However the report did find there was room for improvement in relationships between management and staff.

Greater Southern Area Health Service (GSHAS) has welcomed the reports findings.

Chief executive Heather Gray said she would work with staff on the issues raised following the external independent investigation into a range of human resource matters at the hospital.

Ms Gray said she would be acting on recommendations for improvements at the hospital, ranging from better communication, teamwork, rostering and after hours and on-call management.

The investigation had been undertaken by an experienced human resources professional and lawyer with an extensive career in the private and public sectors, Ms Gray said.

The investigation involved interviews with former and current staff, research of policy and procedures, review of rosters, payroll and expert advice.

Ms Gray said that individual nursing staff and others who raised issues have met with the investigator and area health service management to discuss the findings and recommendations.

“In addition, a number of the visiting medical officers have met with the investigator and executive director medical services Dr Joe McGirr to discuss the findings and recommendations,” she said.

Ms Gray said a draft document outlining the recommendations, The Way Forward, was circulated to staff and unions this week for a two-week consultation period.

Following consultation and feedback, the final The Way Forward document and action plan will be provided to staff.

Recommendations would be implemented over 12 months with regular reports to staff, Ms Gray said.

Ms Gray said as staff provided information to the investigation in confidence, details of the investigation report will not be released.

“The recommendations provide us with an opportunity to reflect and continue to focus on ongoing improvement and teamwork,” Ms Gray said.