The ANMF Condemn the Removal of Enrolled Nurses by Southern Cross Care
15 November 2022
Media Door Stop
Where: 19 Brisbane Street, Launceston
When: 15 November 2022
Time: 2:30pm
Who: ANMF Branch Secretary, Emily Shepherd
The Australian Nursing and Midwifery Federation Tasmanian Branch (ANMF) has condemned the planned removal of Enrolled Nurses from all their facilities across the State. Southern Cross Care have claimed this change is due to the Federal Government’s planned introduction of mandated minimum care minutes in 2023.
“This is just an atrocious decision by Southern Cross Care, where mandated minimum care minutes, which are attracting additional funding, are being used as an excuse to strip critical nursing roles from their aged care facilities across the State. The ANMF condemn this decision in the strongest possible terms.” said ANMF Tasmanian Branch Secretary, Emily Shepherd today.
Enrolled Nurses at Southern Cross Care aged care facilities have been informed that their roles will be made redundant and will replaced by extended care workers. Care workers can assist with administration of medication, where qualified, under the supervision of a Registered Nurse. However, both care workers and Registered Nurses at Southern Cross Care facilities have raised concerns about the ability for Registered Nurses to supervise medication delivery for residents and additional work loads.
“It is astonishing that following the Commission of Inquiry recommendations to increase nursing and care hours, that Southern Cross Care are reducing Enrolled Nurse Positions. The ANMF have always maintained that a skill mix of 30% Registered Nurses, 20% Enrolled Nurses and 50% care workers is the ideal skill mix to support quality resident care. This decision by Southern Cross Care will not enable this skill mix ratio, and is not supported in any way shape or form.” said ANMF Branch Secretary, Emily Shepherd.
Members are currently being supported by ANMF, who will be meeting with Southern Cross Care management today to gain further understanding of the decision.
Media contact:
Emily Shepherd, ANMF Tasmanian Branch Secretary
Mobile: 0400 884 021
Email: Emily.shepherd@anmftas.org.au