Understaffing claims hits Liverpool nurses and midwives
LIVERPOOL nurses and midwives are fighting for nurse-to-patient ratios due understaffing and increased workloads.
Liverpool
Don't miss out on the headlines from Liverpool. Followed categories will be added to My News.
LIVERPOOL nurses and midwives are fighting for nurse-to-patient ratios as understaffing and increased workloads stretch the public hospital system.
Members of the NSW Nurses and Midwives’ Association’s Liverpool branch rallied in Bigge Park on Friday, calling on the State Government to instate a transparent ratios system applied on a shift-by-shift basis and based on the number of patients requiring care.
A nurse-to-patient ratio refers to the number of nurses or midwives working on a ward, unit or department in relation to the number of patients they care for.
NSWNMA Liverpool branch president Brian Grant said the system of nursing hours per patient day was not working.
“The main thing we’re on about is making the hospital safer,” Mr Grant said.
“We all know this is the busiest hospital in the state.
“We all know that the emergency department is the busiest emergency department in the state.
“There are insufficient nurses for that unit as well even though they desperately tried to recruit people.”
The NSWNMA is also fighting for a four per cent pay increase and wage-related allowances per year.
Midwife Shushila Boswell said she would like an increase in the number of midwives to ensure mothers and their babies receive the care they deserve.
In other news, spike in telco complaints triggers review
“Also we need to count our babies in the numbers. At the moment they’re not being counted (as patients),” she said.
NSWNMA Liverpool branch secretary Heidi McNamara said cuts had led to short staffing and excessive overtime.
“Needless to say, we do have a great hospital and we do love working here but we know we need more government funding because we need those ratios in place,” Ms McNamara said.
“Our community and our patients deserve the best and safest care they can get and ratios will give them that and it will give us enough staff.”
Labor candidate for Holsworthy Charishma Kaliyanda urged the government to direct funding towards establishing ratios instead of spending billions on its stadium plans.
“Our community knows that nurses are one of the most valuable professionals in our community and it seems that this government’s priorities does not align with that of the community,” she said.