After a significant period of co-design and research, on Wednesday 3 July 2024 we launched our Employee Centred Rostering program.
Rostering impacts the ability to maintain ratios, staff wellbeing and retention. Current rostering practices and principles are based on historical customs, and our nurses and midwives have told us that the current arrangements don’t always meet the needs of our contemporary workforce. This may lead to decreased workforce availability, absenteeism, and casualisation.
The new Employee Centred Roster Guidelines have been developed to introduce a new, innovative and flexible approach to the way we engage our nurses and midwives where we focus in on the importance of the Four Fs:
- Foundations,
- Flexibility,
- Fairness, and
- Fatigue Management.
Educational tools, frequently asked questions and other tools, systems and processes to support the launch are also available on our Rostering page. The aim of this important initiative is to enhance the retention, engagement, satisfaction and long-term wellbeing of our nurses and midwives.
Please click here to read the Change Impact Statement that summarises the program. We will commence in our pilot areas (Maternity and Wards 1A, Ward 3F and Ward 3B) in July, with the plan to then expand it across Western Health.
Thank you to everyone who has been involved in the process of developing the guidelines and the supporting materials.