The Health Department has rejected a union call for a substantial increase in the number of nurses at the hospital following the recent increase of two to three beds in some wards.
However, the department said it was prepared to ease the load on nurses through the engagement of day nurses.
It said more persons have been coming in to hospital as a result of the cold and it had taken a number of initiatives to ease the pressure.
The department recognised that nurses have been working under increased pressure, especially in emergency, but could not accede to the union’s request.