ANMF COVID-19 Newsflash: Hobart Private and St Helen’s Hospitals

Following the Healthscope response to The Australian Nursing and Midwifery Federation Tasmanian Branch (ANMF) as per the recent newsflash, members have contacted the ANMF regarding the discrepancy between some of these responses and what is actually happening in the workplace. Members concerns have been in regard to fit testing availability, the suitability and availability of N95 masks provided, and accessibility to RAT and PCR testing.

The ANMF wrote to management regarding the lack of Fit testing availability. Healthscope assures the ANMF that “all staff in critical areas have been given the opportunity to fit test. A number of staff did not take up this offer. Fit testing is available and continues for all staff. If they have not been fit tested, they need to follow up with their line manager” and Healthscope “can confirm all staff have the availability to be released from their department to attend fit testing”
The ANMF wrote further to Healthscope regarding the concern that when members have attended a fit test appointment, they were told there is only one type of N95 mask available for fit testing as that is all that is being supplied. Therefore, if a member is allergic to it and cannot wear it, or the fit test fails with this particular mask, then there is no alternative. Healthscope replied to the ANMF’s letter with “Healthscope have a range of N95 masks available to ensure an appropriate mask can be provided”.
The ANMF were also advised that members had been told there was no testing for staff to access and they would need to source their own RAT or PCR test elsewhere. This is despite Healthscope stating that “Since late last year HPH has been providing a drive through clinic for staff to be RAT and PCR tested” the ANMF again wrote to Healthscope to clarify this situation and they advised “We provide RAT and PCR testing for all staff who are asymptomatic. Staff who are symptomatic are referred to Public Health for testing”.

The ANMF ask members to contact your manager if you have any difficulty with any of the above concerns and also to contact Member Support below if your manager cannot provide you access to any of the above.

Read the PDF version here.

Updates correct as at 9 February 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.

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