Nepean Hospital implements safe staffing levels in New South Wales

It has recruited over 13 full-time equivalent nurses in the emergency department.

Nepean Hospital has become the latest hospital in New South Wales, Australia, to implement safe staffing levels, according to the Australian government.

In line with the initiative, the hospital has completed a recruitment campaign of over 13 full-time equivalent nurses in the emergency department (ED).

The staffing boost will enable a one-to-one nursing care ratio for generally occupied ED resuscitation beds on all shifts, and one nurse to three generally occupied ED treatment spaces and ED short-stay unit beds on all shifts.

Moreover, the hospital’s ED has added a safe assessment unit to support people presenting with behavioural disturbances associated with alcohol and drugs, often co-occurring with mental health conditions or social crises.

The unit provides a low-stimulus environment where patients are admitted, assessed, and treated by a multidisciplinary team spanning mental health, clinical pharmacology, and alcohol and drug services.