The Australian Nursing and Midwifery Federation Tasmanian Branch (ANMF) have made contact with the Tasmanian Health Service (THS) regarding the concerns that members raised with the re-opening of the Spencer Clinic today, Friday 8 May 2020.

The THS have provided the following clarification:

• Safety of the nurse’s station in the newly designated red and orange zones, possible lack of swipe card access and safety glass to secure this space.
• The safety of the doors will be reviewed and if required, safety glass and swipe card access will be actioned.
• The ANMF will follow this up next week.
• Processes and procedures around donning and doffing personal protective equipment (PPE). It was acknowledged that practical training has been offered and completed, but apprehension remains about putting this into practice. Specifically, the space and access point/s where this will occur, partitions for privacy and timing for this at the beginning and ending of shifts.
• Staff presenting to shifts for the first time will have the ability complete a ward re-orientation and walk through to support the understanding of new procedures and processes. There will be locked change rooms for the red zone with privacy screens and occupied signs installed.
• No attendant will be rostered overnight across all three zones.
• Reassurance has been given that if acuity determines, then extra staff can be called in via the usual processes.
• Limited detail on the protocol regarding code blacks under the new ward configuration.
• Confirmation that security guard support will still occur (PPE ready) along with support from nursing staff within other zones in Spencer Clinic, activated by the current personal alarm process in line with current code black protocols.

Further to the above, the THS have confirmed that it will be a stage stand-up of the Spencer Clinic, there will be no transferring back of patients from the Launceston General Hospital until Monday 11 May. In addition to this, there will be no ‘hot’ patients admitted before Monday. Community Teams will still maintain the current community focussed management until a full stand-up has been realised.

The ANMF will continue to advocate for members during this difficult time, with further updates and advice provided as they come to hand. If you have any queries please do not hesitate to contact our Member Support Team via membersupport@anmftas.org.au or for urgent matters phone 1800 001 241.

Please note: Due to the current COVID-19 situation, our Member Support Team are now practicing social isolation measures and working from home. Bearing this in mind, email is the preferred and fastest way of contacting them.

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