The state’s major hospitals are facing challenges with essential operations such as stock and equipment management, which is impacting the work of nursing staff. An inquiry launched to address the funding of equipment used by health providers in New South Wales (NSW) revealed concerns about incompatible medical equipment and stock shortages across different health districts. The inquiry, headed by Richard Beasley SC, and introduced in August 2023 by NSW Premier Chris Minns, aims to investigate governance issues and receive guidance from around 200 submissions received from various stakeholders and organizations in the health sector.
NSW Minister for Health and Regional Health, Ryan Park MP, emphasized the importance of ensuring adequate support for patients and healthcare workers through this once-in-a-generation review of the health system. The inquiry also focuses on evaluating funding levels in order to optimize health outcomes and reduce costs and medical equipment wastage. The NSW government has earmarked $13.8 billion in funding to redevelop hospitals and recruit additional workers, aligning with the overall goal of streamlining procedures between local health districts and independent practitioners.
At the Special Commission of Inquiry, concerns were raised about the lack of consistency in stock and equipment ordering procedures, citing variations in availability and the type of specialist equipment across health districts, hospitals, and clinics. The stroke team lead at Sydney’s Royal Prince Alfred Hospital, Kylie Tastula, highlighted the challenges faced by nurses as a result of inadequate supply procedures, stock shortages, and variations in equipment availability, with potential risks to patient safety. Nurses and Midwives Association president, Paul Haines, also emphasized the need for dedicated staff to manage stock levels, underscoring the lack of accountability and the complicated approval process that hinders the procurement of vital stock.
The ongoing inquiry aims to uncover and address the issues impacting the procurement and management of medical equipment and stock in order to improve the overall healthcare system in New South Wales.