take leave without shifting the extra workload onto other people."

An internal review was conducted, and management has recognised many of the problems raised by supply staff. As a result, an extra full-time position was created and an existing ramp was extended to assist with overcrowding.

"Nearly every recommendation from staff was accepted by the review. The ramp has extended the space to help make it more practical. However, there were future extensions planned but they appear to have stalled and a 'state-wide supply scoping study' has been planned."

"We have got some really good outcomes, but there were things that the Department were going to do but which have since come to a standstill."

For Jeff, the main issue is room, "We really need more space, but staffing is also developing into a new issue. It has been adjusted, which really helps, but we are working to full capacity with a busy workload. There are still a few things that still need to be sorted."