Alarm Bells Ring at Taiwan's National Cheng Kung University Hospital: Ward Closures Loom Amidst Nursing Staff Exodus

Nursing Shortage Forces Hospital to Consider Ward Closures, Sparking Calls for Wage Hikes to Retain and Attract Talent.

News from Taiwan's National Cheng Kung University Hospital (NCKUH) indicates a potential crisis brewing within its walls. Reports suggest that the hospital may be forced to close some wards due to an ongoing nursing shortage, raising serious concerns about patient care and operational capacity.

The issue was reportedly discussed at a recent NCKUH meeting, where the persistent problem of nursing staff attrition was addressed. 蔡婷婷 (Tsai Ting-ting), the chair of the NCKUH Enterprise Union, confirmed that the closure of wards is under consideration. However, details regarding which units might be affected, the number of beds to be closed, and the specific countermeasures being taken are still emerging. The union is urging hospital management to increase nursing salaries as a vital step towards retaining existing staff and attracting new recruits.

With the graduation season fast approaching, hospitals across Taiwan are actively seeking to recruit newly qualified nurses. 蔡婷婷 (Tsai Ting-ting) notes that nursing students are now well-informed and actively researching salary and benefit packages offered by different hospitals, seeking the most advantageous opportunities.