A DAMNING survey, obtained by Canberra Liberals, has found Canberra nurses, doctors and hospital staff do not have confidence in the ACT government’s management of the health system. 

The ACT government Canberra Health Services surveyed more than 4000 hospital staff (the regular survey’s highest response rate) and in the results titled “2019 Workplace Culture Survey Results” revealed that 71 per cent of employees felt a low level of trust in the executive management team.

“CityNews” was given access to the report, which also shows that 69 per cent of employees do not think that Canberra Health Services introduces change that is well-planned and client-focussed, and only 31 per cent of staff feel there is a climate of trust and respect throughout the organisation.

A majority of survey participants, 56 per cent, felt that if they were to report an employee for not demonstrating Canberra Health Services values, it would not be appropriately managed.

A large number of participants, 46 per cent, also said they have been exposed to occupational violence in the last 12 months.

When the survey asked participants what they want from Canberra Health Services, participants asked for four things including leadership they can trust, a greater focus on managing inappropriate behaviours, help to address incidences of occupational violence experienced by staff and recognition of their achievements.

In a response to the survey, shadow health minister Vicki Dunne says the health system is in crisis and needs urgent intervention.

“Our health system is in crisis and needs urgent intervention,” Mrs Dunne says.

“After years of promising to fix the problem, ACT Labor has proven itself incapable of fixing the problem and showing our health workers the respect and support they deserve.

“We know that a poor workplace culture leads to adverse patient outcomes.”

The survey follows a series of revelations into the state of the ACT’s health system revealed in recent weeks, including findings that four in five patients requiring urgent medical attention at the Canberra Hospital emergency department are not seen on time.