Public Sector Updates – South

Royal Hobart Hospital

Surgical Specialties, Orthopaedics and Burns Unit (K9E)

On Monday 3 May 2021 the ANMF attended a Step 2 Nursing Hours per Patient Day (NHpPD) Workload and Staffing Grievance Specialist Panel meeting on behalf of members with senior Tasmanian Health Service (THS) management. At the conclusion of this meeting, it was suggested that the unit might be the beneficiary of an additional 21 nursing hours per day in an attempt to manage current workloads. This is a significant outcome for the ward and will be put to members to vote on during a meeting as soon as practicable.

Department Critical Care Medicine (DCCM)

The ANMF has received several contacts from members working in the Royal Hobart Hospital (RHH) Department of Critical Care (DCCM) over the past week about an exacerbation of patient acuities, staffing shortfalls and overall excessive workloads. A member meeting has been scheduled at 1430hrs on Friday 14 May in the RHH GO1 room (ground floor, F Block) where a resolution will be sought regarding a potential escalation of the current workload Grievance to Step 2.

Mental Health Short Stay Unit

On Monday 10 May, the ANMF attended an update meeting from State-wide Mental Health Services (SMHS) regarding the expansion of the Mental Health Short Stay Unit (MHSSU) to seven day per week operations as well as their stated intent to open to a six bed capacity in approximately two weeks. At the conclusion of this meeting multiple concerns remain about the current staffing roster, particularly the CNS/PEN role and its ongoing dual function between MHSSU and the Emergency Department. The ANMF anticipate holding a member meeting in MHSSU shortly to take broad feedback regarding the current clinical, professional, and strategic direction of the MHSSU – confirmation of meeting details to come shortly.

Paediatrics/Adolescents Unit (K6)

On Monday 10 May, the ANMF attended a Step 2 Specialist Panel meeting on behalf of members working in RHH – Paediatrics/Adolescents Unit in an attempt to reach outcomes against the current workload and staffing issues  on the unit. This meeting was constructive with development of several actions to be reported back on in one month . This will also allow time for completion of current recruitment processes and an assessment of the net-gains with regards to the overall establishment. The ANMF anticipate holding a feedback meeting with members after the next Specialist Panel session in one month.

Updates correct as at 13 May 2021.
Authorised by Emily Shepherd, ANMF Tasmanian Branch Secretary