Yesterday NSW Nurses Association organiser for nursing homes in the greater western area Amanda Walsh met with 11 off-duty Wontama nurses who expressed their concern over the ongoing “chronic staff shortages”.

According to Ms Walsh, nurses at Wontama no longer get time to read papers to patients, rub their back when they’re in pain and hold their hand when they’re dying.

“Nurses are only able to care for the mechanical parts of living ... what have the elderly done to deserve this?” she said.

According to Ms Walsh, one of the nurses’ chief concerns is the overnight staffing levels which allow for one registered nurse to care for 80 high dependency residents.

“Of paramount concern is the lack of appropriate government regulation that has allowed this situation to develop,” said Ms Walsh.

Ms Walsh said the lack of nursing staff was proving “extremely distressing” to the nurses.

“Care is very largely dependent on adequate staffing levels and when staffing levels decline there is an increased incidence of pressure sores, weight loss, dehydration and contractures,” she said.

“Aged care nursing not only involves the physical aspects of care but a high level of emotional and psychological support is required by appropriately educated and trained nurses to care for these often very complex resident needs.

“In a wealthy society like Australia this should be a given.”

Ms Walsh urged concerned citizens to email the federal Minister for Ageing Justine Elliott with their concerns.

The nurses will step up their campaign by handing our pamphlets on the nursing shortages at Orange City Centre between 10-2.30pm on July 11.

In response to yesterday’s meeting UnitingCare Ageing Western Region director Jenny Coutts said nursing levels at Wontama met government requirements.

“Yes, there is only one registered nurse on overnight but that nurse is supported by four care service employees,” said Ms Coutts.