Workplace News
St Vincent’s nurses rally in support of safe staffing
Nurses and midwives have rallied opposite St Vincent’s Hospital Sydney, frustrated by the NSW government’s refusal to introduce safe staffing ratios in public hospitals.
The government has rejected calls by the NSW Nurses and Midwives’ Association (NSWNMA) to overhaul current inadequate staffing and introduce nurse-to-patient ratios, similar to Queensland, Victoria and the ACT.
NSWNMA Organiser Debbie Brown said nurses from St Vincent’s Hospital branch were angry that the widespread calls for urgent safe staffing had been ignored by the government.
“We’ve been seeking mandated ratios to be introduced for over a decade. One nurse to three patients in our emergency departments (1:3 in ED), and 1:4 in medical and surgical wards across the state,” said Mrs Brown.
“What we’re asking for isn’t excessive. It’s to make NSW hospitals safe for everyone accessing care.”
NSWNMA St Vincent’s Hospital branch secretary, Kristel Alken, said nurses were deeply disappointed.
“We need ratios for NSW. Research has shown there is a direct correlation between safe staffing levels and improved patient outcomes,” said Ms Alken.
“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.”