Registered nurse Rebecca Stapledon is one of several Central Coast members who have been knocking on doors to seek public support for the union’s push for staffing ratios in aged care.
Rebecca, who has worked in community and residential aged care, says most people have been happy to support the campaign.
“The Central Coast has a high proportion of retirees who can see the need to ensure that nursing homes employ enough qualified staff to provide safe, compassionate care,” she says.
“A lot of people tell us they are pleased to see nurses out and about and sharing their insights. They were interested to hear our views in light of the media coverage of the aged care Royal Commission.
“Some are quite happy to talk about their experiences in hospitals and aged care facilities.
“They are as concerned as we are about not having enough staff to provide the required care.
Rebecca took the ratios message to a large gathering at the launch of the ACTU’s Change the Rules campaign at Gosford in the federal seat of Robertson.
“I explained what a lack of ratios means in practice: registered nurses and assistants in nursing who have no time to give the care they want to, or even to take a meal break.
Rebecca said people approached her after the meeting to talk about their concerns for family members in nursing homes.
“Some of them said they were pleased to see a younger staff member passionate about improving conditions in aged care.”