The Minns Labor government will begin the process to implement Safe Staffing Levels in the postnatal ward at Nepean Hospital, benefiting women and families in the Nepean and Blue Mountains communities with further improvements to public maternity care.
Nepean is among seven NSW hospitals with dedicated postnatal wards which will receive safe staffing ratios:
- Campbelltown Hospital
- Liverpool Hospital
- Nepean Hospital
- John Hunter Hospital
- Royal Hospital for Women
- Royal Prince Alfred Hospital
- Westmead Hospital
The Safe Staffing Levels Taskforce, comprised of key leaders from the NSW Nurses and Midwives’ Association (NSWNMA), NSW Health, and local health districts, will plan the rollout and determine how many staff will be assigned to the postnatal wards.
The government and the NSWNMA continue to work collaboratively on the delivery of Safe Staffing Levels, the most significant workforce reform in the history of NSW health system.
The state government has committed to delivering 2,480 additional full‑time equivalent nurses and midwives, in identified key clinical areas.
Rollout of Safe Staffing Levels has already commenced in 56 emergency departments across NSW, with over 820 FTE (full time equivalent) nurses recruited to date.
Since 2023 the Minns Labor government has enhanced maternity services across the state including ten new and expanded Midwifery Group Practices, building a stronger NSW by improving access to maternity care.
In the 2025-26 NSW Budget, the government invested an additional $83 million to boost maternity care, family care centres and maternal vaccination, preparing the state for the future.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Health Ryan Park:
“By beginning the process of implementing Safe Staffing Levels in dedicated postnatal wards, we are providing support to our hardworking midwives that aims to provide a better experience for women and their families.
“Recruiting more health workers won’t be easy, but it’s what the health system and the community needs.”
Quotes attributable to Minister for Women Jodie Harrison:
“Women’s health is a key priority for the Minns Labor government and this is an important step in making sure that women – and their newborns – receive the crucial care they need at one of the most significant times in their lives.
Quotes attributable to Blue Mountains MP Trish Doyle:
“This is fantastic news for the Blue Mountains and the hardworking staff in the postnatal ward at Nepean Hospital.
“Safe staffing levels are a game changer for health and support our nurses and midwives and the patients in their care.”
Providing further support for the roll out of the Safe staffing Levels initiative in dedicated postnatal wards, Donna Garland has been appointed as NSW Health’s inaugural Chief Midwife.
Ms Garland was previously general manager of the Royal Hospital for Women at Randwick and has dedicated more than thirty years to advocacy and the continued development of the midwifery profession.
The Chief Midwife role was created in response to the NSW Birth Trauma Inquiry — a major review of maternity care in NSW. Part of the Inquiry’s findings emphasised the need for more respectful, compassionate, trauma-informed and culturally safe care. She will play a central role in driving these improvements, as well as leading, coordinating and developing policy and strategies to support the midwifery workforce.
MEDIA: Brenda Cunningham-Lewis | Trish Doyle MP (02) 4751 3298, [email protected]
