Safe Staffing Levels to be Introduced at Calvary Mater Newcastle ED

newy.com.au – Calvary Mater Newcastle will become the first Affiliated Health Organisation in New South Wales to implement Safe Staffing Levels in its emergency department, following a strong local campaign led by the hospital’s NSW Nurses and Midwives’ Association branch. The announcement on 7 August 2025 marks the hospital’s inclusion in a major staffing reform already underway in more than 30 public emergency departments across Sydney and regional NSW.

The initiative sets mandatory nurse-to-patient ratios for every shift, including one nurse for each generally occupied resuscitation bed and one nurse for every three generally occupied treatment spaces or short-stay unit beds. The Safe Staffing Levels Taskforce, which brings together NSW Health, the NSW Nurses and Midwives’ Association and local health districts, is working to determine the full-time equivalent positions needed at Calvary Mater Newcastle.

Phase one of the program began in Level 5 and Level 6 emergency departments, which treat the most critically ill patients. The Minns Labor Government has committed to funding 2,480 full-time equivalent positions over four years, with the rollout to continue until June 2027.

Minister for Health Ryan Park said the reform was “one of the most significant” staffing changes in decades and would “deliver improved nursing numbers to provide care for patients while supporting our frontline healthcare staff.”

Minister for the Hunter Yasmin Catley called the move “a big win for our region”, saying Safe Staffing Levels would mean patients were “seen sooner, treated faster and have more time with the professionals who care for them.”

Member for Wallsend Sonia Hornery credited the advocacy of Calvary Mater Newcastle nurses, especially branch secretary Camilla Smith, for securing the reform. In a statement, the NSW Nurses and Midwives’ Association said the branch “stood firm to ensure its local community can experience the benefits of safe staffing”, calling the outcome a “massive win” for members and the community.