Source: New Zealand Nurses Organisation
All political parties must urgently commit to legally enforceable and culturally safe nurse-to-patient ratios for the sake of patient safety, NZNO says.
Labour leader Chris Hipkins today said Labour was open to introducing mandates for minimum staffing levels.
Tōpūtanga Tapuhi Kaitiaki o Aotearoa NZNO President Anne Daniels says legislated nurse-to-patient ratios are the solution to many of the issues plaguing the health system.
“New Zealanders are rightfully horrified the impact unsafe staffing levels have had on patients, including the crisis in our emergency departments, delays elective surgeries and the postponement of child cancer treatments at Starship.
“Safe staffing saves lives and improves surgical outcomes. Labour’s willingness to introduce ratios and the methodology work underway a Te Whatu Ora as a result of its collective agreement with NZNO is good for patients and nurses.
“However, New Zealanders need to know when they go to hospital, there will be enough nurses to give them the safe care they need. They deserve an absolute commitment to enforceable culturally safe nurse to patient ratios from all political parties.
“Ratios aren’t just about numbers. They are about having the right mix of experienced and specialist nurses to treat our aging and increasingly sicker population. This is also vital to vulnerable patients such as children with cancer,” she says.
“Evidence shows that nurse-to-patient ratios implemented in countries such as Australia, the United States and in Europe save lives, livelihoods and money by reducing avoidable harm. The implementation of culturally safe ratios that recognise health inequities would make Aotearoa a world leader.
“Legislated ratios also would stop nursing numbers becoming a political football every election cycle, Anne Daniel says. “It would ensure patients have safe staffing no matter the government.”