'Sick and tired': Northern Adelaide hospital nurses walk off job for 24 hours

Nurses and midwives at Lyell McEwin Hospital in South Australia have staged a 24-hour walkout, escalating their ongoing pay dispute with the state government. The action reflects deep frustration among healthcare professionals who feel undervalued and underpaid.

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We're sick and tired.

Tash Billing, a registered nurse at the hospital for eight years, expressed the sentiment of many, stating, "We're sick and tired." She highlighted the perceived disconnect between the government's rhetoric about nurses being the "backbone of the health system" and the reality of lowball offers. Billing emphasized the personal sacrifice involved, including a day's pay, to advocate for her colleagues.

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We just want respect from the government. We deserve it.

Elizabeth Dabars of the Australian Nursing and Midwifery Federation is seeking a 21% pay increase over three years, arguing that South Australia's pay rates are not competitive nationally. This disparity, she explained, is driving nurses to consider leaving the state or even the profession altogether. "Those who are not in a position to [move] for family and other reasons, are literally looking to change professions and careers," Dabars stated, calling the situation "really concerning."

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At the moment, I just feel it is all a bunch of words.

While the strike impacts non-urgent services, hospital officials confirmed that emergency departments, intensive care units, and other critical areas would maintain safe staffing levels. Karen Puvogel, CEO of the Northern Adelaide Local Health Network, assured that patient and staff safety would not be compromised and no surgeries were canceled. The union, however, continues to press for a pay deal that reflects the value and experience of its members.

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We are approximately 20 to 25 per cent behind our interstate counterparts. It's not sustainable in terms of retainment and retention.