Mrs Neroli Ellis, State Secretary of Australian Nursing Federation Tasmanian Branch states; “This is an ironic situation that the day the Government is intent on slashing health budgets, the system has ground to a halt and patient care is now at risk.”

“This is the first time we have been in this situation since the budget cuts with no available physical beds, beds re-opened staffed on extra and double shifts at all hospitals, safe targets for Emergency are not achievable and patients are staying the night in Recovery post operatively as there are no available beds at the RHH.”

“Bed access block is normal with at least 10 patients waiting overnight in the Emergency Department for a bed, but not to this dire extent where simultaneously all hospitals are running over full capacity. There is no ability to transfer patients back to their home region and this is before the winter crisis”

ANF is concerned that any further reduction to the health budget will impact severely on our ability to provide safe health care to Tasmanians.

ANF has written to the Minister to request intervention to ensure the remaining entitlements are implemented prior to re-commencing negotiations for a new EBA.

ANF attended a productive meeting on Friday with DHHS, THO and Public Sector Management Office representatives and there is a commitment to forward a package of proposals in an attempt to resolve the outstanding issues to ANF by the end of the week.

The key outstanding issues are; appointment of 6.4 FTE Clinical Nurse Educators to support rural and remote nurses, community health career pathway and direct entry points and the work value for Grade 5-9.

Classification Review External Review Process – If an ANF member wishes to have an external review of the translation classification decision, a review application has to be lodged with 14 days with the Tasmanian Industrial Commission. Please contact ANF on receipt of your letter.

If you have any queries please do not hesitate to contact the ANF Information Centre on 6223 6777, 1800 001 241 (outside Hobart area) or email info@anftas.org.

Authorised: Neroli Ellis

Branch Secretary

21 May 2013

The Forum received an overview of mental Health in Australia and the Pacific region, mental health nursing as a profession across the Commonwealth of Nations and an update from the Australian College of mental health Nurses.

They heard from at least 6 different mental health nurses about:

• Their professional experience;
• A brief outline of the mental health situation in their country;
• Legal frameworks within their country;
• The particular issues which affect mental health consumers/ carers / cultural issues in their country; and
• Their profession as a mental health nurse and as individuals working within mental health in their country

The forum then formulated recommendations that could be taken to the Common wealth Nurses Conference being held in Melbourne. The ultimate goal is that recommendations will develop through a number of levels and forums and that these will all be brought together for feedback then passed and prioritised. These key recommendations will then be taken to the individual Health Ministers of Commonwealth Countries  with pressure for them to be implemented.

The recommendations presented revolved around:

• looking at a Commonwealth-wide protection of mental health clients rights;
• demanding the update of Mental Health Acts of individual Commonwealth Countries, some of which date back to 1902;
• developing basic expected mental health standards for Commonwealth Countries and their citizens with the ability to have oversight and ongoing review;
• recognising cultural differences and experience;
• developing agreed basic Commonwealth mental health strategies for clients, families and services; and
• continuing to improve education, pathways, and research and support networks for mental health nurses as individuals and as a profession within the Common wealth.

There is still a good deal of work to be done to refine the details of the recommendations.

In Roz’s own words: “As an individual mental health nurse I was overwhelmed by the things that united us as a profession and that mental health nursing is very alive and growing in Commonwealth Countries. That the skills and positive outcomes we can bring for our clients and their families were the goal of all the nurses present as they reflected on the current situation in their countries.”

Roz went on to say: “As an individual I wanted to discuss the education frame work in this country as we seem to move to NGO‘s providing care and support to our mentally ill. Would it be better financially and for clients to gain better clinical outcomes to broaden our professional base and look at having mental health trained enrolled nurses and direct entry Degrees in mental health at a university level? Some Commonwealth countries have a professional mental health stream for nurses.”

It was clear from the hands-on mental health nurses present that they all want better outcomes, education and breaking down of stigma. It was also evident that there was a strong desire for a better sense of professional unity among mental health nurses in the Common wealth of Nations, through their nursing unions and professional bodies.

“There was strong agreement that we need to be mindful to continue to build community, maintain sense of family, and early intervention to stop break down and isolation,” said Roz.  “We need to take the best from each nation to continue to build upon where we are now and where we want to be as mental health services and as mental nurses in the future as a profession.”

As a focus for the future one of the speakers quoted “there is no health without mental health”.

