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.”
Tina Monds says
I work in NSW Health in an acute in-patient palliative care, 10-12 bedded ward. We are funded as a normal ward, and run of our feet. We have no time for holistic care and no time to spend with grieving relatives. We don’t have time to get our full break and nightshift allows for no break on a 10 hr shift. In Finland they value palliative care with a 1:1 nurse ratio. We need at least a 1:3 ratio for our patients to be able to give a respectful care.
claudea donlan says
Striking is a last resort, professional nurses have waited long enough, at least 20years long enough!!!
Enough is Enough !! Had enough of the arrogant ignorance displayed for many years by Federal and State Governments, toward nurses and has been demonstrated toward Aged Care, its a disgrace.
Politicians are not special, they choose to enter politics for all the reasons nurses and general public are well aware of. However their safety, health, contact with extreme hours, risk from abuse, even death is not factored into their day. The Womens’ March this year has certainly highlighted what politicians should not be doing at taxpayers expense. BOW YOUR HEADS IN SHAME ALL YOU POLITICIANS!!!
Honour our requests for improved work conditions and salaries, we deserve every cent we earn. Increased salaries and safety ensures we have the stamina, physically and mentally to care for others.