Workplace News
Central coast nurses voice outrage at lack of ratios
Central Coast nurses and midwives outraged by the NSW government’s rejection of nurse-to-patient ratios rallied outside of Wyong Hospital.
The government’s refusal of any workplace improvements has prompted Wyong and Gosford branches of the NSW Nurses and Midwives’ Association (NSWNMA) to highlight their concerns publicly and seek community support.
Wyong Branch spokesperson Kelly said members were fed up their calls for safe patient ratios had been ignored and were increasingly worried about the new building due to open soon at Wyong Hospital.
“We’re about seven weeks away from the new expansion opening at Wyong and we still don’t know what the nurse staffing profile is going to be,” the spokesperson said
“Our members are regularly working short-staffed, unable to replace sick leave at short notice, and many nursing vacancies are being left unfilled. It will be chaos if safe staffing isn’t prioritised before they move into the new building.
“The NSW government has the power to improve patient safety in our public hospitals. It must follow Queensland, Victoria and the ACT by introducing shift-by-shift ratios, improved conditions and fair pay.”