Aged Care Updates – Statewide

Statewide

Southern Cross Care Tasmania (SCCT)

The ANMF has been advised by members that the employer is proposing to increase the base rates of pay for all Registered Nurses (RNs). It is expected that all RNs will welcome the recognition. It is unfortunate that Southern Cross Care Tasmania (SCCT) continue to refuse to recognise the importance and value of their Enrolled Nurses (ENs). We strongly recommend that members seek advice, before signing any new document, about any proposed change(s) to their employment which might come about if you were to sign a new document. Click here for the latest update.

Household Model of Care

SCCT advise that they are holding meetings with staff, relatives and residents across various SCCT sites. The ANMF strongly encourage members to engage with the process and let SCCT know what you think of the proposed changes, especially SCCTs plan to remove ENs (who are part of the Household Model of Care and the minutes of care recommended by the Royal Commission), and Lifestyle and Leisure Officers. The ANMF asks anyone who has a concern about the quality of care provided at any SCCT facility to raise this concern as a complaint. This should be raised with your manager in the first instance but you can also complain (and advise relatives, friends and residents, they have a right to complain) via the Aged Care Quality and Safety Commission.

ANMF Rally at Rosary Gardens, New Town

On Friday 17 February 2023, the ANMF held a rally on the lawns outside SCCT Rosary Gardens, Head Office in New Town. This rally was to show support to all of our ENs who have had the most stressful time as they wait for a decision about their roles within SCCT. The ANMF thank everyone who attended on a scorching hot day. The rally was the top news item on Nightly News 7 Tasmania at 6pm.

Community Forum

The forum was well attended by community members and politicians. The ANMF were able to give attendees an update of the current legal fight to save the jobs of EN’s. There was also plenty of discussion around SCCT misrepresentation of their planned Household Model of Care to remove EN’s. Attendees gained valuable knowledge about how to lodge complaints, and how to effectively advocate to ensure safe care for their much loved, but vulnerable, elderly.

Changing Workloads of Registered Nurses (RNs) and Care Workers

In the absence of ENs, for obvious reasons, ANMF Registered Nurses (RNs) and Care Worker members are reporting changes to roles and workloads. The ANMF request that these matters be reported through your internal reporting systems and to your line managers. We understand members fear retaliation if they raise concerns but it is important to stand up to improve the quality of life and safety of residents. In the absence of any response please send the evidence (dates, times, location and a summary of the issue) through to your ANMF Organiser or email our Member Support Team at membersupport@anmftas.org.au, so we can follow up on your behalf.

Changes to Leadership at SCCT

Members report this issue is interfering with SCCT’s ability to progress their change consultation, as senior managers scramble to micromanage situations involving the preventable loss of management from the Yaraandoo facility.

Lack of Clinical Leadership at SCCT

The ANMF still encourage members to feedback issues related to absence or instability of leadership, including inappropriate people management in SCCT sites. Use internal SCCT reporting systems, and, escalate to next level management including P&C managers, if you can, to highlight the impact on your workload and morale. Notify the ANMF if you are unable to get a response from your internal systems, and managers.

Respect – Freemasons

The new nursing roster is due to start on Monday 20 February 2023. Please reach out to Respect/Freemasons management or the ANMF if you have, or can foresee, any problems with your new shifts.

Updates correct as at 22 February 2023.
Authorised by Emily Shepherd, ANMF Tasmanian Branch Secretary