Health Minister announces new direction for nursing and midwifery

19/8/00
Health Minister John Day will today announce details of the most significant nursing and midwifery initiative ever undertaken in Western Australia.
Mr Day said New Vision, New Direction - a Study for the Future of Nursing and Midwifery in Western Australia would focus on the increasing demands on nurses and the realities of working in the modern health industry.
"This initiative is an extensive and realistic approach to the long-term future of nursing," he said.
"There is increasing pressure on nurses to provide quality patient care in a rapidly changing environment. Technology is changing, the population is ageing, and people expect to live longer, healthier lives.
"All of these pressures come at a time when there is a shortage of nurses and midwives around the world."
Mr Day said the study would look at the pressures and demands on the nursing profession and how a strong, positive future for nurses in our State could be created.
"Specific issues to be addressed by New Vision, New Direction will include patient care, workforce planning, nursing practice, standards, education and leadership," he said.
"The study will also look at improving career options available to nurses and will involve every aspect of nursing from students through to nurses, who may have up to 30 years' experience in the field.
"It's all about making it easier for nurses to care for their patients, whether they work in a remote nursing post or a busy city hospital."
Mr Day said the State Government was committed to improving the quality of patient care and recognised the significant contribution of nurses and midwives to achieving that goal.
"We want them to play a key role in shaping the future of nursing in our State," he said.
"The community will also be involved in the study, to look at greater patient involvement in making decisions about their care."
Judge Antoinette Kennedy will chair the study and will be assisted by a panel of nursing, midwifery and other health representatives.
Media contact: Carole Cowling 9213 6600