❓ The WA Health Department is implementing nurse and midwife-to-patient ratios in a phased approach, achieving 95% compliance in areas where rollout is complete. Non-compliance is attributed to unplanned operational issues, with steering committees reviewing and recommending mitigation strategies.
AnsweredQoN 2111Legislative Assembly
QuestionView source ↗
Regarding rollout of the new nurse and midwife- to-patient ratios across WA public hospitals:(a) Have these ratios now been rolled out across all hospitals;(b) Are the ratios being met 100 per cent of the time;(c) If not, how often are they not met? – as a percentage of shifts and as a raw number;(d) If they are not being met, what is the reason; and(e) What steps are in train to make sure they are met?
AnswerView source ↗
Answered
14 May 2026
Responded by
Minister for Health
Response time
6 days
(a)-(e)
Nurse to Midwife Patient Ratios (Ratios) are being implemented in a phased approach, and in consultation with clinical leads, WA Health leaders and unions.In clinical areas where the rollout is complete, overall compliance is at 95%. Where ratios are not met, this is generally due to unplanned operational circumstances, including delayed transfers, late discharges and short-notice staff absences.
Health Service Provider Ratio Steering Committees review instances of non-compliance and recommend mitigation strategies appropriate to the circumstances.
Nurse to Midwife Patient Ratios (Ratios) are being implemented in a phased approach, and in consultation with clinical leads, WA Health leaders and unions.In clinical areas where the rollout is complete, overall compliance is at 95%. Where ratios are not met, this is generally due to unplanned operational circumstances, including delayed transfers, late discharges and short-notice staff absences.
Health Service Provider Ratio Steering Committees review instances of non-compliance and recommend mitigation strategies appropriate to the circumstances.
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