❓ Ms Mettam questions the implementation of nurse-to-patient ratios announced by the former Health Minister, specifically regarding adherence to recommended ratios, expansion to other health services, and instances where mandated ratios were not met. The answer confirms ratios align with the Deloitte report, haven't expanded, and provides data on missed ratios at Sir Charles Gairdner Osborne Park Health Care Group.
AnsweredQoN 23Legislative Assembly
QuestionView source ↗
I refer to an announcement on August 2, 2024, by former Health Minister Hon Amber Jade Sanderson, in which the Minister stated that the North Metropolitan Health Service will begin implementing nurse and midwife-to-patient ratios across its general medical and general surgical wards, and I ask: (a) Are there ratios in line with the recommendations of the $1.128 million dollar Deloitte audit and report commissioned by the former Government into nurse-to-patient ratios; (b) For a breakdown of the ratios currently in operation, have the ratios been implemented in any other WA health service regions since August 2, 2024; (c) For a list of hospitals where the ratios are currently operational, are there any occasions when the mandated nurse-to-patient ratios have not been met ; (d) In hospitals where the nurse-to-patient ratios have been implemented, how often have the mandated nurse-to-patient ratios not been met ; and (e) For a per hospital a breakdown of the number of occasions when the mandated ratios have not been met. ?
AnswerView source ↗
Answered
29 May 2025
Responded by
Minister for Health
Response time
8 days
a) Yes.
b) No.
(c-e):
As part of the roll out of Nurse and Midwife to Patient Ratios (Ratios), there is a transition period of four months. Shifts where Ratios are not met are often due to daily operational matters including staff taking unexpected leave or a surge in activity.
For the nine wards across Sir Charles Gairdner Osborne Park Health Care Group (SCGOPHCG), fortnightly breakdown by roster period (note 378 shifts/fortnight unless stated):
b) No.
(c-e):
As part of the roll out of Nurse and Midwife to Patient Ratios (Ratios), there is a transition period of four months. Shifts where Ratios are not met are often due to daily operational matters including staff taking unexpected leave or a surge in activity.
For the nine wards across Sir Charles Gairdner Osborne Park Health Care Group (SCGOPHCG), fortnightly breakdown by roster period (note 378 shifts/fortnight unless stated):
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