“We’re just another voice, and it frustrates and limits the care that the hospital staff can give.”
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A St John Ambulance spokeswoman said the service was aware of overtime procedures and had procedures in place to manage fatigue.
“St John is committed to providing and maintaining a safe and healthy work environment, by actively working to minimise the risks associated with fatigue,” she said.
“We use a proactive system that minimises potential risks associated with fatigue to the health and safety of all St John personnel.”
Heath Minister Meredith Hammat said the government remained disappointed by the high ramping figures, but reiterated that WA had been through “one of the worst flu seasons in some time”, which had continued through into September.
“We’ve also seen very high numbers of older West Australians in our hospital system who are medically cleared for discharge but not able to be discharged because they can’t find an appropriate care setting for them, whether that’s aged care or whether that’s home care packages,” she said.
Health Services Union of WA secretary Naomi McCrae said it was clear fatigue was having an impact on the workforce.
“Our union is united with the other unions and wants to stand strongly with our paramedics is because healthcare is a team effort,” she said.
“It’s an enormous team effort, where every part of the system has to work together, and what we’re seeing is endless pressure on our staff.
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