Ballina Hospital will receive nine extra nurses under the NSW Government’s rollout of safe staffing ratios — a reform designed to guarantee minimum nurse-to-patient ratios in emergency departments across the state.

But Ballina Mayor Sharon Cadwallader says while the announcement is welcome, it must be just the start of much-needed investment in local health services.

“This is very good news, and I want to thank Health Minister Ryan Park,” Cr Cadwallader told Ballina News Daily.

“But there’s so much more that needs to be done before Ballina Hospital is truly fit for purpose.”

Beds still closed, doctors still missing

The Mayor pointed out that four emergency department beds – built at a cost of $7 million more than five years ago – remain unopened due to a lack of staff.

“I’m hoping these new nurses will finally allow those beds to be opened and properly resourced,” she said.

Cr Cadwallader also raised ongoing concerns about the absence of a doctor on site overnight.

“At the moment, one emergency doctor is responsible for both the emergency department and the 60-bed hospital. When they’re not available, staff are forced to rely on Telehealth,” she said.

“That’s not fair to the nurses, who are being asked to carry responsibilities well beyond their training, and it’s a serious work health and safety issue.”

The Mayor said security at the hospital is another ongoing concern.

“There’s no guard on site, and that’s something that needs to change,” she said.

Call for a new hospital site

Cr Cadwallader reiterated the community’s call for a new, purpose-built hospital in Ballina, saying the issue of land must be settled urgently.

“What happened to the $88 million that was promised more than a decade ago? We need a greenfield site identified and secured before every piece of suitable land in Ballina is covered in housing,” she said.

“Without that step, we’re going to be left scrambling when the need is already obvious.”

The Government’s plan

The nine additional nurses for Ballina are part of a state-wide reform to implement Safe Staffing Levels, ensuring one-to-one nursing for occupied ED resuscitation beds and one nurse to three treatment spaces on every shift.

More than 570 nurses have already been recruited across NSW as part of the rollout, which covers 27 regional hospitals including Ballina, Tweed, Lismore, and Coffs Harbour.

Health Minister Ryan Park said the changes were about fairness for the regions.

“Safe Staffing Levels are about delivering safer, better care for patients, while making sure our nurses have the support they need on every shift,” he said.

“For too long, regional hospitals were left behind. This reform is changing that.”

‘We still desperately need 24/7 doctor cover’

Cr Cadwallader welcomed the reforms but warned they would not solve Ballina’s deepest problems.

“Nine extra nurses will make a difference, but without 24/7 doctor cover, nurses are still being left without the support they need,” she said.

“This announcement is a step forward – but our community deserves more.

“We need a properly resourced hospital, open beds, security for staff and patients, and a clear plan for a new site.

“Until that happens, our campaign will continue.”