ANMF Saves Core Staffing and Advocates for more RHH Clinical Trial Nurses
1 April 2026
WHAT: Media Call
WHEN: 12 NOON, Wednesday, April 1
WHERE: Royal Hobart Hospital – Campbell Street Entrance
WHO: ANMF Tasmania Branch Secretary Emily Shepherd and ANMF Delegates
The Australian Nursing and Midwifery Federation (Tasmanian Branch) continues to advocate for the oncology clinical trial unit at the Royal Hobart Hospital (RHH) after launching an industrial campaign in July 2025.
ANMF Branch Secretary Emily Shepherd said the union highlighted the serious risks that a proposed 58% staffing cut would have on clinical trials and those patients who are relying on clinical trials as a treatment of last resort and their families.
“In conjunction with members’ ongoing public campaign to save the unit, we also lodged a dispute with the Tasmanian Industrial Commission in February 2026.
“The outcome achieved in the TIC led to suspension of further cuts to CTU, saving core staffing levels after demonstrating the ongoing need for nurses in this unit. The Department also acknowledged the anticipated inevitable demand for CTU nursing services.
“It is a great outcome that the ANMF were able to save the CTU from being entirely decimated.
“However, the issue remains on achieving agreement with the Department on what safe staffing looks like to run a clinical trial.”
Ms Shepherd said the ANMF has now reported back to the TIC as directed, prior to 31 March 2026.
“We confronted the remaining issue of modelling, which was also agreed to determine adequate and safe staffing levels, noting that the staffing requirements will fluctuate depending on additional trials being run.
“The ANMF notes that to date the Department hasn’t engaged with the ANMF.
“It is critical it does along with their staff in CTU in relation to modelling and safe staffing going forward.”
The ANMF now awaits the response from the Department in its report back to the TIC.
“We will then consider next steps in continuing to advocate for our members in this space and more broadly across oncology services.”
-End-
Media contact:
Emily Shepherd, ANMF Tasmanian Branch Secretary
Mobile: 0400 884 021
Email: Emily.Shepherd@anmftas.org.au