NEWSFLASH: Mersey Community Hospital Update

COVID-19

Updates for nurses, midwives and care workers in Tasmania

The Australian Nursing and Midwifery Federation Tasmanian Branch (ANMF) were advised on Tuesday 31 March 2020 that as part of the Tasmanian Health Service’s (THS) response to COVID-19 the Mersey Community Hospital (MCH) Emergency Department (ED) would operate with revised, and reduced, opening hours from today, 2 April 2020. The ED will be closed between the hours of 10pm and 8am.

The ANMF understand that this decision was made in line with the THS COVID-19 escalation plan and is due to a variety of factors including withdrawal of locum doctors, reduced nursing staff levels and an intention to manage all COVID-19 patients at the North West Regional Hospital (NWRH). The ANMF were advised that some nurses will be required between 10pm and 8am as part of the Code Team and that all other nursing staff will be consulted on options that are most suitable to them. These options may include re-deployment at the MCH, re-deployment to NWRH or continuing to work at MCH ED as part of the Code Team. The ANMF have been assured that no nurse will be forced to re-deploy to the NWRH if they do not wish to.

The ANMF have also sought assurances that no member will be disadvantaged through this process and that the reduction in hours at MCH ED is only due to the COVID-19 response and escalation plan. The change in operating hours will be monitored and reviewed in line with the overall COVID-19 plan.

Any ANMF member who has further queries is encouraged to contact our Member Support Team via email membersupport@anmftas.org.au or call 1800 001 241. Due to COVID-19 the Team are now practicing social isolation and working from home, baring this in mind, email is the preferred and fastest way of contacting them.

Additionaly, we recognise that this is a stressful time for all of our members, and we are here to assist you with COVID-19 related matters, or otherwise. However, if you feel that you need more support to assist you through this difficult time, please also remember as an ANMF member you have access to free confidential assistance via the Nurse and Midwives Support 24/7 helpline. Contact them on 1800 667 877 or learn more online here.

Download a print ready PDF of this newsflash here.

View the full COVID-19 page here

Updates correct as at 2 April 2020
Authorised by Emily Shepherd, ANMF Tasmanian Branch Secretary

COVID-19 TRAINING AVAILABLE HERE

In order to best support nurses, midwives and care workers throughout the current pandemic, we have partnered with My Midwifery and Nursing CPD to bring members up to date online training on COVID-19. This training is free for all ANMF Tasmanian members and includes 2 modules focused on COVID-19, totalling 6 CPD hours.

Access training here