The Australian Nursing and Midwifery Federation (ANMF) has intensified its campaign against workplace violence, releasing a comprehensive set of demands aimed at protecting healthcare workers. The union's call comes amid rising reports of physical and verbal assaults on nurses and midwives across the country.
Key Demands for Safer Workplaces
The ANMF is urging governments and healthcare employers to implement mandatory staffing ratios, improved security measures, and stronger legal protections for workers. The union argues that understaffing and inadequate security are primary drivers of violence in hospitals and clinics.
Staffing Ratios Critical
One of the central demands is the introduction of minimum nurse-to-patient ratios in all public hospitals. The ANMF says this would reduce the risk of violence by ensuring nurses have time to de-escalate situations and provide safe care. Currently, only Queensland has mandated ratios, with other states lagging behind.
Security and Legal Reforms
The union also calls for 24/7 security presence in emergency departments, body-worn cameras for staff, and tougher penalties for assaulting healthcare workers. It wants violence against nurses to be treated as a separate criminal offence with stricter sentencing.
Rising Incidence of Violence
According to ANMF data, nearly 90% of nurses and midwives have experienced some form of workplace violence in the past year. The COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated tensions, with patients and visitors becoming more aggressive. The union says the current situation is unsustainable and demands immediate action.
Impact on Workforce
Workplace violence is a major factor driving nurses out of the profession. The ANMF warns that without urgent reforms, the already severe nursing shortage will worsen. They highlight that many nurses suffer from PTSD, anxiety, and burnout due to repeated exposure to violence.
Government Response
Federal and state governments have acknowledged the issue but have been slow to act. The ANMF is calling for a national summit to develop a coordinated response. Some states have announced pilot programs for body cameras and increased security, but the union says these measures are insufficient without systemic change.
The ANMF's campaign has garnered support from other healthcare unions and patient advocacy groups. They argue that protecting nurses is essential for patient safety and the overall health system's sustainability.
