ANMF Seeks Consultation on Mother Baby Unit Move

The Australian Nursing and Midwifery Federation Tasmanian Branch (ANMF) has called for a formal change proposal to enable appropriate consultation for the changes to the Mother Baby Unit (MBU) at the Royal Hobart Hospital, following announcements in Parliament that the MBU is set to move to St Johns Park.

“This announcement on the floor of parliament came as a complete shock to our members at the RHH MBU and does not only not follow the industrially agreed requirement to consult with our members,” ANMF Tasmanian Branch Secretary, Emily Shepherd.

“It shows no insight into the distress this has caused for many members, some of whom have already been through a traumatic time after relocating to the RHH MBU after working at the now closed St Helens Hospital MBU.

“The Department just yesterday issued an email to all staff at the RHH reassuring them that all staff would be offered positions at the new St Johns Park Unit.

“However, the ANMF has been informed that this is not the case with at least one staff member being told that they will not have a role there.”

Ms Shepherd said sending an email to staff with little detail does nothing to allay the concerns of our members.

“They have many questions with respect to the proposed MBU at St Johns Park and while the ANMF and members have long lobbied for a dedicated MBU away from the RHH, the failure to consult with members on the service and its location and model of care prior to announcing this in Parliament is hugely disrespectful to our members and has not allayed their concerns.”

Ms Shepherd said the ANMF has requested a formal change proposal from the Department so that appropriate consultation can occur with the MBU team at the RHH and also individual consultation depending on individual circumstances with respect to reassignment of duties.

“If a formal change proposal is not received within 7 days, the ANMF will lodge a failure to consult with the Tasmanian Industrial Commission.

“Without a formal change proposal, members have little knowledge on what the model of care will look like and does not allay their concern for the women and babies that they have been supporting with mental health challenges within the RHH MBU.

“They are most concerned with separation of women from their babies in the event that there are mental health concerns for the mother.

“These very legitimate concerns must be addressed along with the myriad of other matters that members to date have limited to no information on.”

The ANMF has lobbied for a revised model of care for the MBU after the Government announced that the RHH would temporarily accommodate 2 MBU beds after the St Helens Hospital MBU closure and the opportunity to consult on this.

“The ANMF again is calling for the release of the model of care and appropriate consultation including all members and importantly consumers.”

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Media contact:
Emily Shepherd, ANMF Tasmanian Branch Secretary
Mobile: 0400 884 021
Email: Emily.Shepherd@anmftas.org.au