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NSGEU video series focuses on patient safety

Hear directly from nurses about how increasing nures-to-patient ratio could help.

Halifax (28 Jan. 2014) – The Nova Scotia Government and General Employees Union (NSGEU/NUPGE) has launched a campaign for the introduction of nurse-to-patient ratios in the public health care system.

The union believes nurse-to-patient ratios are essential to providing a safe level of care. Hospitals and community health services have been plagued by underfunding and a shortage of nurses for a long time, and with many experienced nurses set to retire in the near future, the problem is only going to get worse. Communities deserves better.

NSGEU/NUPGE promotes a plan to increase the nurse-patient ratio to appropriate levels

The NSGEU/NUPGE plan provides an appropriate ratio of nurses to patients. For example, on a typical medical or surgery ward, there would be one nurse for every four patients.

The ratio plan guarantees minimum numbers only, but can be adjusted to meet higher patient acuity. It also allows for flexibility so nurses can use their professional judgment to determine appropriate levels of care. 

How would this benefit patients?

With the introduction of nurse-to-patient ratios, Nova Scotians will get:

  • Improved, more efficient healthcare
  • Safer and more consistent nursing care
  • Increased confidence in the health care system
  • A healthier and more sustainable nursing workforce

Watch the video series

To bring the issue home to Nova Scotians, NSGEU/NUPGE has produced a series of interviews with nurses telling why they care about patient safety. Watch the series on the union's YouTube channel.