Archived Media Releases: 28 November 2008
Nurses buoyed by increased support for health workforce
The Australian Nursing Federation (ANF) is buoyed by the Federal Government’s proposed $1.1 billion health workforce package. Ged Kearney, ANF Federal Secretary, said Health Minister, Nicola Roxon clearly understands the importance of addressing current workforce shortages.
“The nursing workforce has been increasingly stressed by reductions in educational budgets and clinical support for nearly a decade. More and more the onus of supporting students has fallen on the nursing staff who are already pressured and overworked.
“The Health Workforce Package, which includes a healthy $500 million to increase the number of clinical training places across the health workforce and throughout public hospitals and the community will reduce this pressure on nurses, particularly as it includes increased numbers of clinical educators.”
As part of the proposed package the Federal Government is committing funds to train 18,000 nurse supervisors who will support students undergoing clinical experience in a variety of health settings. Ms Kearney said nurses would be pleased with the announcement and the ANF welcomed any commitment from COAG to address shortfalls in nursing education.
The package addresses both the issues of adequate clinical and educational support for students and the supervisory pressures students are currently placing on the existing nursing workforce.
The ANF also said they would like to see increased support for the aged care nursing workforce who bring quality nursing care to older Australians despite a challenging environment.
“Supporting the aged care workforce through better staffing levels and skills mix and improved pay and conditions will ensure older Australians remain out of hospital and in their home environment. The aged care workforce is dedicated and brings high quality care to vulnerable and frail Australians and should receive the support that those in the acute sector now enjoy.”
Media Contacts
Ged Kearney, ANF Federal Secretary, 0417 053 322
Lee Thomas, ANF Assistant Federal Secretary, 0419 576 590
Libby Muir, Federal Communications Officer, 0413 834 979
The ANF, representing nearly 170,000 members, is the professional and industrial voice for nurses and midwives in Australia.