Public Sector Updates – North

Launceston General Hospital

Ward 40/B

The ANMF met with members on 12 November to discuss workload concerns. Members raised multiple workload issues within the unit. Of main concern was working short, night duty midwives numbers being insufficient, acuity, skill mix issues, missed meal breaks, covering roster gaps increased overtime, and double shifts. As a result, the ANMF have raised the matter to a Step 2 Grievance and requested the convening of a specialist panel as per the requirements under the Nurses and Midwives Agreement. Further updates will be sent to affected members via email.

Emergency Department

The ANMF requested the reconvening of the specialist panel to discuss several solutions to the Emergency Department Workload Grievance. The specialist panel meeting occurred on Tuesday 24 November. A request has been made for a business case to be supported to match the nurse staffing levels that exists in Hobart. The ANMF are pleased to report that the Tasmanian Health Service have agreed that there are workload issues and have advised they will submit a business case that provides staffing levels in line with that of the Royal Hobart Hospital. A report back meeting with members will be scheduled in the coming week, with meeting updates to follow along with a survey to all members for broad consultation on the required staffing levels. Click here to read the latest newsflash.

Launceston General Hospital and Kings Meadows Renal sites

The ANMF met with members on Wednesday 18 November to discuss the proposed 2020 benchmarking for the Launceston General Hospital and Kings Meadows Renal sites. Members have endorsed the proposed benchmarking and ANMF have written to Tasmanian Health Service management advising of this and requesting confirmation for when the business case for the increased Full Time Equivalents (FTEs) will be approved.

Ward 5A

The ANMF met with 5A members on Wednesday 18 November to discuss the proposed 2020 benchmarking. Members have endorsed the proposed benchmarking which will stay the same as in 2019.

Holman Clinic

On 9 November, the ANMF attended the Tasmanian Industrial Commission on behalf of members at Holman Clinic in relation to the non-approval of the long-standing business case for permanent nursing Full Time Equivalents (FTEs) as identified by the 2019 benchmarking process. Please refer to the latest Newsflash sent to members via email, here.

Operating Room Suite

The ANMF have developed a Member Workload Survey for Launceston General Hospital Operating Room Suite members. The survey was sent to members via email and closes at 9am Wednesday 9 December 2020. If you did not receive this email, please contact our Member Support Team.

Ward 4K

The ANMF will meet with 4K members on Monday 30 November 2020. The meeting is scheduled as a part of the ongoing support for 4K members, to discuss the proposed the Commission of Inquiry and answer any questions that members might have. If you need further support prior to this meeting, please contact our Member Support Team in the alternative please remember that the Nurse and Midwives support line is available 24/7 and is a confidential (free) service. They can be reached via phoning 1800 667 877 or visiting their website here.

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