Tamworth Hospital has become the latest NSW hospital to implement safe staffing levels as the Minns Labor Government continues to deliver on its promise to deliver staffing reform.
Tamworth recently completed a successful recruitment campaign of more than 16 FTE of nurses in the Emergency Department, to facilitate the Safe Staffing Level requirements.
The Safe Staffing Levels initiative involves the introduction of minimum staffing levels on every shift, which will result in more nurses employed in hospitals right across the state.
The staffing boost will enable a one-to-one nursing care ratio for generally occupied Emergency Department (ED) resuscitation beds on all shifts, and one nurse to three generally occupied ED treatment spaces and ED short-stay unit beds on all shifts.
This follows discussions with the Safe Staffing Levels Taskforce established to oversee the rollout of the government's commitment of 2480 FTE over four years. It includes key leaders from the NSW Nurses and Midwives' Association (NSWNMA), NSW Health, and local health districts.
Phase one of Safe Staffing Levels has commenced in the level 5 and 6 emergency departments, which treat the most critically ill patients, and will then be progressively implemented across other key areas in a phased approach.
Implementing safe staffing levels is just one of a range of measures that the Minns Labor Government is embracing to build a supported and capable health workforce, including:
- funding the equivalent of 1,112 FTE nurse and midwife positions on an ongoing basis;
- abolishing the wages cap and delivering the highest pay increase in over a decade for nurses and other health workers;
- beginning to roll out 500 additional paramedics in regional, rural and remote communities; and
- introducing the health worker study subsidies scheme.
Tamworth ED is the second site in Hunter New England Local Health District to complete recruitment and roster Safe Staffing. Last month, John Hunter Hospital Emergency Department completed the recruitment of approximately 48 FTE additional nurses to meet the Safe Staffing Level requirements.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Regional Health, Ryan Park:
"The Minns Labor Government is continuing to deliver on its commitment to roll out major staffing reform.
"Safe staffing is the most significant reform in the way our hospitals have been staffed in the state's history.
"This will make a massive difference to nurses in the emergency department at Tamworth Hospital and be a major benefit for everyone who require emergency care at the hospital."
Quotes attributable to Government Spokesperson for Tamworth, Anthony D'Adam:
"Reaching safe staffing in the Emergency Department at Tamworth Hospital is a significant accomplishment and reflects the government's commitment to continuing to improve service delivery.
"Safe Staffing is an additional measure to ensure patients will continue to receive fantastic care at Tamworth Hospital."