• Wage increases of 3.1% or FWC minimum wage increase per annum, whichever is greater; FFPP 1/7/2012 & 1/7/2013 with agreement for Employer to apply higher rate of pay if additional Commonwealth Government funding received to increase wages in the aged care industry.
• Casual Loading transitioning; 2/7/12 (23%), 1/7/13 (24%), 1/7/14 (25%) cumulative with back pay.
• Responsibility Allowance for ECA on night duty at Bowditch $4.45 per shift.
• ECA on night duty at Bowditch to be paid a minimum 15 minute handover in addition to ordinary working hours.
• Preceptor or Buddy Allowance of $1.10 per hour when assisting in orientation of new staff members.
• $12.85 weekly First Aid Allowance for full time employees with current First Aid Certificates who is responsible in a given week for the provision of first aid to employees.
• All Allowances to increase in line with wage increases.
• LSL entitlement to 8 & 2/3 weeks paid leave after 10 years continuous employment – pro rata after 7 years and prior to 10 years.
• Paid Parental Leave as per Federal Government’s Paid Parental Leave Scheme – up to 18 weeks Parental Leave for primary carer and further Dad and Partner Pay of up to 2 weeks, both at minimum wage.
• Paid annual influenza vaccination.
• Professional Development Leave for approved training.
• Shift Penalties: afternoon = 114%, night = 116%, Sat = 150%, Sun = 200%,
• Public Holidays = 230% transitioning to 240% 1/7/13 and 250% on 1/7/2014.  Employees can elect to be paid ordinary pay and accrue leave.
• Sleepovers not to be introduced during life of the Agreement.

• Salary increases of: 3.4% (1/7/2011), 3.6% (1/7/2012), 3.6% (1/7/2013), 3.6% (1/7/2014) and 4% (1/7/2015) with back pay upon approval of Agreement.
• Casual loading cumulative increases of: 22% (1/7/2011), 23% (1/7/2012), 24% (1/7/2013) and 25% (1/7/2014).
• Increase of night shift penalty to 17.5%.
• Entitlement to 2 days paid Compassionate Leave and 3 days Bereavement Leave.
• Uniform provision defined as two tops and one bottom initially and two pieces yearly thereafter.
• Changes to close call provisions including an increase to the minimum payment to 8 hours at the employee’s relevant rate with the first hour calculated at double time.
• Addition of 10 days unpaid Ceremonial Leave provision.
• Addition of Community Service Leave as per National Employment Standards.
• Inclusion of defined Individual Flexibility Arrangement clause.

ANF raises concerns of the poor governance and lack of accountability of the current public health system in the ABC 7.30 report.

To view this interview click here

“This is a day in which the importance and value of nurses is celebrated worldwide,” says Neroli Ellis, Branch Secretary of the Australian Nursing Federation (Tasmanian Branch) (ANF).

“International Nurses Day is celebrated on the birthday of our most famous nurse, Florence Nightingale, in recognition of her contribution to nursing.  Florence changed the face of nursing and was instrumental in implementing the role of the modern nurse. She actively used research and statistics to prove her arguments,” said Mrs Ellis.

Each year IND has a theme and this year the focus is on the ‘Millennium Development Goals,’ eight international development goals that were officially established following the Millennium Summit of the United Nations in 2000.  These development goals include; Eradicating extreme poverty and hunger, achieving universal primary education, promoting gender equality and empowering women, reducing child mortality rates, improving maternal health, combating HIV/AIDS, malaria, and other diseases, ensuring environmental sustainability, and developing a global partnership for development.”

“The nursing profession, world wide, is taking steps to assist in reaching all eight of the Millennium Development Goals, as clearly demonstrated by the group of LGH Department of Emergency Medicine nurses who established the Care for Africa charity.” says Mrs Ellis.

The Launceston General Hospital is also celebrating its 150^th Birthday with a week full of celebrations starting on Sunday 12 May 2013.  Mrs Ellis will be the keynote speaker at International Nurses Day Breakfast to the Sesquicentenary events on Sunday. ANF is holding other celebrations around the state at both private and public health centres.

“Nurses have achieved so much in recent years in the advancement of health care world wide.   We need to support nurses in their wonderful work and recognise the key differences they make every day to the quality of lifestyle for many Tasmanians.

So on International Nurses Day, give thanks to a nurse you know or who has cared for you.”

If you want to make a difference, contribute to the nursing debate and be part of setting the direction of nursing in Tasmania, then Branch Council is for you!

Please contact Neroli Ellis on 6223 6777 or neroli@anftas.org if you would like to discuss this process.

