Have your Say

The status quo is a terrifying thought

Nurses and midwives are well aware of the ever-increasing pressures we work under and the troubling toll it has taken on our workforce – both in terms of staff retention and the personal impact on nurses and midwives.

It is because of my fears about the future of our health system I am compelled to engage in campaigning to change the government on 25 March.

It is not something I do because I enjoy it – frankly, I would far rather be enjoying my well-earned holiday. However, the thought that the current government could remain in office terrifies me for the sake of our health system, and us and the people it serves.

I understand the inertia that impedes many of my colleagues when it comes to campaigning in an election. The idea of expending the little remaining energy after a shift seems almost impossible. But I feel we must do what we can to move the needle on the election result.

The voting public cannot be expected to side with us if we remain quiet about our workplace crisis. We need to spread the message that, contrary to what the government spin is, we are not coping! Our workforce is buckling under the pressure! Change is becoming an increasingly urgent requirement. We must speak to our local parliamentarians, candidates and the community, to make them aware of the crisis we face. We need ratios and fixing the health system to be front and centre in the minds of all this election.

Stephen Mansfield, RN

An essential service treated as disposable COVID-19 has shown how vulnerable our public I work in ICU and since becoming involved in the union I am more aware about what is happening throughout hospitals and it is awful.

As with everywhere there is chronic understaffing, with RNs and ENs being replaced with AiNs or not being replaced at all. How can we provide safe, effective care when we are constantly understaffed?

It is so demoralising. Admitting patients in the corridor or at the nurses’ station is becoming the new normal – where is the dignity for incontinent patients having to be cleaned in a corridor? Management is not addressing the cumulative effect understaffing and excessive workloads have on the workforce. There are increasing incidents of physical and verbal violence to nurses and midwives, which appears to be another thing we have to cope with. We are an essential service that’s being treated as disposable. Can you imagine if every nurse in NSW Health refused any extra hours or overtime for one week?

The whole system would collapse. I really hope whoever wins the next election is committed to ratios, as the current situation is not sustainable. I have no clue who I am going to vote for as Labor is being mealy-mouthed with regard to ratios and a fair pay rise. Why is Labor not taking ratios to the polls? It has for the past two state elections. I’m angry that the love I have for my job is being eroded by a government that shows no desire to improve conditions for staff and patients.

Laura Anderson, RN

Disappointed with the government

Throughout the last year we have heard the NSW Government state multiple times that the nurses and midwives of NSW Health are ‘coping’ with the increasing complexities and demands on the public healthcare system and of their patients. Mr Hazzard, you described the nurses and midwives striking over fair pay and better working conditions as “unfortunate” and “disappointing”. You stated it is “unfortunate” the strikes were going ahead after the government’s “efforts to try to work our way through their principal issues”.

But what do you see as our “principal issue”, Mr Hazzard? Is it the fact we want a pay rise to match the current rise of inflation, due to the pay cuts we have received over the past 12 years due to the wage cap? Is it the fact we want every single person we provide care for to be counted in our workloads? Or is it the fact we would like a system that gives our nurses and midwives more time with our patients, allowing for better and more suitable assessment of each patient’s condition, safer care, better risk management and a decrease in staff burnout and stress (aka ratios)?

Nurses and midwives are left feeling disappointed by the current government.

Jessica Plater, RN

LETTER OF THE MONTH Statement from the heart, at work

On Friday 17 February, I had the privilege of attending the inaugural NSWNMA First Nations Members’ meeting with my daughter Rebekah (a nurse/midwife) and 27 other amazing Aboriginal and Torres Strait nurses and midwives from a wide variety of Indigenous Nations across the state.

The Association has taken the proactive step of asking Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander nurse and midwife members how the Association can support and develop our voice. This initial meeting aimed to create a supportive framework for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander nurses and midwives informed by our vision and experiences.

The collaborative, yarning format of the day created a safe space for us to share our experiences and encouraged us to explore our vision of culturally safe health care in Australia.

The day concluded with the proposed formation of a branch for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander nurses and midwives with no geographical boundaries. We also resolved to create a collective for members who may not want to join the branch but still want to be connected to mob. This group will offer support, mentorship and collaboration on any issues that may arise in our practice or workplace.

With Shaye and Michael’s commitment to modelling inclusive collaboration with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander members, I feel positive that the Association is adopting the essence of the Uluru Statement from the Heart, respecting our voice on issues that impact us and our communities. They have made it clear the Association wants to work towards this in meaningful ways and by authentic actions.

I would like to thank Shaye Candish and Michael Whaites for this opportunity and acknowledge the deadly nurses and midwives who attended the meeting on the day and committed to the process.

Jo Burton RN, NP

If there’s something on your mind, send us a letter and have your say. The letter of the month will WIN a gift card. The letter judged best each month will receive a $50 Coles Group and Myer gift card.