Public Sector Updates – South

Royal Hobart Hospital

Medical Specialties/Winter Ward (2A)

The ANMF met with members working in the Royal Hobart Hospital (RHH) Medical Specialties/Winter Ward (2A) on Wednesday 30 June on a KPI visit to take general feedback on nursing conditions within the unit. Discussions were robust and productive and the ANMF look forward to working with Ward Management on several identified issues.

Neonatal and Paediatric Intensive Care Unit (NPICU)

The ANMF met with members in the Royal Hobart Hospital (RHH) Neonatal and Paediatric Intensive Care Unit (NPICU) on Thursday 24 June as part of its 2-day Southern Roadshow. Branch Secretary, Emily Shepherd was also able to attend. Several ongoing matters associated with skill mix, staffing numbers and workloads were identified throughout the discussion with the ANMF to progress these with THS Management in accordance with due process – members will be updated on the progress of such work as appropriate via separate Newsflashes.

Paediatric/Adolescent Unit (K6)

The ANMF met with Tasmanian Health Service (THS) Management Wednesday 23 June in a second session of the Step Two Grievance Specialist Panel forum for updates on vacancy rates, recruitment initiatives and other identified concerns within the unit. This meeting was moderately productive however highlighted the need for the ANMF to return to members to obtain additional feedback on ongoing workloads and the prospective Short Stay Unit mooted to be opened within the unit in the near future. Ward Management have been approached for a date/time for such a meeting to occur and members will be advised via separate flyer once this has been confirmed.

Maternity (K7)

The ANMF has, as per the resolution passed at the member meeting of 9 June 2021, escalated the ongoing formal Grievance on behalf of K7 members to a Step 3, Tasmanian Industrial Commission (TIC) discussion. The date for the first hearing of this matter is set for 14 July 2021. The ANMF anticipate a return meeting with members to provide feedback following this discussion.

Midwifery Group Practice (MGP)

The ANMF met with members working in the Midwifery Group Practice (MGP) Wednesday 30 June to discuss the forthcoming EBA negotiations as well as current staffing vacancies and recruitment endeavours. The ANMF has already met with Women’s and Children’s Services (WACS) Management to relay the major points of these discussions and has received confirmation that the Midwifery Unit Manager and/or Associate Director of Midwifery attended a follow up meeting with staff on Wednesday 7 July to further discuss these matters.

General Surgical Unit (K9W)

The ANMF met with members in the RHH – General Surgical Unit (K9W) on Friday 2 July to relay/take feedback on the TIC Step Three Grievance procedure as well as the ongoing conditions within the unit. The substance of these discussions will serve to underpin the ANMF’s subsequent report-back response to the TIC and help shape the future direction of this Industrial Action. The ANMF thank members for their ongoing input and support in attempting to advocate for improved nursing conditions not only in K9W but throughout the RHH.

Updates correct as at 8 July 2021.
Authorised by Emily Shepherd, ANMF Tasmanian Branch Secretary