Nurses and midwives held a rally outside Gosford Hospital over the need for safe staffing and NSW government’s refusal to introduce nurse-to-patient ratios.

NSW Nurses and Midwives’ Association (NSWNMA) members are calling for staffing to be overhauled across multiple wards and units at Gosford Hospital, including ratios of one to three (1:3) in emergency, paediatrics and post-natal maternity wards, and a ratio of 1:4 on other wards.

Bureau of Health Information data out today confirms emergency department attendances at Gosford Hospital jumped 5.7% (or 20,095) during January-March, compared to the same quarter in 2020.

NSWNMA General Secretary, Brett Holmes, said nurses and midwives were run off their feet and felt ignored by the NSW government when they spoke up.

“Our members are burning out and tired of feeling taken for granted by this government. Concerns for their professional registration and patient safety are very real,” said Mr Holmes.

“It is shameful how nurses and midwives are being treated on the Central Coast. We desperately need ratios to ensure our hospitals are safe for everyone accessing care and for the staff trying to deliver care.

“Victoria and Queensland have had mandated nurse-to-patient ratios for more than five years. It’s time for NSW to catch up.”

To date, the NSW government has refused to negotiate with the NSWNMA on introducing nurse-to-patient ratios.