Public Health
Nurses and midwives take plight to NSW Parliament
Nurses who specialise in emergency, critical care, maternity, mental health and rural health met with Members of Parliament to discuss their concerns around unsafe staffing in NSW public hospitals.
The NSW government has so far refused to negotiate with the NSW Nurses and Midwives’ Association (NSWNMA) to overhaul current staffing or introduce nurse-to-patient ratios similar to Queensland, Victoria and Canberra.
The nurses and midwives met with members of the opposition, the Greens and independents at the event in NSW Parliament House. However, government MPs refused to attend, despite being invited by the Association.
NSWNMA General Secretary, Brett Holmes, said the group of specialised nurses and midwives had sought a briefing with the Premier, Treasurer and Health Minister to highlight the urgency of the situation but were turned down.
“Our members are tired of feeling taken for granted by this government and their professional frustrations deserve to be acknowledged,” said Mr Holmes.
“Last week, around 500 nurses and midwives walked off the job across seven public health facilities in regional areas because of the horrendous conditions and pressures they’re being forced to work under.
“We desperately need ratios across NSW. What we’re seeking isn’t excessive. It’s to make NSW hospitals safe for everyone accessing care.
“Victoria and Queensland have had mandated nurse-to-patient ratios for more than five years and have honoured their nurses and midwives’ pay increases, despite the pandemic. It is time for NSW to be a leader again and catch up.”