Public Sector Updates – North West

North West Regional Hospital (NWRH)

Spencer Clinic

The ANMF met with members at North West Regional Hospital (NWRH) Spencer Clinic on Monday 13 March 2023 to discuss the response to the Step 1 Grievance and seek further direction from members. At the meeting further concerns and potential solutions were discussed. Formal notification to management is in process and once a response is received the ANMF will again meet with members. Keep an eye out for updates in your inbox.

Operating Suite

The ANMF met with members at NWRH Operating Suite on Friday 10 March 2023, where members raised workload concerns, including safe staffing after hours and weekends, the ANMF on behalf of members raised a Step 1 Grievance. The Tasmania Health Service (THS) has advised they are working to prioritise a response and requested an extension till the Friday 21 April 2023. For full details see the newsflash dated Thursday 13 April 2023. View the latest newsflash update.

North West Community Rapid Response Service

The ANMF met with members at North West Community Rapid Response Service (ComRRS) to discuss the initial process for a change proposal and also provided an opportunity to ask industrial questions. Once further details are available, the ANMF will be ready to assist members through the process.

Mersey Community Hospital (MCH)

Close Observation Unit

The ANMF met with members at the MCH Close Observation Unit (COU) to discuss the impact of 12 hour shifts and provide an opportunity to answer questions. The ANMF noted member questions and will provide answers via email to the Nurse Unit Manager (NUM) in late April 2023.

Emergency Department

The ANMF on behalf of members at the MCH Emergency Department (ED) have written to THS management seeking the following outcomes to workload and safe staffing concerns relating to overnight staffing levels when there are bed blocked patients. ANMF members have asked that management:

Clearly articulate what constitutes safe staffing taking into account the unique needs of ED patients and the unit.
Develop and trial a “matrix” document or similar that would support clinical decision making.
Instigate a daily formal process to identify and source additional nurses if required.

A member meeting will be convened to seek members direction once a response is received. Keep an eye out for the invite in your email.

Updates correct as at 20 April 2023.
Authorised by Emily Shepherd, ANMF Tasmanian Branch Secretary

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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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