❓ Hon James Hayward questions the Treasurer about potential unforeseen consequences of introducing nurse-to-patient ratios in WA. The Treasurer's response emphasizes the need for thorough analysis due to WA's unique geographical challenges.
AnsweredQoN 908Legislative Council
QuestionView source ↗
HEALTH —
NURSE-TO-PATIENT RATIOS
908. Hon JAMES HAYWARD to the minister representing the
Treasurer:
I refer to comments made by the
Treasurer reported by the 7.00 pm ABC TV news on 12 October 2022 relating to
nurse-to-patient ratios. What unexpected and unforeseen consequences may occur
if nurse-to-patient ratios are introduced in Western Australia?
NURSE-TO-PATIENT RATIOS
908. Hon JAMES HAYWARD to the minister representing the
Treasurer:
I refer to comments made by the
Treasurer reported by the 7.00 pm ABC TV news on 12 October 2022 relating to
nurse-to-patient ratios. What unexpected and unforeseen consequences may occur
if nurse-to-patient ratios are introduced in Western Australia?
AnswerView source ↗
I thank the member for the question.
The following answer has been provided to me by the Treasurer.
Significant proposals such as
nurse-to-patient ratios require thorough analysis and assessment. It is not a proposal
that can be rushed, and a range of issues need to be properly understood. We
want to work through proposals like this properly and have a full understanding
of its impacts—positive and negative.
Western
Australia is the largest region in the Southern Hemisphere and is a vast state
with very remote communities , unlike other Australian jurisdictions
where nurse-to-patient ratios exist, so we need to ensure that any proposal
provides the best support for nurses and ensures the best health outcomes for
patients.
It is not simple, but we are
negotiating in good faith to ensure we have an outcome that works for everyone.
The following answer has been provided to me by the Treasurer.
Significant proposals such as
nurse-to-patient ratios require thorough analysis and assessment. It is not a proposal
that can be rushed, and a range of issues need to be properly understood. We
want to work through proposals like this properly and have a full understanding
of its impacts—positive and negative.
Western
Australia is the largest region in the Southern Hemisphere and is a vast state
with very remote communities , unlike other Australian jurisdictions
where nurse-to-patient ratios exist, so we need to ensure that any proposal
provides the best support for nurses and ensures the best health outcomes for
patients.
It is not simple, but we are
negotiating in good faith to ensure we have an outcome that works for everyone.
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