Public Sector Updates – South

Royal Hobart Hospital – RHH

Cardiac Cath Lab

The ANMF conducted a secondary benchmark endorsement meeting with Cardiac Cath Lab (CCL) staff on Wednesday 30 November 2022. As a result of the discussions and resolutions therein, the ANMF has written to Tasmanian Health Service (THS) senior management advising a final position including the request for the grade 5 Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS) position to be increased to a grade 6 role commensurate with the scope of duties/responsibilities as outlined in the business case. The ANMF anticipate an invitation to a meeting with the THS in the near future and will advise members if/when this is confirmed, as well as any subsequent outcomes.

Emergency Department

The ANMF has scheduled a member meeting with Royal Hobart Hospital (RHH) Emergency Department staff for Friday 9 December 2022 at 1400hrs in EMU-J. Major themes for discussion will be the recent exchange of letters with senior Tasmanian Health Service (THS) management regarding the urgent need for re-benchmarking and associated workload/staffing concerns, however any additional business will of course be welcomed.

Aged Services Team

The ANMF scheduled a member meeting for Aged Services Team staff on Thursday 8 December 2022 from 0830hrs-0930hrs in the Level 6 meeting room, 25 Argyle Street building. Current, ongoing workload and staffing concerns, as well as role classifications (i.e., nursing grades) were discussed at the meeting.

Repatriation Centre – Peacock 1

The ANMF has been advised that a preliminary meeting for re-benchmarking of Peacock 1 was held internally amongst relevant Tasmanian Health Service (THS) stakeholders Friday 2 December 2022. A formal benchmarking meeting is now anticipated at the earliest convenience – members will be advised once details are finalised.

Adult Community Mental Health Service

The ANMF is returning to the Tasmanian Industrial Commission (TIC) this week on Thursday 8 December 2022, on behalf of and with support from the three Adult Community Mental Health Service (ACMHS) teams in southern Tasmania. Primarily this case has been in relation to the following.

1. Support/supervision provided to Enrolled Nurses (ENs)
2. Use of agency and alternative workforce solutions
3. Work Health and Safety (WHS) assessments and actions (or inactions) proposed in relation to the proposed controls
4. Amendments to the Poisons Act – an amendment is required to allow for provision of PRNs in the community after
5. Extended hours – currently on hold. Members have endorsed that this will continue through industrial action and remains our key argument in the TIC. Industrial action will continue until Mental Health Services can show they have a full complement of Full Time Equivalent (FTE) and the same has been requested before report back.

Homeless Outreach Support Team

The ANMF wrote to the Premier recently in relation to the closure of the Homeless Outreach Support Team (HOST) and made a case on behalf of nurses working for both HOST and community services, that funding for this important work should continue. In his response to our formal correspondence the Premier indicated that the Government would support the Adult Community Mental Health Service (ACMHS) team and Drug and Alcohol teams who now have coverage of this workload. In addition, a grant program has been underway, with the Government looking for primary care providers or community organisations, who partner with General Practitioners, to provide health services to vulnerable populations. The ANMF were told that the Department of Health are reviewing the applications and will make an announcement soon. If you have any questions or would like more details in relation to the above matter, please contact Southern Organiser Jenna via email at Jenna.Bowling@anmftas.org.au.

Correctional Primary Health Service

The ANMF met with members of Correctional Primary Health Service (CPHS) on Wednesday 30 November 2022, to discuss matters previously raised and communicated to members via an ANMF newsflash. The meeting was also used to discuss the progress of issues raised through accreditation. A further newsflash will be sent to members this week, to communicate the new information. If you have any questions or you don’t receive the follow up, please contact Southern Organiser Jenna via email at Jenna.Bowling@anmftas.org.au

Roy Fagan Centre

The ANMF met with members of the Roy Fagan Centre (RFC) on Tuesday 29 November 2022, to discuss a new issue raised in relation to Work Health and Safety (WHS) at RFC and a request for the correctional allowance to be applied, to attempt to retain their workforce, who report experiencing assault or risk of assault daily. Local Mental Health Services management were contacted informally last week, however, this matter has been escalated internally for a response. The ANMF will contact members when a response has been received, with follow up to occur if this is not received within a reasonable timeframe. The ANMF will communicate the points raised via a Newsflash this week. An update will also be provided for members who requested information around workers compensation claims and a question as to whether there is an age limit on this. If you have any questions or you don’t receive the follow up, please contact Southern Organiser Jenna via email at Jenna.Bowling@anmftas.org.au.

Mental Health Short Stay Unit

The ANMF met with members of the Mental Health Short Stay Unit (MHSSU) on Wednesday 30 November 2022, to provide an update to members on issues previously raised, with a response communicated also via an ANMF newsflash. Members were satisfied with the response to the issues previously raised, however, raised a new concern in relation to the Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS) position and availability of same, as they continue to work between the MHSSU and the Emergency Department (ED). A meeting is also being held in the ED soon with addressing the mental health resourcing in ED to be discussed. If members wish to add anything to this discussion, please contact Southern Organiser Jenna via email at Jenna.Bowling@anmftas.org.au.

Updates correct as at 7 December 2022.
Authorised by Emily Shepherd, ANMF Tasmanian Branch Secretary