QUEENSLAND’s public hospitals will now have a nurses to patients ratio imposed on them after legislation was passed through State Parliament last night.
Prescribed medical, surgical and mental health wards will be required to maintain a minimum of one nurse to four patients for morning and afternoon shifts, while it will be eased to seven patients for night shifts.
The Bill was passed with the support of the Katter Australia Party and Independent Rob Pyne, while fellow independent Billy Gordon abstained from the vote.
The Government said that they were legislating an election promise, with the support of the Queensland Nurses’ Union.
Health Minister Cameron Dick said that nurses and midwives were a force for change.
“They had been instrumental in advocating for this legislation and have played a critical and ongoing role in forming its development,” he said.
“There is compelling international and Australian research evidence supporting the benefits of ratios for patients, staff and health services.”
The Opposition slammed the legislation, accusing the Government of bowing into pressure from ‘union mates.’
“The shouldn’t have to be fixed to a minimum ratio,” Opposition health spokesman John-Paul Langbroek said.
“Nurses should be empowered at a local level, not from Charlotte Street,” Opposition member Mark McArdle said.
“We should be working for outcomes in local regions for local patients.”
Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk said that it was a “moving occasion” that her party was able to pass the legislation on International Nurses Day.