On Thursday 1 September, public sector nurses and midwives held strike rallies outside hospitals all over NSW calling on the NSW government to introduce ratios and a fair pay increase. In Batemans Bay the striking nurses found strong support from the public in the public square on the Clyde foreshore.
The nurses say "NSW public hospitals are facing increased admissions of patients, without the increase in staff to meet the demand. There simply aren’t enough nurses and midwives and it’s putting patients’ lives at risk. A more transparent nurse-to-patient ratios system is urgently needed to help deliver safe care to all patients across NSW.
"We’re standing up for our patients. Safe ratios are a priority for everyone. It’s time the government did the right thing and put the people of NSW and their care first.
"Understaffing is rife across public hospitals. Workloads are growing yet there is less support.
"There are simply not enough nurses or midwives being rostered on each shift, resulting in workplace fatigue and dangerous workplace conditions.
"Emergency and surgical wait times continue to balloon out. Kitchen staff without sufficient training are being made to look after patients. Incidences of violence in hospitals continue to reach unacceptable levels.
"There aren’t enough nurses to patients and it’s risking lives.
"We need better ratios to safeguard the future of our public health system".
The Shadow Treasurer Daniel Mookey and Shadow Minister for Health Ryan Park are in weekly discussions and negotiations with the NSWNMA regarding a better approach to safely staff our hospitals and health services if elected.
Member for Bega, Dr Michael Holland said "I have personally attended negotiations with Ryan Park and the NSWNMA and have been impressed by the genuine efforts to achieve a positive outcome for the best health care of our community and the working conditions of nurses and midwives.
"I also have 40 years of experience witnessing the professional values of my nursing and midwifery colleagues
"NSW Labor understands that safer staffing will not only make nursing and midwifery a more attractive profession for people looking to undertake a career in the area, but it’s also important in retaining the current workforce.
"It is a recognition of the value of the nursing and midwifery profession which has been under-resourced and unsupported for many years under the current Government
"After 12 years in Government, chronic understaffing and under resourcing our health and hospital services has resulted in the crisis that we now see right across NSW.
"NSW Labor is the only one who is still in discussion and negotiation with nurses and midwives and whilst we haven’t finalised our position yet or had an opportunity to get it independently costed through the Parliamentary Budget Office, these discussions are moving ahead with a positive intent from all and we look forward to having them finalised in the near future.
"I thank the community for supporting and advocating for your local healthcare workers both during the pandemic and as we emerge with a focus on rebuilding public health in NSW" Dr Holland said.
What are safe nurse-to-patient ratios?
A nurse-to-patient ratio is the number of nurses working on a ward or unit in relation to the number of patients they care for.
Good nurse-to-patient ratios ensure a safe level of care and decrease the risk of poor patient outcomes, and unnecessary deaths.. Without the right ratios, patients across NSW are missing out on thousands of hours of much needed nursing care.
Ratios save lives – and money
International studies from the past 20 years have shown a direct correlation between nurse staffing levels and improved patient outcomes.
Research conducted on ratios implemented in Queensland shows 185 lives have been saved since the policy came into effect. A further 255 readmissions were prevented.
Further, the state saved $70 million as a result of the improvements in patient outcomes. What’s happening in other states?
Victoria and Queensland have made nurse-to-patient ratios law. NSW should be leading, not lagging behind.
"One, two, three, four, we won't take it anymore! Five, six, seven, eight, come on Dom, negotiate!"
Image: Moruya Mail
