Members of the NSW Nurses and Midwives’ Association (NSWNMA) will take part in a ‘Wake with Cake’ tomorrow afternoon (Friday, 27 June), to highlight their concerns over the NSW government’s unwillingness to extend nurse-to-patient ratios.
The NSWNMA members have been campaigning for improved nurse-to-patient ratios across all public health facilities and specialty units, in particular for emergency departments, intensive care units, paediatrics, community health and into more country hospitals.
Only selected wards in metropolitan hospitals 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.
June 30 will spell another year without improved nurses-to-patient ratios, prompting nurses to again call on the government to expand ratios into country hospitals.
Jane Cotter, from Goulburn Base Hospital Branch of the NSWNMA, said it was important the local community was aware of what local nurses and midwives were trying to achieve on their behalf.
“We’ll be taking to the streets tomorrow afternoon with a funeral procession from Belmore Park, followed by a ‘Wake with Cake’ at the Soldiers Club afterwards,” Ms Cotter said.
“Local nurses and midwives are committed to safe patient care and a well resourced public health system.
“We are concerned about recent health funding cuts in the federal and state budgets and what that means for improved ratios being rolled out further into areas in need.”
The NSWNMA members will also hand out information about their Ratios: put patient safety first campaign and seek support from community members, by encouraging them to visit www.backyournurses.org or via social media at www.facebook.com/safepatientcare
NB: The funeral procession at Belmore Park will take place from 3.30pm, Friday 27 June 2014, followed by the ‘Wake with Cake’ at the Soldiers Club in Market St. Members of the community are welcome to attend.
Download this media release: Goulburn nurses hold grave concerns for better ratios
