Launceston General Hospital Ward 4K Terms of Reference
3 November 2020
The Australian Nursing and Midwifery Federation (ANMF) Tasmanian Branch today welcomed the release of the Terms of Reference into the independent investigation into historic sexual abuse allegations at the Launceston General Hospital.
ANMF Tasmanian Branch Secretary Emily Shepherd said, “this has been an extremely distressing period for the community and members at the Launceston General Hospital.”
“We are fully supportive of the independent investigation and the ANMF will be making its own submission,” Ms Shepherd said.
“The ANMF Tasmanian Branch has a zero tolerance for any form of sexual misconduct, particularly in relation to those who are most vulnerable, including children and young people.”
“We must ensure that the outcome of this investigation is that this situation can never occur again.”
Ms Shepherd said the Code of Professional Conduct for nurses in Australia, by which the ANMF abides, states that any sexual misconduct by a nurse is an extremely serious violation of the nurse’s professional responsibility to the person in their care.”
“The ANMF was unaware of the circumstances surrounding the situation in Launceston in 2019 until the charging and subsequent death of the individual.”
“The ANMF subsequently discovered that complaints had been made to the Tasmanian Health Service and thereafter the Tasmanian Integrity Commission.”
Ms Shepherd said the ANMF has had ongoing support for members at the Launceston General Hospital in relation to this matter.
“The ANMF is pleased to see a commitment to supporting anyone who comes forward with information. This will be a traumatic time for children, parents, and anyone who worked with this person.”
Media contact:
Emily Shepherd, ANMF Tasmanian Branch Secretary
Mobile: 0400 884 021
Email: Emily.shepherd@anmftas.org.au