Staffing ratios in public hospital postnatal maternity wards have been welcomed by the NSW Nurses and Midwives’ Association (NSWNMA), as part of key improvements to rebuilding the midwifery workforce.
Safe Staffing Levels (SSL) in dedicated postnatal wards will help to ensure safe care is delivered to women and babies, with staffing levels of one to every three women at seven dedicated postnatal wards including Royal Hospital for Women, Campbelltown, Liverpool, Nepean, John Hunter, Royal Prince Alfred and Westmead Hospitals.
Alongside SSL in those units, the NSW government has announced the appointment of the state’s first Chief Midwife, Donna Garland, who has dedicated more than 30 years to the midwifery profession.
NSWNMA General Secretary, Michael Whaites, said the union had long advocated for the crucial leadership position.
“We look forward to working constructively with Ms Garland in her new position as the inaugural Chief Midwife for NSW. This role was a key recommendation in the Birth Trauma Inquiry report, so we are thrilled to see it fulfilled,” said Mr Whaites.
“This pivotal role will help to strengthen and advocate for the profession at a time when it is facing significant workforce challenges.
“Midwives have been calling out for three systemic changes: improved leadership, improved workloads and improved pay. Today we can see we are making progress, bringing the change that is needed.
“We welcome the NSW government’s implementation of staffing ratios in public sector postnatal maternity wards. It is a key mechanism to rebuilding and transforming the midwifery workforce and maternity services.
“Safe staffing ratios will help improve workloads and reduce the high rates of burnout our members are experiencing because of understaffing and under-resourcing.
“It will allow members to practice in a safe and nurturing environment and provide the best possible care to women and newborns, which leads to a stronger healthcare system.
“Alongside ratios, increased pay and significant investment in midwifery and midwifery-led continuity of care models are critical to improving outcomes and fixing the staffing crisis in maternity.”
NSWNMA Assistant General Secretary, Katrina Bough, said this phase of the SSL rollout would build on the ratios already introduced in public emergency departments.
“The NSWNMA has been campaigning for ratios for more than a decade, so we are extremely pleased to see the next stage of this crucial reform taking shape,” said Ms Bough.
“It follows the implementation of nurse-to-patient ratios in the majority of Level 6 to 3 emergency departments across the state.
“We know maternity services, particularly in regional and remote areas, have been under enormous strain in recent years, with a lack of midwives and obstetricians available. We hope to see ratios extend to these areas in the future.
“We look forward to working collaboratively with the government to ensure the rollout in postnatal maternity wards is a smooth and successful process.”
