Brisbane nurses and midwives will not back down on serious concerns around patient safety and understaffing at Greenslopes Private Hospital.
Queensland Nurses and Midwives’ Union (QNMU) Acting Assistant Secretary Sarah Beaman said QNMU members would today rally for a second time outside the private hospital. The first rally occurred on July 14.
Ms Beaman said the second rally followed Ramsay Health’s refusal to acknowledge staff members’ safety concerns. She said ignoring these serious concerns put patients and staff at risk.
“Nurses and midwives at Greenslopes Private Hospital will not back down until their concerns around understaffing and patient safety are addressed,” Ms Beaman said.
“The Queensland Nurses and Midwives’ Union will not rest until nurse-to-patient ratios are made law in private hospitals.
“After a lengthy QNMU campaign, the State Government introduced safe staffing laws in Queensland’s public Hospitals in 2016.
“Paying private patients deserve the same level of care as those in public hospitals.
“Sadly, this is not currently occurring. We commend the courage of Greenslopes members in again rallying outside the facility on behalf of their patients and colleagues.”
In addition to ratios, Greenslopes Private Hospital staff are seeking a fair wage that meets the ever-increasing cost of living. The National Consumer Price Index (CPI) this year listed the rising cost of living at 7.3%.
Ms Beaman said frontline staff at Greenslopes Private Hospital were stretched to breaking yet continue meet incredible challenges linked to the ongoing pandemic and rapid population growth.
“These hard-working frontline staff are exhausted, they’re concerned for their patients and they continue to find time to campaign for change and improved patient safety,” Ms Beaman said.
“They are also calling for a fair wage that meets the rising cost of living and acknowledges their incredible ongoing efforts.”
The QNMU has been involved in Enterprise Bargaining (EB) negotiations at Greenslopes Private Hospital since July 2019. Ramsay Health management are yet to provide a wage offer.
There are currently no minimum ratios at Greenslopes Private Hospital or any other Ramsay Health-owned facilities.
The rally will take place outside the facility at Newdegate St, Greenslopes between 1pm and 2pm.
The QNMU asks media acknowledge the courage of rallying staff by not approaching or attempting to identify individuals. The QNMU will speak on behalf of members to ensure they don’t face work-related repercussions for attending the protected industrial event.
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