Werribee Mercy To Gain Nurses

Werribee Mercy Hospital is set to receive additional nursing staff under proposed changes to Victoria’s nurse-to-patient ratio laws, as demand for services continues to grow in Melbourne’s west.

Legislation expected to be introduced to State Parliament this term would strengthen minimum nurse-to-patient ratios at 26 Victorian hospitals, including Werribee Mercy Hospital, by reclassifying them to a higher staffing level under the Safe Patient Care Act.

The changes are backed by a $109.7 million funding commitment and are expected to add the equivalent of 253 full-time nursing positions across Victoria’s public health system.

For Werribee Mercy Hospital, the reclassification will increase the minimum number of nurses required across general medical and surgical wards, the emergency department and intensive care units.

In practical terms, stronger staffing ratios mean more nurses can be rostered on each shift, allowing staff to spend more time with patients, respond more quickly when care is needed and reduce workloads during busy periods.

The changes are also intended to improve patient safety while helping hospitals manage increasing demand.

The announcement comes ahead of the opening of Werribee Mercy Hospital’s expanded emergency department later this year, which is expected to significantly increase the hospital’s capacity to treat patients as Wyndham’s population continues to grow.

Nurse-to-patient ratios set the minimum number of nurses required to care for patients in Victorian public hospitals and are established under the Safe Patient Care Act.

If passed, the legislation will increase minimum staffing requirements at the affected hospitals and create additional nursing positions across Victoria’s public health system.