Members of the NSW Nurses and Midwives’ Association (NSWNMA) targeted St Leonards railway station during peak hour this morning (Tuesday, 28 October), to discuss their campaign with local commuters for improved nurse-to-patient ratios within emergency departments.
NSWNMA members from the Royal North Shore Hospital branch were keen to raise awareness of their call for nurse-to-patient ratios of one to three (1:3) to be extended into emergency departments.
Only selected wards in metropolitan hospitals throughout NSW currently have ratios of one nurse to four patients in place. International research indicates that increasing the amount of nursing care leads to better health outcomes for patients.
Debbie Brown, Member Organiser for the NSWNMA said it was important the community was aware of what local nurses and midwives were trying to achieve on their behalf.
“We’re asking local residents to support our campaign and ensure the NSW Government starts putting patient safety first by introducing mandated 1:3 nurse-to-patients into emergency departments within our public hospitals,” Mrs Brown said.
“Our members are committed to safe patient care and a well resourced public health system, and we will continue campaigning around these important issues.
“Local nurses and midwives are concerned about recent health funding cuts in the federal and state budgets and what that will mean for expanded ratios being rolled out into emergency departments.”
Sixteen off-duty NSWNMA members gathered at St Leonards railway station between 7:30am and 9am today, to distribute information about the Ratios: put patient safety first campaign and to seek support from commuters for 1:3 in ED by writing to their local State MPs and visiting Ratios Put Patient Safety First on Facebook: www.facebook.com/safepatientcare
Download this media release: Royal North Shore nurses campaign for ratios of 1 to 3 in ED
