NEWSFLASH: Update and thanks to members during COVID-19 outbreak - Australian Nursing & Midwifery Federation (Tasmanian Branch)

COVID-19

Updates for nurses, midwives and care workers in Tasmania

Newsflash: The ANMF are with you and support you

As the official Easter period finishes the Australian Nursing and Midwifery Federation Tasmanian Branch (ANMF) wish to acknowledge all nurses, midwives, and care workers for the efforts in providing care and treatment to patients and clients across all sectors during this time. While many of the Tasmanian community were at home in isolation with their families, nurses, midwives and care workers remained at work providing care to other people’s family members in their time of need. The ANMF are grateful for this sacrifice, as we know the broader Tasmanian community are too.

As the COVID-19 pandemic developed over the Easter period, the ANMF spoke with a number of members to provide support and advice. During this period, we addressed a number of key concerns for members in all regions of the state and also highlighted the amazing and dedicated work that you have all undertaken in very difficult and challenging times.

This dedication, professionalism, and selflessness was continuously highlighted by the ANMF Tasmanian Branch Secretary, Emily Shepherd via state and national news outlets over the Easter period. These outlets included ABC Radio, ABC News Tasmania and ABC National News, as well as local newspapers the Advocate, Examiner, and Mercury. Radio and television outlets were also engaged with guest appearances on a number of stations including SeaFM, Seven News Tasmania, The Gaudian, The Herald Sun and Sunrise Breakfast (watch clip here). The ANMF have and will continue to champion the voice of our members, their challenges and efforts as you fight the COVID-19 crisis head on.

We would like to acknowledge, that while it has been disappointing to hear rumours circulating about the source of the outbreak at the North West Regional Hospital, which the ANMF have been quick to debunk, it has been heartening to see members from across the state immediately offering support and care for their colleagues following the closure of the North West Regional Hospital and the North West Private Hospital. Our members at the Mersey Community Hospital, the Launceston General Hospital, and the Royal Hobart Hospital have doubled down in their efforts to take transfers from the North West. In particular we appreciate the efforts of the Launceston General Hospital in continuing to accept all new admissions from the North West region.

On behalf of all nurses, midwives and care workers, the ANMF would like to commend the hard work of members and healthcare works in the North West. At times like this, it can feel as though the individual and collective efforts of nurses, midwives and care workers are not recognised in the sheer chaos of needing to be a ‘step ahead’ for the next curve ball that COVID-19 may through up. However, the ANMF could not be prouder of each and every member and the way in which you have conducted yourselves with such professionalism and dedication.

We ask that all members take a moment to recognise the impact you have had to date and be proud of your efforts. You should take heart in the messages of support from the rest of the nation’s nurses, midwives and care workers who are also with you in spirit. We will continue to publish these messages to social media as they reach us, please take some time to read these kind words of support from QNMU and SA Branches.

We wish to acknowledge that there are still many challenges ahead, but we are confident that with continued solidarity – together we will overcome what lies ahead. Over this period of increased stress, we would also like to remind members of the resources available to them. Please continue to check the ANMF COVID-19 website for latest news and offers – www.anmfts.org.au/covid-19. And for those seeking to debrief or in need of support, Nurse and Midwife Support offer 24/7 confidential advice for nurses, midwives, and care workers along with their families. Learn more about the service here.

Lastly, we encourage all members with concerns to contact the ANMF Member Support Team via membersupport@anmftas.org.au or for urgent matters phone (03) 6223 6777 or 1800 001 241 (if outside Hobart). Due to the COVID-19 situation, our Member Support Team are now practicing social isolation strategies and working from home. Bearing this in mind, email is the preferred and fastest way of contacting them.

Download a print ready PDF of this newsflash here.

Updates correct as at 15 April 2020
Authorised by Emily Shepherd, ANMF Tasmanian Branch Secretary