Longer working hours have become a temporary reality for nurses at CWM Hospital as health officials work to manage staffing shortages. A 12-hour shift system has been introduced to help maintain services, while hundreds of new graduate nurses continue their training. The arrangement allows nurses to work fewer days each week, giving them time to rest between shifts. Assistant Minister for Health and Medical Services Penioni Ravunawa says the move is necessary for now. “The temporary arrangement is to have a 12-hour shift. Although 12 hours may sound big, but they only work three days a week. And after the…
Author: admin_fijitimes
A new chapter in heart care is taking shape at Sai Prema Hospital, with plans underway to expand services to adults in the near future. The hospital, which has been known for treating children with heart conditions, is now preparing to broaden its reach following the installation of a new Cath lab unit. This will allow more advanced procedures to be carried out locally, reducing the need for patients to travel overseas for treatment. Assistant Minister for Health and Medical Services Penioni Ravunawa says the upgrade will make a real difference for those needing urgent care. “With the installation of…
Fiji will receive $48 million in targeted budget support from Australia to help manage the impact of rising fuel prices, as global energy instability continues to affect the Pacific. Australian Minister for Foreign Affairs, Penny Wong made the announcement in a joint press conference with Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka and Minister for Pacific Island Affairs and Minister for Defence Industry, Pat Conroy this afternoon. Wong says Fiji and other Pacific nations are being disproportionately affected by disruptions in global energy markets, particularly amid ongoing tensions in the Middle East. “We understand the extent to which this is being felt as…
While witnesses have described the fire incident at Zam Zam Restaurant as an explosion, the National Fire Authority is treating it as a gas cylinder fire. The National Fire Authority (NFA) said preliminary findings indicate the blaze may have ignited while a technician was working on the valve, a situation that can quickly become dangerous if gas leaks are exposed to an ignition source. The incident was reported at 11:39am, with firefighters from the Suva Fire Station dispatched within a minute. The first fire appliance arrived on scene at 11:45am. Upon arrival, crews found a 180kg gas cylinder already on…
Senior Education and Anti-Corruption Officer, Mr Inoke Drawe, recently attended the Bose ni Tikina o Burebasaga (District Council Meeting), where he engaged community representatives on issues surrounding integrity and accountability at the grassroots level. During the session, Mr Drawe outlined the functions and responsibilities of the Fiji Independent Commission Against Corruption (FICAC), placing particular emphasis on safeguarding public resources. Discussions also highlighted common cases involving the misuse of government-funded development grants, along with practical ways communities can detect and prevent financial abuse. Participants were further guided through FICAC’s complaint lodgement procedures, with strong encouragement to practice openness and report concerns…
Debate in Parliament on Friday highlighted growing concerns over Fiji’s transition from an open taxi rank system to a regulated base allocation framework, with questions raised about access, affordability, and the potential impact on drivers’ livelihoods. Minister for Public Works, Meteorological Services and Transport, Ro Filipe Tuisawau, acknowledged that some taxi operators are struggling to obtain base letters under the new system. He told Parliament that existing operators have until 30 September 2027 to secure approved bases within their designated areas. Tuisawau stressed that the transition period allows taxi drivers to continue operating under the current open system while the…
The case involving former Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama and former Police Commissioner Sitiveni Qiliho has been transferred to the High Court for trial. The two appeared before Magistrate Yogesh Prasad this morning. Both accused elected to have their case heard in the High Court after charges were amended and legal discussions between the State and defence counsel. Deputy Director of Public Prosecutions John Rabuku indicated that the State is not withdrawing the charges and supported the transfer, noting that the seriousness of the allegations warrants consideration by the higher court. Defence Counsel Devanesh Sharma did not object to the amended…
ABC staff have struck an enterprise agreement with the broadcaster, bringing an end to a pay dispute that culminated in a 24-hour strike.
ABC staff have struck an enterprise agreement with the broadcaster, bringing an end to a pay dispute that culminated in a 24-hour strike.
City of Parramatta has been recognised as a Gold Partner of Sustainability Advantage, the first council in Sydney to reach this status, setting the benchmark for outstanding leadership and achievements in environmental practices. The program, delivered by the NSW Department of Climate Change, Energy and the Environment and Water (DCEEW), supports medium to large organisations on initiatives that make a positive impact to the community. City of Parramatta Lord Mayor Cr Martin Zaiter said Council’s environmental initiatives make sure the community and environment remains top of mind. “We’re proud to set the gold standard in sustainability, not only within our…