Public Sector Updates – North

Launceston General Hospital (LGH)

Ward 3R

The ANMF met with Ward 3R members on 9 September 2021, and at this meeting members discussed concerns regarding workloads and staffing shortages. The ANMF has engaged with management on behalf of members, as well as facilitating an electronic workload form. Members can track key drivers of workload and the ANMF will have a data set to support any future workload grievance process. Click here for more information.

Holman Clinic

The ANMF has been in dialogue with Tasmanian Heath Service (THS) North management, in relation to Holman Clinic member concerns regarding workload and the proposed workload mitigation strategies from the 3 September 2021 member meeting. The ANMF is in the process of securing several in principle arrangements with THS that should assist with the current workload pressure in the Holman clinic. Click here for more information.

Emergency Department (ED)

On Tuesday 11 October 2021, the ANMF attended the second Tasmanian Industrial Commission (TIC) hearing in support of ANMF Emergency Department (ED) members and their ongoing issues with; access block, unsafe workloads, unsafe working environment, patient safety concerns, staff burnout/stress and increased staff turnover within the LGH ED. The ANMF has progressed matters as reported in the linked newsflash with a significant outcome of securing clinical coach positions 7 days a week on AM and PM shifts. Further details will be provided on the outcomes of the hearing in an update newsflash to be circulated shortly. There is a third hearing scheduled for Wednesday 20 October. Click here for more information.

Operating Room Suite (ORS)

The ANMF has received the results from the Operating Room Suite (ORS) ANMF member survey regarding obtaining a position from members for resolving the Step 2 Workload Grievance. Members have advised that the recommendations agreed to, with continued oversight from the ANMF, will allow for the grievance to be resolved at Step 2. Click here for more information.

Ward 5A

The ANMF met with Ward 5A members on 22 September 2021. Ward 5A members advised that currently workloads are manageable however there have been periods of pressure due to recruitment cycles and the elongated process of recruitment that can leave some rosters short and therefore relying on existing staff to meet these shortfalls. Members noted that annual benchmarking is due in the later half of the year and confirmed that the ongoing application of the clinical coach is providing confidence around the ability to manage workload peaks for the interim period.

Ward 6D

The ANMF met with Ward 6D members on 23 September 2021. Members noted concerns with the usual drivers of workload, overtime, short notice changes of shift and double shifts. This is accentuated when increased pressure comes from patient specials. Members acknowledged the work being completed to track and understand patient specials and nursing requirements for these that will link in with the benchmarking process. Members were keen for benchmarking to progress. The ANMF has engaged with management in relation to this and will also facilitate in the development of an electronic workload form so as that members can track key drivers of workload and ANMF will have a data set to support, if required, any future workload grievance process.

Updates correct as at 14 October 2021.
Authorised by Emily Shepherd, ANMF Tasmanian Branch Secretary