ACT Health’s commitment to an independent inquiry into its workplace culture is welcomed by the Australian College of Nursing (ACN).
“We are optimistic that the inquiry announced today by ACT Minister for Health and Wellbeing Meegan Fitzharris, MLA will improve delivery of health care across the ACT,” said Australian College of Nursing CEO Adjunct Professor Kylie Ward FACN.
An Independent Review of the workplace culture within ACT public health services will deliver a public final report and recommendations to the Minister by March next year. The establishment of a Clinical Leadership Forum will be represented by clinical leaders from across the ACT health services sector to advise on health services planning and infrastructure, clinical culture, and training and education.
“This review is focused on addressing any poor workplace culture within the ACT health care system, in addition to building a positive foundation for health professionals to provide quality health care,” said Adjunct Professor Ward.
“A study conducted in 2017¹ found nursing students who had experienced bullying can provide lower standards of care to patients and reconsidered their career options in the profession. For a workforce that is facing predicted shortages in the near future, this could have broad effects on the health care sector.
“Nurses provide care all day, every day, everywhere. For nurses to continue to provide quality care to those who need it, workplaces need to continually foster a culture of learning, support and transparency – just like any other high-performing organisation.
“ACN welcomes initiatives that will promote a sustainable and efficient health care workforce, and positively influence the health and wellbeing of all Australians.”
¹ Budden, L. M., Birks, M., Cant, R.., Bagley, T. & Park, T. 2017, ‘Australian nursing students’ experience of bullying and/or harassment during clinical placement’, Collegian, vol. 24, issue 2, pp. 125 – 133.