'Unprecedented' code white for three days as Mount Gambier hospital battles staffing shortages

South Australia's largest regional hospital was placed under a code white rating for three days last week, in what is understood to be a first for the facility. 

The code was activated from Wednesday to Friday at Mount Gambier and Districts Health Service hospital as demand for beds and services outstripped supply.

The SA Salaried Medical Officers Association described a code white situation as “overwhelming patient presentations” and an “inability to be able to address the needs of the patients quickly”.

Chief industrial officer Bernadette Mulholland said there was a “significant shortage” of full-time equivalent (FTE) staff at the Mount Gambier hospital.

“We have heard from our medical officers at the Mount Gambier hospital that there are up to 60 FTE positions that aren't filled at the present time,” she said.

“The reason for that is unknown.

“We already knew that there were significant medical workforce shortages out there.

“We already knew that there were some issues around the environment that's out there and that doctors have not decided to remain at that particular hospital.

Ms Mulholland said a solution needed to be found quickly.

“If it's not addressed quickly and swiftly, that becomes the new norm of the hospital system,” she said.

“We really need those country hospitals to be flowing and to be working efficiently.”

Mount Gambier is home to the state's largest regional hospital, but the facility was overwhelmed by patient demand last week.(ABC South East SA: Bec Whetham)

Ms Mulholland said a code white also meant longer waiting times for the community.

“Patients who are attending [the ED] will be categorised, and the lower the category, probably the longer waiting time that the patients and the community will experience,” she said.

“It may also mean that there's a possibility that those who really do need urgent care may be transported to the city to receive that care, and then that impacts on metropolitan hospitals.”

Industrial officer Bernadette Mulholland says it is unknown why the situation occurred.(ABC South East SA: Sandra Morello)

Flow-on effect of code white

The SA Ambulance Employees Association state councillor representing the Limestone Coast, Andrew Shouksmith, said “three days of code white is unprecedented”. 

“This is what leads directly to ramping,” he said. 

“If you have no beds, no capacity, [then] you haven't got the ability to bring patients from the ambulance into the emergency department.”

SA Health says locals need to be aware of alternative options if their condition is not life-threatening.(ABC South East SA: Selina Green)

Mr Shouksmith said having EDs at maximum capacity led to a “compounding effect”.

“The patient being looked after by the paramedics in the ambulance is not able to progress into the hospital,” he said.

“Anything that impedes that process through the emergency department is going to impact on the ambulance service and will obviously impact on the community.”

Isolation reduction 'double-edged sword'

Mr Shouksmith said reduced isolation requirements for COVID-19 close contacts would ease staffing pressures.

“It is a double-edged sword.

“Certainly if we have staff members who are affected, they can come back into the workforce much more quickly but we've still got COVID out there.”

Minister blames COVID staff shortages

Health Minister Chris Picton said the Mount Gambier hospital was “impacted by staffing shortages due to COVID”.

“I have asked the Limestone Coast Local Health Network for a report on the impact on their health services and patients and how they are working to manage this,” Mr Picton said in a statement. 

The Health Minister has asked for a report on the impact of COVID-related staffing shortages.(ABC News: Lincoln Rothall)

“Demand on emergency services at the hospital has increased over recent years and that's why we will invest $24 million in a redevelopment of the hospital including an upgraded ED.”

SA Health said the community had “an important role to play in easing the demand on hospitals during peak periods”.

“We want the community to be aware of alternative options if their medical condition is not serious enough to require emergency medical care.

“For minor illness or injury, people are encouraged to visit their local GP, pharmacist, after-hours GP clinic, or virtual care service.

“Of course, anyone who is seriously ill with a medical emergency or life-threatening situation should always call triple-0 or present at an ED as soon as possible.”