The ANMF were advised that this model of care was not supported by Tasmanian Health Service Executive and consequently would not be funded. Following this advice, the ANMF lodged an application with the Tasmanian Industrial Commission on the basis that not funding the model was in breach of the Nurses and Midwives (Tasmanian State Service) Interim Agreement 2013, Appendix C. This Appendix stipulates that when the parties to the agreement via a working group define a model of care for any area whereby Nursing Hours per Patient Day does not apply, the model should be trialled.

We are pleased to advise members on the below updates:

• The ANMF lodged an application with the Commission on 19 November 2020. 
• The ANMF were provided with correspondence from the Secretary of the Department of Health received on 24 November 2020 that advised that after due consideration the District Hospitals Safe Staffing model will be funded for 12 months.
• The model over this time will be reviewed with regard to ongoing funding.
• The ANMF understand that any additional roles will be offered on a fixed term basis which will provide for recruitment challenges, the ANMF will write to the Secretary requesting consideration to employ the positions permanently.
• The ANMF wish to advise members working in areas that may have been identified as not requiring an increase in staffing, that this model is a trial only with the ability throughout the trial to identify where workload issues potentially have not been captured.

We will keep members up to date on developments relating to this via email and workplace visits. We would like to thank all members involved in this process for their support and assistance in achieving this outcome.

Updates correct as at 26 November 2020.
Authorised by Emily Shepherd, ANMF Tasmanian Branch Secretary