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MEMBER for Bega and NSW Treasurer Andrew Constance has questioned the reasoning behind local nurses’ push for changes to patient ratios.
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Local representatives of the NSW Nurses and Midwives Association (NSWNMA) recently rallied outside the Bega Hospital calling for increased nurse-to-patient ratios and care hours.
Mr Constance responded by saying the NSWNMA “was very happy to sign up to the current deal with Labor in 2010 – what has changed now?”
Mr Constance said the nurses union signed up to a “nurse hour to patient days” deal with the State Labor Government in 2010.
“Why is it a problem now when it wasn’t back then with Labor?” he said.
“I don’t understand why the union has turned around now and changed their mind – other than it’s leading up to an election.
“To say ‘oh, we don’t want that anymore’ – it’s a bit cute.”
Mr Constance said the current Liberal Government has employed 2800 new nurses since coming into office in NSW and outlaid “record health expenditure”.
“My door is always open to meet with the unions and as always I’m happy to meet with local branch members,” Mr Constance said.