Christchurch Hospital Asks Patients' Families to Assist with Staffing Shortages

In a troubling development for public healthcare in New Zealand, Christchurch Hospital has reportedly asked family members of patients to step in and assist with staffing shortages, raising serious concerns about the state of healthcare infrastructure.

According to information shared by an anonymous hospital staff member, on 22 June, the hospital had so few healthcare assistants that managers were compelled to consider asking family members to sit with distressed patients. This request was aimed at helping manage patient behavior and ensuring safety in the absence of sufficient staff.

Al Dietschin, a delegate from the New Zealand Nurses Organisation, explained that the role of healthcare assistants in monitoring patients for signs of confusion, delirium, or dementia is critical for patient safety. He noted that the task typically involves keeping patients calm, preventing self-harm, and ensuring they do not interfere with medical treatments like IV lines or catheters.

However, Dietschin expressed concern over the inadequacy of training provided to healthcare assistants, making it even more challenging for family members to step in. He highlighted that some family members had already been struggling with the patient's care at home, and expecting them to manage the situation in a hospital setting was not a viable solution.

The staff member also pointed to a broader issue of underfunding and employment freezes affecting public hospitals across the country. With many casual staff not being offered shifts, the hospital has been left with significant roster gaps. Dietschin stressed that while family support is appreciated, it is unacceptable for hospital managers to rely on them to perform the duties of employed staff.

Becky Hickmott, the director of nursing for Canterbury, acknowledged the challenges posed by high patient volumes and last-minute staff absences due to illness. She stated that the hospital had worked hard to manage the situation and had reorganized patient care to maximize resources. However, she emphasized that family members were not expected to provide medical care but could assist in monitoring and escalating concerns when necessary.

This situation has sparked a broader conversation about the state of public healthcare in New Zealand, with similar reports emerging from other regions. Hospitals in Taupō, Taranaki, and elsewhere have also faced severe staffing shortages, leading to contingency measures such as emergency hospital shutdowns and the relocation of patients.

As the healthcare system continues to strain under these pressures, the call for increased funding, better staff training, and improved working conditions has grown louder. The reliance on patients' families to fill staffing gaps is not only a temporary solution but a stark indicator of a deeper crisis in the healthcare sector.