Tamworth Hospital has become the latest NSW hospital to implement safe staffing levels as part of the NSW Government’s staffing reform efforts.
The Government today confirmed that Tamworth Hospital had 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 enables 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.
It 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.
“The Minns Labor Government is continuing to deliver on its commitment to roll out major staffing reform,” said Minister for Regional Health, Ryan Park.
“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,” he said.
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.
