In a media release issued this week by NSW Opposition Leader Luke Foley he states that Patient safety will improve with more nurses in Far South Coast hospitals adding "under a Foley Labor Government pledge to lift nurse to patient ratios in the region’s hospitals."
"NSW Labor’s policy will introduce mandated staffing levels in regional hospitals on the Far South Coast, like South East Regional Hospital, Moruya and Bateman’s Bay, bringing them into line with Sydney hospitals. This will ensure better patient care and reduce understaffing problems that have plagued the public health system under the Liberal Government.
Mr Foley made the announcement on a visit to Bega as part of his statewide tour to promote Labor’s policy of putting hospitals and schools before Sydney stadiums.
Joining Mr Foley was Labor’s candidate for Bega, Leanne Atkinson and local nurses who have been calling on the Berejklian-Barilaro government to mandate that regional hospitals get the same nurse to patient ratios as city hospitals. “This expansion adds to what we have already announced – health care should not be post code dependent. We will employ hundreds of nurses for city and country hospitals. Nurses are the bedrock of our hospitals. They make an extraordinary contribution but they need a system where their work can be delivered more efficiently – and without adding additional stress to their crucial jobs." NSW Opposition Leader Luke Foley
"Labor’s policy will employ hundreds more nurses in “B” and “C” group hospitals across NSW, improving patient care in about 60 separate hospitals – most of them outside Sydney, Wollongong and Newcastle. Labor will always spend money on schools and hospitals before Sydney stadiums, said Mr Foley.
"Nurses and midwives do extraordinary work but were under severe pressure. They are overworked and under resourced due to a lack of support from the Berejiklian Government.
"Numerous studies show that higher nurse to patient ratios save lives as there is a clear link between higher staff levels and improved outcomes for patients. Nurse to patient ratios reduce errors, improve the amount of time each nurse can spend in patient care, create better workplaces, reduce stress and lead to higher retention of nurses and midwives.
"NSW Labor’s full and detailed policy will be released closer to the March 2019 election and will be fully costed. Victoria and Queensland have already enshrined nurse-to-patient ratios in law." “This is about improving patient care. We have a health and hospital system under enormous pressure. By expanding our commitment to better nurse-to-patient ratios to in areas on the Far South Coast, we can give patients in the State the best possible care and attention.” said Labor Candidate for Bega Leanne Atkinson
