The ACT Government is delivering on its commitment to safer care and better support for nurses and midwives, with final tranche of Phase Two nurse and midwife-to-patient ratios commencing this month in public health facilities.
This final stage of implementation is expanding ratios in University of Canberra Hospital inpatient areas and sub-acute mental health services, following the successful introduction of ratios in all other inpatient areas across Canberra Hospital, North Canberra Hospital and public mental health units over the last 18 months.
Nurse and midwife-to-patient ratios set the mandated minimum number of nurses or midwives working on a ward, unit or area, relative to the number of patients.
Under the ratio staffing model, each unit is supported by a balanced skill mix of staff, including a minimum number of nurses or midwives and additional supernumerary resources based on the complexity of care required.
Minister for Health Rachel Stephen-Smith said the completion of Phase Two implementation marks a significant milestone in the ACT Government's long-term plan to improve patient care and working conditions for nurses and midwives.
"It's really pleasing to see the final tranche of phase two of nurse and midwife-to-patient ratios rolling out across the remaining inpatient areas of the ACT's public health system," Minister Stephen-Smith said.
"The staged implementation was designed to enhance patient safety, improve care outcomes, and support sustainable working conditions for both nurses and midwives. These new minimum ratios give staff the time, support, and confidence they need to deliver the high-quality care our community expects and deserves.
"Our public health system has made it a priority to meet the new ratios as they have been introduced, and we've heard positive feedback from staff on the difference this has made to their working conditions and patient care.
"With the completion of Phase Two, more teams will now benefit from safer workloads and a staffing structure that reflects the realities of modern health care."
The 2024-25 ACT Budget committed $86 million over four years to recruit an additional 137.2 full time equivalent nursing and midwifery staff across the Territory's public health services to support Phase Two of the mandated minimum nurse and midwife-to-patient ratios.
The phased implementation has been guided by the ACT Public Sector Nursing and Midwifery Enterprise Agreement 2023-2026 and the ACT Public Sector Nursing and Midwifery Safe Care Staffing Framework Policy.
Evaluation of the implementation of Mandated Minimum Nurse/Midwife to Patient Ratios within Canberra Health Services will occur in 2026-27.
