ANMF COVID-19 Newsflash: Public Sector Update

The ANMF acknowledge the difficult challenges that members across all sectors are experiencing as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. These specifically include Workloads, Work environment and conditions, Staff shortages and personal impacts. The ANMF have secured the below outcomes for members. We note that there is still more support needed and we will continue to advocate on your behalf.

Outcomes:

PPE (Personal Protective Equipment) Allowance
Following ANMF advocacy and lobbying the Premier for a COVID-19 allowance on Sunday 9 January 2022 which called upon the Premier to intervene and authorise an urgent COVID-19 allowance, the ANMF can advise members that this has not been supported by the Premier at this time. The Premier has indicated that he has asked the Department and the State Service Management Office to commence negotiation with all unions on a COVID-19 allowance, however, would only consider implementation if COVID-19 Escalation went to level A.
The ANMF has responded to the Premier advising of the dismay, anger and frustration that this decision has caused and will only further the risk of losing more critical nurses and midwives who are already burnt out from the Tasmanian Health System.

Fatigue and Hydration Breaks
On Friday 14 January 2022, a direction was issued from the Secretary, Department of Health, to all Health managers to communicate with staff on the symptoms of dehydration and to develop a plan in order to ensure adequate rest and hydration is enabled for all members. This direction in line with Work Health and Safety Legislation also provides for additional break time to doff and don PPE as well as additional breaks to allow for hydration. These breaks may need to be taken individually due to clinical demands, but if any members are unable to take these breaks, your manager should be notified, and you should complete a Safety Reporting and Learning System (SRLS) report.

Click here to read the full update.

Updates correct as at 21 January 2022.
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.

Member Support Team

Nurse and Midwife Support If you are seeking confidential support and advice, members have access to 24/7 phone support from Nurse and Midwife Support.

Nurse and Midwife Support