NSWNA: 1 nurse : 4 patients - The way to safe patient care
Published: 27 November 2010
State Government finally agrees to talks on nurse-to-patient ratios - industrial action withdrawn
The State Government has finally given NSW Health the authority to start constructive discussions with the NSW Nurses Association (NSWNA), on the Association’s nurse-to-patient ratios and skill mix claim.
In response the NSWNA has today agreed to lift the threat of bed closures and service restrictions, which were scheduled to start next week.
The State Government decision came after last Wednesday’s Statewide nurses’ strike and Special General Meeting of the NSWNA, at which nurses and midwives voted to start closing one in four hospital beds and restrict patient loads in community health services from 1 December 2010 unless the State Government made a constructive offer on the ratios claim by 30 November.
NSWNA general secretary, Brett Holmes, said the State Government gave the green light to negotiate on the ratios and skill mix claim yesterday and a special meeting, this morning (27 November), of the NSWNA Council agreed to lift the threat of bed closures and service restrictions.
“The State Government still has not made an offer on ratios, but it has at least now agreed to discuss the issue. For the last seven months the Health Department would only negotiate about pay and other aspects of the NSWNA claim. Ratios were immediately dismissed as not for negotiation.
“So yesterday’s decision by the State Government is a step forward and the NSWNA is prepared to give the process a go. The negotiations will be under the supervision of the NSW Industrial Relations Commission. In that context, the NSWNA Council believes there is a reasonable prospect of achieving a settlement of this issue by 13 December, which is the other deadline imposed by the NSWNA membership at Wednesday’s Special General Meeting.
“That 13 December deadline will be the NSWNA’s guide for whether or not these negotiations are getting anywhere.
“There is little doubt this week’s strong, resolute Statewide action by public sector nurses and midwives was the catalyst for the State Government’s change of position. Hopefully, we can achieve a settlement by 13 December, which delivers the people of NSW safer patient care.
“Because NSW nurses and midwives are determined to win safer patient care through mandated, minimum nurse-to-patient ratios that cannot be tampered with by hospital and health service managers,” Mr Holmes said.
Campaign background
The NSWNA’s 1 nurse : 4 patients - The way to safe patient care campaign seeks a major overhaul of the State’s public hospital and healthcare system, through the introduction of mandated, minimum nurse-to-patient ratios in public hospitals and community healthcare services.
NSWNA branches at nearly every public hospital and community health service have endorsed the ratios claim, which, if implemented, will be the biggest reform of the NSW public health system in decades.
The claim is for the introduction of minimum nurse-staffing ratios and a safe skill mix for the nursing specialties of medical, surgical, emergency, palliative care, rehabilitation, inpatient mental health, community health, community mental health, critical care and operating theatres.
In terms of maternity/birthing facilities, the NSWNA is awaiting a final announcement from NSW Health about adopting Birthrate Plus as a staffing model for Midwifery Services. Birthrate Plus is the generally accepted staffing ratio model for births per midwife in the UK and has been adapted for the NSW environment.
The 1 nurse : 4 patients - The way to safe patient care campaign has so far included radio, television and newspaper advertising, lunchtime rallies outside hospitals, lobbying of State MPs and last Wednesday’s Statewide nurses and midwives strike.
Ratio example
The mandated minimum-staffing ratios sought for general wards at most major hospitals are:
- Morning shift: One nurse per four patients + RN in charge
- Afternoon shift: One nurse per four patients + RN in charge
- Night shift: One nurse per seven patients
The skill mix for each ward or unit will include a minimum of 85 per cent Registered Nurses for each shift. In terms of clinical support, the ratio specified above does not include the following positions or classifications: Nursing Unit Manager, Clinical Nurse Educator, Clinical Nurse Consultant, Nurse Practitioner, administrative support staff and wardspersons.
The full NSWNA ratios claim can be found at:
www.nswnurses.asn.au/documents/28976.html
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