Public Sector Updates – North

Launceston General Hospital

Emergency Department

On Friday 12 February 2021, the ANMF wrote to Tasmanian Health Service management requesting immediate confirmation regarding the status of approval for the business case for the extra 21.2 FTE. The ANMF have advised Tasmanian Health Service that if the business case is not approved the matter will be escalated to a Step 3 Grievance with an application to the Tasmanian Industrial Commission. The ANMF has requested a response by 1700 hours on Monday 15 February 2021. The ANMF will meet with Emergency Department members today to provide an update.

Operating Suite

The ANMF has received a response from management in relation to the Step 1 Grievance. The matter will be progressing to Step 2.

Emergency Department

A member meeting is scheduled for 18 February. There continues to be concerns about the lack of physical space in the Emergency Department and it is likely that the proposed airlock will exacerbate the problem.

Ward 4O/B

On Tuesday 9 February 2021, the ANMF met with members on Ward 4O/B in follow up to the Step 2 Grievance meeting held prior to Christmas and the outcome of a business case being put for night shifts to increase from 6 to 7 midwives via a 6-month fixed term recruitment of 2.27 FTE. Members discussed with the ANMF the ongoing concerns with ward acuity, staffing shortfall, skill mix, overtime, double shift, and fatigue. The ANMF advised members that we would be seeking immediate confirmation of the business case approval for the increase in FTE. Following this, a priority will be to seek relevant data regarding workloads such as, overtime worked, double shifts, code blue numbers, short notice change of shift, and missed meal breaks over a 24 month period. A further update will be provided to members via email, with a follow up meeting due after this.

Ward 5B

On Thursday 4 February 2021, the ANMF along with Ward 5B Workplace Representatives, met with Tasmanian Health Service management to discuss the feedback provided by members on the proposed 2020 benchmarking FTE. The meeting was productive with the Tasmanian Health Service acknowledging the drivers of workload raised by members. The ANMF have requested that the Tasmanian Health Service provide a written response to the concerns raised. Upon receipt of this response, a meeting will be held with members to discuss the proposed mitigation measures.

Safe Staffing Committee

On Thursday 4 February 2021, the ANMF attended the Launceston General Hospital Safe Staffing Committee meeting. At this meeting, the ANMF requested timeframes for approval of business cases requesting increases in permanent FTE as identified by the 2020 Benchmarking process for Emergency Department, ICU, Renal N/Kings Meadows/NW, Ward 3R, AMU and JLGRU. The Tasmanian Health Service were unable to provide timeframes and subsequently the ANMF have written to management requesting confirmation of these. Further, the ANMF have sought confirmation as to whether the identified positions have been filled fixed term pending the permanent FTE business case approval process.

Beaconsfield District Health Service

The ANMF took correspondence from the Tasmanian Health Service regarding the request roster system at Beaconsfield District Health Service (BDHS), to members. Members felt they had suboptimal support provided over the Christmas period, with reports of stressful working conditions and ongoing workload issues. Members have requested that the ANMF respond to correspondence from the Tasmanian Health Service with a request to immediately establish a roster working committee. The ANMF will continue to support members through this change.

Launceston Community Nursing Services

Following a meeting with members last week, and several concerns raised, the ANMF have requested that the Tasmanian Health Service provide members with more information regarding the change in hours of operation (night shift and afternoon shift).

UTAS Orientation

The ANMF was delighted to attend the 2021 Orientation Day for first year Nursing Students at the University of Tasmania. The event was an excellent opportunity to meet nursing students, welcome them to the nursing profession and introduce them to the important work the ANMF does for members. We congratulate Jess Macfarlane on winning the coveted prize pack. The ANMF welcomes all nurses commencing and continuing their Bachelor of Nursing studies.

North East Soldiers Memorial Hospital

On Wednesday 10 February 2021, ANMF officials met with members at North East Soldiers Memorial Hospital (NESMH). Members discussed concerns with current workloads, short staffing, overtime, double shifts and increasing emergency presentations. Members have endorsed the ANMF to raise on their behalf a Step 1 Grievance. The ANMF is in the process of writing to Tasmanian Health Service management regarding these concerns. Member are encouraged to continue to fill out the ANMF workload overload forms. Further updates will be sent via email once Tasmanian Health Service management has responded to our correspondence.

Updates correct as at 18 February 2021.
Authorised by Emily Shepherd, ANMF Tasmanian Branch Secretary

ASSISTANCE & SUPPORT

Member Support Team: The ANMF Tasmanian Branch is 8000 plus members strong! Supporting nurses, midwives, and care workers as the only union in Tasmania employing nurses and care workers to represent members. This is why our Organisers and Member Support Team are uniquely positioned to understand your experiences, represent you in your workplace, and offer industrial advice that’s relevant to you. Please contact our Member Support Team if you need workplace support, would like to discuss any matters or raise a concern. Alternatively, you can send an email outlining your concerns to our team - membersupport@anmftas.org.au. Email is the preferred and fastest way of contacting the team, 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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