Kilmore District Hospital front entrance
ANMF members at Kilmore & District Hospital Urgent Care Centre (UCC) recently contacted the Branch with concerns regarding occupational health and safety risks associated with staffing levels, workload, occupational violence and aggression, and the subsequent risks not only to staff but also members of the community.
Members advised ANMF that there were only two nurses – one triage/in-charge and one floor nurse – available to care for patients, and there are four available beds to be occupied, per shift.
ANMF wrote to Northern Health on behalf of members and provided advocacy about what constitutes safe staffing. Northern Health undertook a review of the UCC staffing profile along with shift/monthly/annual presentations.
As a result, Northern Health has committed to implementing the following revised staffing profile from 1 July 2026:
- Four nurses on the morning (AM) and afternoon (PM) shifts
- Three nurses on night shift (ND).
Northern Health has now commenced additional recruitment – of almost 8 EFT plus backfill – to staff at this profile.
ANMF thanks and congratulates members for this significant achievement, which demonstrates what ANMF members can achieve when they raise concerns and work collectively.
