NEWSFLASH: North West COVID-19 Update

COVID-19

Updates for nurses, midwives and care workers in Tasmania

The Australian Nursing and Midwifery Federation Tasmanian Branch (ANMF) have today met with State Service and Department of Health Representatives regarding the upcoming plans for health service delivery next week at the North West Regional Hospital (NWRH), Mersey Community Hospital (MCH) and the North West Private Hospital (NWPH).

The Premier today has also announced the extension of isolation restrictions in the North West for a further one week when these arrangements will be reviewed. However, as advised by the Department of Health, the NWRH will continue to undergo its deep clean, and services will be re-opened in a staged approach.

The ANMF understands that while the NWRH Emergency Department (ED) is already open this will need to be handed over to THS staff by 29 April 2020. At this stage, this will be followed by the NWPH maternity services, NWRH ICU, and then likely by a ward at the NWRH.

The ANMF have been advised by the Department of Health that the plan for the MCH is in the final stage of development and ANMF will advise members as soon as updates are provided. With regard to the return to work package for members, Department of Health and the Head of the State Service have today sent email correspondence to all North West members.

In summary

All members who have completed their 14 days isolation will be contacted by their relevant managers with regard to the return to work date.
The return of services at the NWRH will be undertaken in a staged approach and some members may not be required to attend work next week, however you will be paid your rostered shifts and or in the case of casuals, paid your average earnings based on average earnings.
All members at the NWPH, NWRH and those returning post isolation to the MCH will be required to undertaken on-line and face to face learning.
Those members who were directed to self-isolate as part of the Public Health Direction following closure of the NWRH and NWPH have been advised by the Department of Health, that a COVID-19 test will need to be taken prior to return to work to ensure staff and patient safety.
For members who are directed back to work at the NWRH next week but can not access child care arrangements or have child care responsibilities due to schools being closed are encouraged to speak to their Nurse Unit Manager about accessing carers leave or COVID-19 special leave.
The ANMF have been advised that there will be no restriction placed upon staff members who work across multiply employments/areas e.g. MCH and NWRH or NWRH and NWPH to limit their employment to one work site or employer.

If you require further assistance, then please do not hesitate to contact our Member Support Team via membersupport@anmftas.org.au or for urgent matters phone (03) 6223 6777. Please note that due to the current COVID-19 situation, our Member Support Team are now practicing social isolation measures and working from home. Bearing this in mind, email is the preferred and fastest way of contacting them.

Download a print ready PDF of this newsflash here.

Updates correct as at 24 April 2020
Authorised by Emily Shepherd, ANMF Tasmanian Branch Secretary