WOODBRIDGE HOSPITAL (Shortage of nurses)

Mr Low Thia Khiang asked the Minister for Health whether there is a serious shortage of nurses at Woodbridge Hospital and what is the ratio of nurses to patients in the wards of the hospital.

The Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister for Health (Mr Chan Soo Sen) (for the Minister for Health): Sir, the short answer to Mr Low Thia Khiang's question is `No'. There is no serious shortage of nurses at Woodbridge Hospital. The manpower situation, we admit, is tight, but it is adequate for the time being. Let me elaborate a little on this. At the moment, we have 610 nurses in Woodbridge Hospital, and this is against the establishment of 720 positions. So, on paper, there is a shortage of 15.3% or about 110. But we have to see this figure in context. These vacancies are primarily created because, last year, we added 97 additional posts in Woodbridge Hospital in order to provide better coverage of night duties. So most of the shortfalls are due to new posts created last year to improve coverage of night duties. We would have to take some time to recruit people to fill the new posts. We are confident that, given time, the necessary number will be recruited. 15.3% manpower shortfall sounds high. However, please remember that Woodbridge Hospital has an occupation rate of about 85%. So the number of patients is about 15% lower than the maximum planned for. That is why I say that the manpower situation is tight but adequate. I would like to assure the Member that Woodbridge Hospital is a well-run psychiatric hospital and the patients receive a high standard of care.

Mr Low Thia Khiang (Hougang): Sir, what is the current ratio of nurses to patients?

Mr Chan Soo Sen: The current ratio of health care staff to patients is about 1:2.7, ie, one staff to 2.7 patients. This is considered adequate based on current professional guideline.

Mr Low Thia Khiang: With particular reference to Woodbridge Hospital, given the type of patients who stay in the hospital, does the Parliamentary Secretary consider that the ratio is satisfactory?

Mr Chan Soo Sen: 2.7 is an overall ratio. Depending on the type of patients, the ratio is different. If it is acute admission patients, in other words, the more serious cases, the recommended ratio is 1:2.5; for short stay patients it is 1:3; for longer stay patients and geriatric patients it is 1:4; and for mentally retarded and chronic sick it is 1:5. So the overall ratio of 1:2.7 is well within range. 2.00 pm

Mr Speaker: Order. End of Question time.

[Pursuant to Standing Order No. 21(3), Question Nos. 17 - 22, 24 - 26, and 28 - 29 on the Order Paper have been postponed to the sitting of Parliament on 20th April 2001. Question Nos. 23 and 27 have been postponed to a sitting after 20th April 2001.]