Nurses from Calvary Mater Newcastle Hospital held an own-time rally, calling on the state government for increased funding to ensure their hospital is included in the first phase of the nurse-to-patient ratios rollout.

The NSW Nurses and Midwives’ Association (NSWNMA) Calvary Mater Newcastle Branch members are seeking confirmation that they will be included in the initial implementation, as it’s primarily a not-for-profit facility that receives state funding to provide public health services.

The state government’s Safe Staffing policy is beginning in emergency departments (ED), with two Sydney metropolitan hospitals, Liverpool and Royal North Shore, the first in NSW to receive the minimum and enforceable ratios of one nurse to three generally occupied treatment spaces, and one nurse to one patient for resuscitation beds.

NSWNMA General Secretary, Shaye Candish, said the members were urging the state government to guarantee Calvary Mater Newcastle will receive nurse-to-patient ratios in the first phase of the ED rollout.

“Calvary Mater Newcastle is the second largest public hospital in Newcastle and provides 24/7 emergency care to patients in the Hunter,” said Ms Candish.

“We know staffing ratios are crucial for all hospitals and health facilities in NSW, as they improve outcomes for patients and workloads for our nurses and midwives.”

NSWNMA members were joined by other healthcare staff and community members to highlight their concerns and raise awareness about the urgent need for staffing ratios.