Campbelltown Hospital has become the lastest NSW hospital to implement the Safe Staffing Levels initiative as the NSW Government continues to deliver on its promise to deliver staffing reform.
Campbelltown Hospital recently completed a successful recruitment campaign of more than 41 FTE nurses in the Emergency Department (ED), to facilitate the Safe Staffing Level requirements.
The staffing boost will enable a one-to-one nursing care ratio for generally occupied 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.
The Safe Staffing Levels Taskforce was established to oversee the rollout of the Government's commitment of 2,480 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 commenced in the level 5 and 6 emergency departments, which treat the most critically ill patients, and is now being implemented progressively across other key areas in a phased approach.
Implementing Safe Staffing Levels is just one of a range of measures that the NSW Government is embracing to build a more supported 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; and
- recruiting 500 additional paramedics in regional, rural and remote communities.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Health, Ryan Park:
"The Minns Labor Government is continuing to deliver Safe Staffing Levels, one of the most significant reforms in the way our hospitals have been staffed in decades.
"Completing the roll out of Safe Staffing Levels in the Emergency Department at Campbelltown Hospital is a significant accomplishment and reflects the Government's commitment to continuing to improve service delivery."
Quotes attributable to Member for Campbelltown, Greg Warren:
"This important reform aims to provide better support to our hardworking frontline health staff, and more timely, personalised care to the community here in Campbelltown."
Quotes attributable to Member for Camden, Sally Quinnell:
"I'm so happy to see these roll outs that aim to improve access to safe, high-quality care in our community while better supporting our incredible healthcare workers."
Quotes attributable to the Member for Leppington Nathan Hagarty:
"Campbelltown Hospital is a critical health hub for many families across the Leppington electorate and staffing reforms like this mean more nurses and aim to deliver better outcomes for patients. I'm proud to be part of a government delivering real reform that supports both patients and our frontline workers."
Quotes attributable to Member for Wollondilly Judy Hannan:
"It is wonderful to see the Government support and back the workers at Campbelltown Hospital, and as the major hospital for the region it is a win for anyone from Wollondilly who uses the hospital."
