Nurse’s Criticism of Dunedin Hospital Retrofit Plan Sparks Controversy
In a bold and straightforward appeal to the government, Dunedin nurse Linda Smillie has criticized the proposed retrofit plan for the existing Dunedin Hospital. The government’s decision to review options to either scale back the planned new inpatient building or refurbish the current ward block has sparked outrage among healthcare workers and residents alike.
Personal Experience of Disruption
Having worked at the hospital for over 20 years, Smillie understands the potential disruption a renovation would bring. Recalling her experience during the construction of the hospital’s fifth floor in 2017, Smillie described months of near-constant noise that left both staff and patients fatigued. Patients were issued with earplugs, and staff had to yell to communicate effectively in the chaotic environment.
“It was like being in a war zone,” Smillie said. “The sheer effort of speaking and working in those conditions left us exhausted by the end of the day.”
Impact on Patient Care and Staff Morale
If the refurbishment of the existing ward block goes ahead, Smillie has expressed concerns about the negative impact on patient care and staff morale. The need to decant parts of the hospital to enable the renovation would force Smillie to bring forward her retirement date, unwilling to relive the disruptive experience.
“The government promised to build it. Just build the damn hospital like it’s supposed to be,” Smillie emphasized, highlighting the frustration and uncertainty among hospital staff regarding the future of the construction project.
Call for Action
As the debate over the Dunedin Hospital retrofit plan continues, Smillie’s criticism serves as a poignant reminder of the challenges faced by healthcare workers in outdated facilities. The government’s decision to review the project has left many questioning the prioritization of evidence-based decision-making in healthcare infrastructure development.
In the midst of uncertainty and frustration, Smillie’s call to “just build the damn hospital” echoes the sentiments of healthcare workers and residents who are advocating for a timely and effective solution to ensure the best care for patients in Dunedin.