OPINION: Wake-up call triggers shake-up at our hospital
IN March the region was shocked when told by the Daily News that the Warwick Hospital's director of nursing Jane Waite had quit, citing bullying and a dangerously low staffing level as her reasons.
She rocked the region's medical community - and set disquiet among the general populace - when a leaked letter from her to the Darling Downs Hospital and Health Board carried allegations that nursing shortages had put patient health at risk and she had suffered ongoing bullying.
She said her job had become untenable - and she had no option but to walk.
Today we are able to bring you the DDHH's response to the former DON's assertions and the news is good.
The hospital will appoint three extra senior nurses and will advertise the positions.
The news gets better with the revelation that a review following Mrs Waite's allegations had led to a policy of "openness and transparency" and "doing the right thing".
DDHH executive director, workforce Michael Metcalfe told us exclusively that the review had failed to substantiate Mrs Waite's claims. He said changes, following the review, were now in place.
We owe Mrs Waite a debt of thanks for her legacy to the region - and also to the hundreds of health-care workers who give their all to care for us every day.
