The ANMF’s Christmas Wish List includes a COVID-19 Allowance for Healthcare Staff 

As the Tasmanian community prepares for Christmas and the holiday season, members of the Australian Nursing and Midwifery Federation Tasmanian Branch (ANMF) are preparing to continue delivering high quality services to patients, clients, and residents, amid an increase in COVID-19 cases now that the borders have reopened.

 ANMF Tasmanian Branch Secretary Emily Shepherd said nurses, midwives, and care workers will be on full shifts throughout Christmas Day, Boxing Day, New Year’s Day, and every public holiday this festive season. 

“These services will be provided 24/7, as they are and should be every year,” Ms Shepherd said. 

The ANMF is calling on the Tasmanian community to recognise nurses, midwives, and care workers for their efforts over the festive season. 

“Our members have faced enormous challenges in 2021 and their dedication and efforts during this time have and continue to be, enormous.” 

Ms Shepherd said the ANMF will work with members as an influx of COVID-19 is predicted to hit early in 2022. 

In the meantime, Ms Shepherd said the ANMF had put together a Christmas Wish List: 

1. A registered nurse on every shift in all Aged Care facilities 
2. Increased base salaries of Tasmanian nurses, midwives and Assistants in Nursing 
3. Fund permanent positions for all nursing and midwifery graduate positions 
4. Implement a COVID-19 allowance for all nursing, midwifery and Assistant in Nursing staff 

The ANMF’s Christmas wish list includes a key ask in its Aged Care Campaign and crucial parts of the 2022-23 Tasmanian State Budget Submissions made earlier this month. 

“We consulted members and the most significant budget item that has been raised consistently and repeatedly in every sector and health settings has been to increase base salaries of Tasmanian nurses, midwives and Assistants in Nursing to at least the National average to increase retention of the existing workforce and to recruit skilled and experienced staff,” Ms Shepherd said. 

The nursing and midwifery workforce have been instrumental in preparing and responding to the COVID-19 pandemic. However, the impact that the pandemic has had cannot be overstated. 

“Nurses and midwives continue to deliver care and treatment despite the individual toll, however, their need to feel recognised and valued is vital to prevent further demoralisation and also aid in retaining the skilled and experienced workforce. 

“A COVID-19 allowance for nurses and midwives would be an effective retention strategy as well indicating the value with which the dedication and commitment of nurses and midwives is received,” Ms Shepherd said. 

The ANMF will continue to advocate for the safety or nurses, midwives, and care workers throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, as they are and will continue to be, on the frontline of this fight. 

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