NSW Health has rejected a renewed push by its nurses to have patient ratios by declaring they "do not reflect modern rostering practices".
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The department was reacting to calls by the NSW Nurses and Midwives' Association to have ratios adopted as part of an award claim.
NSW Health stated ratios sought by the union were more "rigid" than the existing structure and its "nursing hours per patient day staffing system is a flexible ratio which enables nursing staff to be redeployed where patient need is greatest".
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However, that system does not operate in Albury's hospital emergency department, however the medical and surgical wards have five nursing hours per patient day and do have an in charge nurse.
The nearby Nolan House mental health clinic has six nursing hours per patient per day which equates to having two nurses to every three patients.
NSW Health states its pay offer of 1.04 per cent, instead of the 4.7 per cent sought by the union, "reflects prevailing economic conditions" and is consistent with public sector wages policy.
