Public sector updates: north western region - Australian Nursing & Midwifery Federation (Tasmanian Branch)

North West Updates

From the public sector

Catch up on the latest news and updates from the ANMF. Here you will find information relating to the public sector in the north west of the state.

Need Assistance?

Please contact our Member Support Team if you would like to discuss any of the outlined issues or raise a concern. Alternatively, and you can send an email outlining your concerns to our team - membersupport@anmftas.org.au. Please note that due to the current COVID-19 situation, our Member Support Team is practicing social isolation measures and working from home. Bearing this in mind, email is the preferred and fastest way of contacting them, however, if your matter is urgent, please phone (03) 6223 6777 or 1800 001 241 if you are outside of Hobart.

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North West Regional Hospital

Spencer Clinic

The ANMF has been in contact with Tasmanian Health Service (THS) regarding concerns raised by members in regards to the re-opening of the Spencer Clinic on Friday 8 May 2020. We have now been able to clarify with management a number of matters that were outstanding. These have been communicated to members and can be found on our COVID-19 webpage here. Or alternatively you can read update 1 here and update 2 here. If you still have concerns regarding these issues or any other workplace matters, please get in touch with our Member Support Team.

Emergency Department – 12-Hour Shift Arrangement

The ANMF are pleased to be able to reassure members working in the NWRH Emergency Department that there was an unfortunate misunderstanding in relation to the 12-hour shift proposal. We are advised that there is no intention to implement these shifts post the COVID-19 response. The ANMF wish to thank the NWRH Emergency Department Acting Manager for their swift clarification and the reassurance of the 12-hour shifts relating only to the COVID-19 response.

The ANMF note that members at the NWRH have so far faced the brunt of the pandemic and we acknowledge and appreciate everything you are doing for your community in these difficult circumstances. We commend you all for your professional dedication. We will continue to support members during this difficult time. Read the latest update from the ANMF here.

Mersey Community Hospital

Medical Ward

The ANMF along with Workplace Representatives attended the Tasmania Industrial Commission (TIC) on 5 May 2020, for a report back conference. This conference was to agree on outcomes to address members workload concerns, in particular to ensure that once the ward returns to normal business following COVID-19 that the appropriate resources are available to support the current skill mix.

To date the ANMF have been successful in securing the following:

Attendants: the THS have agreed to trial attendants being stationed on the ward. The THS are now consulting with the attendants and will discuss their feedback on the proposal at a meeting to be held on 27 May 2020, with a plan to have the resources available by 31 May 2020.
Hospital Aides: a trial of the extended hours for the Hospital Aides is to commence once the ward is returned to normal business.
Recruitment: the THS will provide the ANMF with a report back on all recruitment of vacancies at the meeting to be held on 27 May 2020.
Benchmarking: education sessions commenced with Medical Ward staff on 6May 2020 with further sessions to follow. The final benchmarking proposal will be articulated to the ANMF to take to members for consideration and endorsement at the meeting to be held on 27May 2020.
Clinical Nurse Educator: the THS have confirmed that an additional CNE FTE will be allocated to the ward for a period of 6 months. There will be a CNE available for direct care support to nursing staff every weekday morning shift.
Clinical Coach: the THS are gathering information about the role that was trialed at the Launceston General Hospital and will provide a response to this request at the meeting to be held on 27 May 2020. The ANMF have also requested that the THS present any alternative proposals to address skill mix.

The ANMF will consult with members following the meeting on 27 May 2020. In the meantime, if you have concerns we encourage you to get in touch with us via our Member Support Team.

Updates correct as at 13 May 2020.
Authorised by Emily Shepherd, ANMF Tasmanian Branch Secretary