NURSES around NSW will take part in a state-wide protest to ask for mandated nurse staffing and equality in hospitals around the state, today.
Although the main protest will take place in Sydney, regional hospitals including Balranald will also take part.
In total, more than 160 hospitals from around the state will be involved in the protest.
NSW Nursing and Midwives Association organiser for the Far West Local Health District Darius Altman said they were asking for the same number of nurse-patient hours to be allocated to hospitals throughout the state, no matter where they were located.
“What we want is equality across NSW,” Mr Altman said.
“They have refused to properly negotiate in regard to our claim with nurse-patient ratios and are going ahead with no consultation.
“We are trying to send a clear and strong message to this government that we aren’t happy with their response.”
Mr Altman said currently the number of nursing hours allocated per patient per day were not equal, with major health facilities allocated six hours per patient per day, while some regional centres received no mandated nursing hours.
He added that no matter where a patient was nursed, the same illnesses and injuries would be treated, with the same amount of attention required.
“[Nurses at Balranald]don’t get mandated nursing hours, if we were to win this campaign they would get mandated nursing hours the same as any other hospital.
“The human body is a marvellous thing, but it doesn’t change between the city and the country.
“For example pneumonia, it doesn’t matter where you get it, you need the same amount of treatment.”
A spokesperson for the NSW Ministry of Health said it was “disappointing” the protest would take place.
“NSW Health is always willing to engage with the Association on any issues it raises and there are clear industrial mechanisms in the [industry] award for resolving any staffing disputes, should they occur,” he said.
“On May 15, 2013, the NSW Ministry of Health made an offer to the association which was rejected.”
Although the details of this offer were not disclosed, the spokesperson said fixed ratios were not part of the current NSW public health system.
“NSW Health respects and values nurses and midwives and the Nurses’ and Midwives Award provides broad responsibility to ensure reasonable workloads for nursing staff, wherever they work in the NSW public health system,” he said.
Despite the statewide protest, life-sustaining services will be maintained throughout its duration.
