Public Sector Updates – North

Launceston General Hospital (LGH)

4N

On Wednesday 7 August 2024, the ANMF met with 4N members at the Launceston General Hospital (LGH). Members voiced concerns over current workloads, the removal of the trialled code nurse, and the need for a sustainable nursing model for 4N. The ANMF committed to engaging the nursing and midwifery director for women’s and children’s to address these issues. However, Tasmanian Health Service (THS) Northern management cannot meet until the week of Monday 9 September 2024. The ANMF will reconvene with 4N members to discuss potential actions due to this delay, as the loss of the code nurse position breaches the Nurses and Midwives Award and impacts neonatal safety at the LGH.

Operating Room Suite (ORS) Benchmark Discussion

On Thursday 15 August 2024, the ANMF met with LGH Operating Room Suite (ORS) members regarding the proposed 2024 benchmark for the LGH ORS. Members have given preliminary endorsement, pending clarifications on specific figures.

Emergency Department (ED) Code Yellow Campaign

The Code Yellow campaign continues in the LGH Emergency Department (ED), where members are still facing high patient demands and low staffing. On Tuesday 13 August 2024, the ANMF attended a working group meeting with the Executive Director of Nursing and Midwifery (EDONM) to discuss operationalising the additional 21.3 Full Time Equivalent (FTE) allocated to the ED, on top of the 2024 benchmarking. The meeting also explored other staffing positions and roster variations to support the current team and improve skill mix. A follow up meeting is scheduled for Wednesday 28 August 2024. In the interim, ED ANMF members are encouraged to continue their Code Yellow actions to ensure the Government fulfills its promises following the imposition of the Transfer of Care procedure.

Intensive Care Unit (ICU) Public Sector Campaign

On Thursday 15 August 2024, the ANMF met with LGH Intensive Care Unit (ICU) members to discuss the “Safe Hospitals Save Lives” campaign. ICU members committed to the industrial action that commenced on Monday 19 August 2024.

Launceston General Hospital Ward 3D Public Sector Campaign

On Wednesday 14 August 2024, the ANMF met with LGH Ward 3D members to discuss the “Safe Hospitals Save Lives” campaign. Ward 3D members committed to the industrial action that commenced on Monday 19 August 2024.

Updates are correct as of 21 August 2024.
Authorised by Emily Shepherd, ANMF Tasmanian Branch Secretary