The sickly state of our hospitals. Leaky roofs, lack of space and asbestos place patoents and staff in real danger.
By Linda Silmalis
Surgeons in NSW hospitals are being forced to cancel operations because of leaky operating theatres, broken air-conditioning and unsafe working conditions.
The Opposition has demanded a State-wide audit of the condition of hospitals amid concerns that staff and patients are being placed at risk.
An investigation by The Sunday Telegraph found regional hospitals to be in the worst state. Many have asbestos, plumbing and space problems.
Opposition health spokeswoman Jillian Skinner said the condition of some hospitals was affecting staff.
"As well as there not being enough money for surgery, it's clear there isn't enough money to equip hospitals and keep them up to scratch," Ms Skinner said.
"The buildings are decaying and often left without repairs, so that doctors and other staff are working in often dangerous conditions."
At Bega Hospital, four WorkCover improvement notices have been issued about unsafe working conditions.
The hospital's director of critical care, Dr Gabriel Khouri, said operations were often cancelled because of faulty equipment, leaks in the operating theatre or broken air-conditioners. This put patients at risk of infection.
The 50-year-old hospital handles more than 2500 cases a year, including orthopedic work.
Dr Khouri said its operating theatres did not meet national orthopedic guidelines or operating room nurse standards.
"The system is already past breaking point, and infrastructure is falling down around us," he said.
"The theatre ceiling leaks when it rains heavily, and the air-conditioner repeatedly fails to maintain the temperature at a tolerable level. Staff continually trip over wet floors and electrical cables.
"Without a major upgrade to hospital theatres, surgical services will collapse under the weight of its workload, inadequate infrastructure and funding."
Dr Khouri said two operations had been cancelled last week because of the risk of infection to patients when airconditioners broke down.
He added that two of the hospital's three surgeons were ready to quit.
Dr Khouri said a letter expressing his concerns had been sent to Health Minister John Hatzistergos in January but had not been acknowledged.
Staff at Tumut Hospital have been awaiting an upgrade since 1995. The hospital is full of leaks, has holes in walls and floors, and lacks space.
Staff at Batlow Hospital claim the building contains asbestos. At Narrabri Hospital, surgery is cancelled or delayed when airconditioners break down.
Roof leaks at Hornsby Hospital leave water 15cm deep on the way to surgery.
Mr Hatzistergos said the State Government had spent a record $3.7 billion on health capital works projects.
"Over the next four years, we have committed another $2.5 billion," he said.
Planned works include rebuilding Batlow Hospital and expanding Narrabri Hospital's emergency department.
The Sunday Telegraph
March 26 2006