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Nurse Midwife to Patient Ratios Policy

Applicable to: This policy is applicable to specified medical and surgical wards in the following metropolitan HSPs: Child and Adolescent Health Service, East Metropolitan Health Service, North Metropolitan Health Service and South Metropolitan Health Service.

Description: Nurse/Midwife to Patient Ratios (ratios) are the proportion of nurses/midwives working on a ward or unit in relation to the number of patients under their care. The purpose of the Nurse/Midwife to Patient Ratios Policy (policy) is to outline the approach to implementing ratios across Health Service Providers (HSPs) that provide clinical services. This includes prescribing the mandatory minimum requirements for staffing levels specific to the care delivered.

In alignment with the WA Health System – Australian Nursing Federation – Registered Nurses, Midwives, Enrolled (Mental Health) and Enrolled (Mothercraft) Nurses – Industrial Agreement 2024 (Agreement), WA Health is committed to transitioning to the ratios model across the WA health system.

Ratios will be implemented in a phased approach. Only specified metropolitan medical and surgical wards are bound by this policy. All other clinical care areas remain under the Nursing Hours per Patient Day methodology until their transition phase commences, at which time this policy will be updated accordingly.

This policy is not applicable to:

  • Assistants in Nursing (AINs).
  • Nurses/midwives not delivering direct care to patients, with the exception of the hands free shift coordinator (HFSC).

 This policy is a mandatory requirement for HSPs under the Clinical Services Planning and Programs Policy Framework pursuant to section 26(2)(c) of the Health Services Act 2016.

Date of effect: 30 September 2024

Policy Framework

Related documents

Supporting information

wa.gov.au