Labor is making sure Victorians have the very best care, with stronger, safer nurse-and midwife-to-patient ratios.

What we’ve announced

Legislation will be introduced this term to further strengthen nurse-to-patient ratios.

It will add an additional 253 full time equivalent nursing positions to our world-class health system.

The amendments to the Safe Patient Care Act are backed by a $109.7 million investment.

The legislation will reclassify 26 hospitals, including 17 in rural and regional Victoria, to a higher level.

Building on this announcement yesterday, additional changes to our health system are happening right now.

What’s changing this week

From this Wednesday 1 July, strengthened ratios enshrined into law last year will come into full effect.

It marks the delivery of a commitment for stronger staffing levels in key hospital settings.

They were driven by advocacy from nurses, midwives and the ANMF.

It means from this Wednesday, patient ratios across Victoria include:

• ICUs – the ‘gold standard’ 1:1 nurse-to-patient ratio on all shifts for all Level 1 and 2 hospitals, as well as a team leader and liaison nurse
• Emergency departments – improved staffing ratios in resuscitation cubicles on morning shifts, in line with afternoon and night shifts
• Maternity services – safer 1:4 midwife-to-patient ratios in postnatal and antenatal wards on night shifts, down from 1:6
• High Dependency and Coronary Care Unit – introduction of an in-charge nurse overnight.

These changes will support better patient outcomes and more specialised care for Victorians who need it most.

Importantly, the new ratios will reduce pressure and deliver safer working conditions for nurses and midwives.

We delivered a 28.4 per cent pay rise and have consistently strengthened nurse-to patient-ratios.

The Liberals attempted to trade away nurse and patient safety during EBA negotiations.

If given the chance, a Liberal One Nation coalition will do it again.

They’ll cut jobs, wind back ratios and put patients at risk.