ANF offers up to 15 educational grants each year to eligible members  worth up to $200 each. Grants are to be used to assist members with professional development.

Eligibility:

• Have two years of financial membership with the ANF
• Not have received an ANF grant in the previous three years
• Use the grant for seminars relevant to your nursing practice, patient care or ANF organisationally (excludes formal academic studies)
• Demonstrate that all other relevant avenues for funding have been considered
• Complete an ANF proforma application

Successful applicants must submit a written report to the ANF which may be printed in Infusion

UTAS School of Nursing and Midwifery Rural and Remote Funding

Rural Remote funding provides students with assistance to complete nursing placements in a rural area. Click here for more information.

Grant Search

Grant Search is a website that contains details of roughly 650 grants and scholarships related to nursing and health, and nurses can perform free searches or opt to subscribe to the database for seven days. Click here for more information.

Post Graduate Scholarship Search

Post Graduate Scholarship Search contains information about scholarships for Australian students wishing to study at home or abroad, and for international students wishing to study in Australia. Click here for more information.

Jeanne Foster Scholarship

The Cancer Council of Tasmania offers multiple scholarships and grants for health professionals.  Click here for more information or call the Cancer Council of Tasmania on 13 11 20.

RCNA Scholarships

The RCNA support and administer a large range of scholarships for nurses and students. Click here for more information or email RCNA.

For details on any of these scholarship, grants or funding, please contact ANF.

We are continually updating this list. Please let us know about any other scholarships or donations suited to our members.

ANF has informed the Minister and DHHS that we will not commence negotiations for a new EBA until the current entitlements are honoured. Nurses will not be disadvantaged by this arrangement.

There are still a number of significant conditions which have not been honoured in the HoA 2010. Examples of these include the Community Nurse career pathway and direct entry points, Work Value and the implementation of 6.4 FTE of CNE in rural settings.

The DHHS have indicated they wish to roll the current dishonoured entitlements back into the new negotiations, which is completely unacceptable. This is a breach of the Agreement and the DHHS and THO are legally bound through the current Agreement.  ANF has sought the assistance of the Minister’s Office to ensure the Agreement is honoured with the immediate implementation of all agreed entitlements, which will enable all parties to move forward to negotiating the new EBA.

ANF will be surveying members in the near future and state-wide membership meetings will then be held to finalise ANF’s position on the commencement of a new agreement and inclusions in the new Log of Claim.

If you have any queries please do not hesitate to contact the ANF Information Centre on 6223 6777, 1800 001 241 (outside Hobart area) or email info@anftas.org.

Authorised: Neroli Ellis

Branch Secretary

26 April 2013

CEO Announcement

Letter to ANF

Download FAQs regarding CPD from AHPRA

You may be aware that Federal Health Minister Tanya Plibersek and Opposition Health Spokesperson Peter Dutton are on Q & A tonight – and of course the topic for discussion is health in this years election.   Follow this link to submit questions online.  http://www.abc.net.au/tv/qanda/

The show starts at 9 30pm, and you will see that a number of questions have already been submitted – quite a few on doctors and one on the grad nurse crisis.  It would be great to get a few more questions posted by nurses.

Members  can also tweet comments during the show, using #qanda.

Section 47 Consultation Paper

Please refer to the roster clause from your Agreement (below).

“HEALTHSCOPE LIMITED TASMANIAN NURSES AGREEMENT 2011

Clause 22 Shift Workers

(i) Rosters

There shall be a roster for shifts which shall:

(i)            Rotation

Provide for rotation unless all the employees concerned desire otherwise.

(ii)           Number of shifts

Provide for not more than six shifts to be worked in any nine consecutive days, unless by mutual agreement.

(j)      Change of roster

Not be changed until after four weeks notice:

(i)            Provided that an employee’s place on such roster may be changed by mutual agreement and by providing one weeks notice of such change, or payment of the penalty rates set out in Clause 19 – Overtime.

(ii)           So far as employees present themselves for work in accordance therewith, shifts shall be worked according to the roster.

(iii)          Changes of roster and positions on roster may occur by mutual agreement without the giving of the minimum notice period and without the payment of penalties or overtime other than normal shift penalties.

(k) Minimum days off

Provide for a minimum of two consecutive days off each week except where by mutual agreement between the employer and the employee(s) concerned, alternative arrangements are made.

