Royal Hobart Hospital (RHH) Updates

Integrated Operations Centre (IOC)

The ANMF have received a response to members feedback from Tasmanian Health Service (THS) management concerning the IOC Change Proposal. This has been distributed to members via email. The ANMF will arrange a meeting with members shortly to discuss the document and decide on a course of action.

Paediatrics Unit

Members have been sent an email outlining the THS response to concerns arising from the K-Block/Adolescent Unit Change Proposal. We welcome any correspondence from members on this matter via our Member Support Team.

K-Block

Multiple contacts from members have been received regarding the initial stages of the move-in to K-Block and associated workload/staffing concerns. Communications with THS management on this matter remains ongoing. We will be in touch with members via email when we have more information. In the meantime, members are encouraged to let us know of their concerns and feedback via the Member Support Team.

Acute Older Persons Unit

The ANMF have written to THS management on behalf of members regarding the displacement of Ward 6A – Acute Older Persons Unit and prospective timelines for its return to the acute care setting. We are still awaiting a response and will be in touch with members working in this area via email once a response has been received.

Psychiatric Emergency Nurses (PENs)

The ANMF have received a response back from the Mental Health Short Stay Unit (MHSSU) Change Proposal. Following this, we have spoken with PEN members as well as members from the Emergency Department (ED).

A unanimous decision was made by members to write to Group Director Mental Health Services South, Chris Fox. The letter was sent on 7 May 2020, and expresses member’s disappointment in the feedback report. It again raises members concerns and requests more information around the basis of the decision to continue to move forward with the plan for the MHSSU as per the original proposal. Several questions have been put to Chris Fox and ANMF are expecting a response to these by COB Friday 15 May 2020.

A new change proposal titled, Proposed Revised Department of Psychiatry (DoP) Management and Patient Flow Structure was received by the ANMF on 1 May 2020. This change proposal affects all inpatient units including PEN’s, Clozapine Clinic, DoP (shortly to be renamed to the ‘Mental Health Inpatient Unit’), Mistral Place, ECT Services, Consultation Liaison Psychiatry, and Mental Health Hospital in The Home (MHHiTH).

The ANMF attended an information session offered on 7 May 2020 and have requested feedback from members on this new change proposal via our Member Support Team. A face to face meeting will also be offered to all affected units, so please keep an eye on your email.

Bicycle Access

The ANMF have received contact from members regarding safety concerns (including issues of theft) for staff who travel to/from work via bicycle. We will pursue this matter further, however would appreciate any additional feedback regarding this matter. Please email any comments to our Member Support Team.