Midwives from John Hunter Hospital joined colleagues from nine other NSW hospitals at midday today to highlight staff shortages within the state's maternity wards.
NSW Nurses and Midwives' Association (NSWNMA) members from Royal Prince Alfred, Royal North Shore, Wollongong, Liverpool, Blacktown, Nepean, Lismore, Tweed, Tamworth, and John Hunter Hospitals have backed an open letter to Minister for Health Brad Hazzard, urging the implementation of mandated staff-to-patient ratios in maternity services across the state.
Currently, the staffing system allows for ongoing unfilled vacancies, which NSWNMA members say adds strain to staff and places mothers and their babies at greater risk.
Midwives are asking for a mandatory ratio of at least 1 midwife to 3 mothers in postnatal wards to provide a clear and accountable system that patients and staff can rely on.
The NSWNMA says understaffing can have a negative effect on families due to the lack of time midwives have to provide support and education to new mothers, particularly in the first few days after the birth.
Registered Nurse and Midwife Judith Kiejda says this is particularly relevant regarding breastfeeding as many mothers need specific advice and support during this process.
Breastfeeding rates in NSW have declined by 8.4% since the current NSW Government came to power in 2011.