(l) Twenty-eight day accounting period

Clearly stipulate a 28 day accounting period which shall include an accrued day off in addition to eight rostered days off.  The accrued day off shall be rostered to fall on a day of the week other than a Saturday or Sunday.

The employer will endeavour to ensure that the accrued day off is rostered to fall either the day immediately before or immediately after rostered days off.

(i)            Provided always that staff engaged to provide relief on accrued days off pursuant to 22(l) while engaged in such capacity shall be regarded as shift workers for all purposes of the Agreement (except additional annual leave);

(ii)           Rosters covering such relief employees shall not be required to rotate.

With four plenary sessions and planty of meetings and workshops for attendees to attend, the program contains plenty of exciting opportunities for all nurses.

Click here for more information.

The outcomes of the meeting are as follows:

• ANF formally welcomed and congratulated Jayne Shearman on her appointment as Director of Nursing
• A Health and Safety Rep (HSR) is required for Huon Ward. All other nursing areas have a HSR. ANF encourages members to participate in this role. HSR’s can attend 5 days training from a provider of their choice in discussion with the CEO. A WHS meeting between the staff, CEO and DON will be held in May to discuss work issues and HSR training.  ANF has made a recommendation to Management of preferred trainer. ANF can assist with advice, information and training. Contact your ANF Rep, the Information Centre on 1800 001 241 or the NW Organiser
• The Healthecare Burnie Pty Ltd and Nursing Staff Employee Collective Agreement will expire on 3 August 2013. A member survey has been distributed and ANF encourages members to complete the survey. Member meetings will then be held to establish a log of claims. Please talk  to your ANF Reps about issues of importance and participate in the meetings
• The replacement of analogue televisions with digital is occurring in all wards
• Nursing staff in OT are now supported with all attendant positions now filled
• A permanent midwife position will be readvertised due to the successful applicant not arriving from England
• ANF Reps raised issues with skill mix on Bass Ward especially over the weekend. The DON will investigate these concerns
• Discussion occurred about improving the communication between NWPH, NWRH and GP’s in relation to bed availability. The CEO and DON will explore options.
• ALS training will commence in May with twenty RN’s participating
• Breast Feeding Accreditation will occur in May
• A Team Building Exercise will commence in May with all staff members attending several sessions scheduled.

If you have any queries please do not hesitate to contact the ANF Information Centre on 6223 6777, 1800 001241 (outside Hobart area) or email info@anftas.org.

• No updates

ANF Tasmania Public Sector Cost Saving Initiatives paper:

• A review of this paper continued. ANF will provide a summary of outcomes to members state-wide when discussions are complete in all regions

Capital Works:

• The tender for Cancer Centre, MRI and Emergency Department has been awarded. The tender for Rehabilitation Ward at NWRH has been advertised
• Car parking outside the Main Entrance and in the VMO area at NWRH will cease commencing 2 April 22. The entrance near specialist clinic and the car park has closest disability park.

Primary Health:

• Registered Nurses on King Island are trialling a new role combining community and acute care. ANF will be consulting with nurses on KI during this trial.
• Emphasis on HealthWest permanent recruitment to vacant positions rather than agency. . Recruitment to Graduate Nurse positions is also encouraged.

Governing Council:

• A draft corporate plan was forwarded to the Health Minister for consideration

Industrial:

• ANF requested an update on the obstetric review. No further review has been planned although. Management has provided feedback to staff.  ANF will be consulting with members to establish any concerns
• Re Maternity and Radiology contracts. The proposed options are being evaluated. The Pathology contract will be going out for tender soon.
• A review of West Coast retrieval services will be undertaken when a person is appointed

• ANF provided a list of members concerns about the proposal to introduce paid car parking with the following outcomes:

• Salary deduction will be possible;
• Salary deduction is at a concessional rate;
• Salary Packaging will not be progressed;
• The service will be automated with assistance from the onsite security;
• Staff consultation is through Marty Viney (Project Manger) who is able to answer questions and will he will give presentations on request;
• A ‘hardship option’, for fee waving, will be made available on application.

• ANF will undertake a member car parking survey at NWRH and the results will be forwarded to Management

Annual Report:

• An Annual Report will be produced as a marketing and recruitment tool. A professional photographer will be taking photos of staff at NW sites during May. It is envisaged that these photos will be used for other publications too.

THO-NW Values:

• Consultation is to occur to establish the values of the organisation. Please let the ANF Organiser know what form of consultation you would like to occur..

