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"Work ethics"

About: King Edward Memorial Hospital / Maternal Fetal Assessment Unit

(as the patient),

I didn't want to post because well it didnt sound like my place to....but I am, a friend of mine encouraged (more like convinced) me to... we will call these people Staff A and Staff B as I don't know them nor did I get their names. If I saw their faces again I would be able to identify them.

I had come up from Emergency to maternal fatal assessment unit on the monitor. During the short time frame I witnessed what I believe was Staff B being bullied, yes there finger pointing, seemingly making sure failure was felt (i felt it for Staff B) and public humiliation.

Now I can only assume they were cleaners as they weren’t wearing blue scrubs, red top and they were pushing a cart around.

I don't know what area Staff A is from maybe from labour and birth suite or a ward.

There was no hi or an exchange of what needed to be done from Staff A, it was a straight up cloths hadn't been folded to their liking, Staff B could have done better and more on my shift, the dishes hadn't been done, if room 9 left in the morning Staff A wasn't going to clean it, Staff A proceeded to say that they were going to check when the person left.

When Staff A walked away I could hear Staff B muttering away that they were going to quit and that they don’t get paid enough. Whoever these staff member’s are I hope Staff A gets disciplined for the poor behaviours and working ethics especially given the mere fact it was done in a public space, infront of colleagues but the most disappointing thing that broke my heart for Staff B is that no one not one midwife, doctor, clerk or other staff member stood up to these behaviours. Now I did ask Staff B If they were OK the response was ‘yeah just a busy day and yourself?’ Moved on pretty quickly after that.

I know I won't be coming back here for future births, these behaviours I don't support.

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Responses

Response from Graeme Boardley, Director Midwifery, Nursing and Patient Support Services, Women and Newborn Health Service, King Edward Memorial Hospital 12 months ago
Graeme Boardley
Director Midwifery, Nursing and Patient Support Services, Women and Newborn Health Service,
King Edward Memorial Hospital
Submitted on 14/04/2023 at 4:04 PM
Published on Care Opinion on 17/04/2023 at 8:47 AM


picture of Graeme Boardley

Dear anonymous23.

Thank you for taking the time to provide your feedback on what must have been a very upsetting incident to witness. I’m so sorry for your experience, and would like to thank you for taking the time to support the staff member during what must have been a very emotional time for you.

The type of behaviour you have described does not align with the Women & Newborn Health Service values. Staff are expected to show kindness, empathy and compassion to both patients and colleagues and treat everyone with courtesy and respect at all times. We actively encourage staff to report such behaviour to their management team or the Human Resource Department to ensure they are well-supported and so that the behaviour can be addressed.

I am sincerely sorry that you had to witness this behaviour and hope it has not adversely affect your well-being. I very much appreciate you taking the time to provide this feedback which has enabled us to address this behaviour in the clinical area and across the broader team.

Should you wish to discuss the incident further, please contact our Consumer Liaison Service on 6458 1444 who would be very happy to talk with you.

I wish you all the best.

Sincerely,

Graeme Boardley
Director Midwifery, Nursing and Patient Support Services
Women and Newborn Health Service

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