The ACT Government is increasing the number of nurses in the Territory’s hospitals to improve patient care, reduce the risk of medical complications and improve occupational safety and job satisfaction for healthcare staff.
Minister for Health Rachel Stephen-Smith said the ACT Government has worked closely with the Australian Nursing and Midwifery Federation ACT (ANMF) to establish the new nurse-to-patient ratios.
“Ratios mean there will be more nurses, and nurses with a greater range of skills, on critical shifts and wards at Canberra Hospital and Calvary Public Hospital Bruce,” Minister Stephen-Smith said.
The minimum ratio for nurses or midwives to patients will depend on the clinical setting. The first phase of ratios agreed with the ANMF focuses on general medical, general surgical, acute aged care and the adult mental health units.
A typical improvement will mean a nurse on a day shift in a medical ward will care for four patients instead of five.
The $50 million over four years invested in the first phase of ratios implementation is a key part of the ACT Government’s plan to improve healthcare for patients and staff.
“We believe that ratios will play an important role in helping address the ongoing challenges that all health services face,” Minister Stephen-Smith said.
“Implementation of the first phase began on 1 February and will mean 90 new nurses are employed by mid-year, with more than 50 of these nurses already recruited.
“The COVID-19 pandemic continues to present staffing challenges across our health system, but this just highlights the importance of forging ahead in implementing nursing and midwifery ratios.”