Smoking Fines:

• Staff are reminded that smoking is not permitted on DHHS property.. Fines will be issued from 22 April. If this presents any particular concerns please advise ANF of the difficulties by no later than April 22.

If you have any queries please do not hesitate to contact the ANF Information Centre on 6223 6777, 1800 001241 (outside Hobart area) or email info@anftas.org.

ANF Branch Secretary Neroli Ellis said, ‘The Health Education and Research Centre is central to the long term ANF vision to improve quality health outcomes for Tasmanians and this positions us perfectly to provide quality training to our valued students, members and partners in Tasmania’.

Mrs Ellis said “The $2.5m Health Education and Research Centre, established with the assistance of a $900,000 Federal Government funding grant, is an innovative training and research facility driven by the growing need for health professionals who are optimally prepared for the rapid changes taking place within our health care system”.

ANF can now deliver our quality training courses from this new facility including professional development for Tasmanian nurses, midwives and personal carers, training programs for professionals from other health disciplines and our courses in nursing and nursing related fields.

A custom-built space that replicates a hospital ward is complete with simulated patients that are almost life like. The facilities also include a conference room, large and small meeting rooms, lecture theatre and a library to be used by ANF staff, students, members and visiting groups to hold conferences, workshops, roundtables and meetings.

Nurse Education Manager Dr Lisa Dalton said, “Most Australian schools of nursing are now using simulated based training because it is well recognised as a safe and effective way for health professionals to learn new knowledge, skills and techniques”. She said the simulated learning environment provided a space where learners could now experience a variety of situations that might typically arise in a hospital or residential aged care settings in a safe and supported way.

The HERC learning spaces also have the capability for live transmission to external venues through video conferencing, and the main lecture theatres can all be video linked to the simulation rooms through a sophisticated audio-visual system. These state-of-the-art features will allow for an exciting future for health professionals education, training and research that is patient-outcome oriented and reflects the multidisciplinary nature of healthcare in Tasmania and beyond.

For more information on the facilities offered by the ANF Health Education and Research Centre, or to enquire about venue hire, please contact Dr Lisa Dalton on 6223 6777 or email education@anftas.org.

Grant and Scholarship Policy

Allowances - Preceptor and Post Graduate Allowance guidelines have been finalised.

Uniform allowance has been paid to all eligible nurses and midwives.   Most were paid on the 6 March 2013.  Any outstanding employees were paid on 20 March 2013.

Grade 4 – ANF has consistently requested numbers of Grade 4 (previously Level 2RN) prior and post implementation of career structure.  There appears to be a difficulty by the THOs in releasing these figures.  ANF will be provided with the figures by 12 April 2013.

Community Entry Points – ANF has worked with the Chief Nurse’s Office and provided a draft proposal to the DHHS.  The DHHS Industrial Committee will be meeting on 17 April 2013, following which ANF will be provided with a written response to the draft proposal.

Work Value Review for Grades 5, 6, 7, 8 & 9 – The DHHS has still not completed the costings.  There is agreement to provide ANF with the information by the 30 April 2013 to progress further discussions.

Flexible Shifts –

12 hour shift clause – Model clause addressing best practice, OH&S matters, and clinical requirements is being developed.  Areas currently working 12 hour shifts will continue to maintain conditions.

6 hour shift – The DHHS will be providing in writing arrangements for casuals working 6 hour shifts including when overtime commences by 11 April 2013.

Rural & Remote Package – There is still no resolution to the appointment of the 6.4 CNE positions. The DHHS and the THOs are not accepting the responsibility for the appointments and are in breach of the Agreement.  ANF will be lodging an application with the TIC seeking an Order to appoint the CNE positions.

Workplace Safety and Wellbeing – Each THO has its own policy with some differences relating to solo nurse conditions.  The Chief Nursing & Midwifery Office will draft an over-arching policy to ensure the HoA 2010 requirements are addressed.

Career Structure

Translation Classification Reviews – Closing date for lodging Intention to Review under the agreed process was 8 March 2013.  Following which the closing date for lodging applications was 6 April 2013, except where extenuating circumstances can be demonstrated.

Where extenuating circumstances can be demonstrated the Chief Executive Officer or Deputy Secretary (as applicable) can agree to an extension of time for an employee to submit an application outside the above mentioned time frames.  (Schedule 8 – Variation of the Nurses and Midwives Heads of Agreement 2010)

Translation Classification review process – Following ANF discussion with DHHS, applicants are now being notified when an application is received by HR Job Design (Step 5 of the Translation Classification Review Process).  ANF has sought to meet more frequently and to have the opportunity to review documents prior to the meeting.

