5 August 2022
Campaign success, planning for the next generation of nurses and midwives and an emotional plea to make Indigenous health a priority were some of the highlights at this year’s Annual Professional Conference.
Premier Peter Malinauskas praised the work of the ANMF (SA Branch) for its advocacy and remained committed to delivering on election promises in his official opening on Thursday.
“Be absolutely under no misapprehension, through the advocacy of Elizabeth Dabars and the ANMF (SA Branch), through the inspiration you have provided my team, we really have tried to take that on board,” he told the conference.
“Which of course is the policy we are now delivering upon from the position of Government.”
And Mr Malinauskas said legislating nurse-to-patient ratios remains a priority during Labor’s first term.
“What we know is by having that legislation in place it provides an enforceable mechanism to ensure the government of the day is required to have the workforce in place so you can do your jobs and do it well.”
“We have committed to doing it and we will do it in this term of parliament.”
The APC featured a diverse range of presentations under the theme of – A Healthy State For All.
Our keynote speaker Adjunct Professor Debra Thoms spoke on the future roles for nursing and midwifery post the pandemic.
She said it was important to take the lead in shaping our profession, with workforce demand increasing and staff mindsets changing.
“But we need to be prepared to change the rules,” Ms Thoms said.
Dr Lynore Geia, Academic Lead, Indigenous Health, challenged the ANMF (SA Branch) to use its “powerful” position to lead other states in nursing and midwifery reform when it comes to Indigenous health.
“Indigenous health is everyone’s business,” she said.
And conference participants learnt how the ANMF (SA Branch) is playing a role in getting more nursing and midwifery students job-ready faster with TPPP Project Manager Kate Davis and ANMEC Project Coordinator Helen Loffler.
ANMF (SA Branch) CEO/Secretary Adj Associate Professor Elizabeth Dabars said the conference has already received positive feedback.
“Given the diversity of our speakers, there is no doubt many of you – whether you are a nurse, midwife or care worker – will be able to use information from the conference to improve the care for patients and residents that you look after every day,” Ms Dabars said.
“Thank you to all our speakers, sponsors and our wonderful MC Jess Adamson who took a genuine interest in the program.”
Missed out on the conference? Stay tuned as the recording will be available for viewing early next week.