Grade 3 Progression – An anomaly has been identified where there is a disadvantage in the title indicating a loss of year of service in the translation to the new career structure.  There was agreement by the DHHS to review individually each case.  This anomaly is significant in the advanced progression of Grade 3 Yearr 4 to Year 6 and progression to Grade 4 and actual years of service will be honoured.

Group Reviews – Those who applied as a group are urged to lodge the application without delay.  Initial assessment will be as a group but there will also be a review on a state-wide basis for any differences/similarities.

ANF Review with HR Job Design – Following review on 8 March 2013 eleven applicants were informed in writing of the outcome, most of which were successful.  The next review is scheduled for Thursday 12 April 2013.

Statistical information as at 8 March 2013

Prior to 7 October 2012:

There were 288 Intentions to Review made up of Grade 3-4 (223); Grade 5 (10); Grade 6 (18).

Post 7 October 2012:

There were 141 Intention to Review made up of Grade 3-4 (133); Grade 5 (5) and Grade 6 (10).

There were a total of 43 Intentions to Review for Grades 7, 8 and 9.

Review Applications submitted:

Grade 3-4 (260), Grade 5 (8) and Grade 6 (19) (total 287).

-      153 assessments were being undertaken by HR Job Design.

State-wide Mental Health Services (SMHS)

Members were encouraged to submit their applications for review as a matter of priority.  This will assist your assessment to be undertaken by SMHS and prior to transfer to Tasmanian Health Organisations (THO).

External Classification Reviews

ANF has lodged the first external review by the Tasmanian Industrial Commission (TIC) on behalf of a member who was denied reclassification from a Grade 7a to 7b.

If you have any queries please do not hesitate to contact the ANF Information Centre on 6223 6777, 1800 001 241 (outside Hobart area) or email info@anftas.org.

Authorised: Neroli Ellis

Branch Secretary

8 April 2013

Download printable version here

MANAGING IMMUNISATION EMERGENCIES
CPR and Anaphylaxis update
Premium Health

DAY 1

Date: Saturday 18th May 2013
Venue: Tailrace Centre

1 Waterfront Drive, Riverside

Free Parking on site

DAY 2

Date: Saturday 25th May 2013
Venue: Mornington Skills Centre

9 Takari Place, Mornington

Free Parking on site

Cost: Members $50, Non Members $100

PROGRAM
Session 1
8.15 registrations for 8:30 start, conclude at 12:00
Session 2
12:15 registrations for 12:30 start, conclude at 4:00

There will be a short morning or afternoon tea break.

There will be a maximum of 24 participants for each session. Register quickly to book into your session of choice.

http://anftas.org/section/nursing-info-centre/special-interest-groups/immuniser-nurse-special-interest-group-insig/payments-and-event-registrations/

A huge thank you to Frank Curphey for donating 5 x $200 education grants.

These are one off grants to be announced around International Nurses Day.

Please apply here before COB Monday 22 April 2013 if you are interested in receiving one of these grants.

Australian Nursing Federation (Tas Branch) met with Management on 7 March 2013 to discuss issues of joint concern to members and management.

The outcomes of this meeting are as follows:

Budget:

• No further updates for the budget or saving strategies were available.
• David Basire has commenced as Finance Director for the North West THO and will be focusing on next years budget and a four year corporate plan.

ANF Tasmanian Public Sector Cost Saving Initiatives Paper:

• A review of this paper continued with some points already actively under review. ANF will. provide a summary of outcomes to members statewide when discussions are complete in all regions.

Capital Works:

• The successful tender for the Cancer Centre will be announced in the near future
• Planning is in progress for the transfer this month of Medical Records from NWRH to the completed MCH purpose built site.

Primary Health:

• Angella Downie has commenced as the Co-Director of Chronic, Complex and Community Services
• Grants have been received for upgrading of the reception areas of Palliative Care and Community Nursing at Wynyard.
• Funding has been approved for the relocation of Mental Health Services within the Parkside building. ANF is involved in this consultation process.

Governing Council:

• Discussion centered around the external contracts for Maternity and Radiology.

Industrial:

• ANF requested an update on the progress of the MCH audit. A report is expected to be tabled in Federal Parliament, Canberra by mid 2013. Information to date indicates  no significant issues.
• ANF questioned recent rejection of applications for SSALS. Applications of more than one week have been refused due to operational needs. ANF reminds members there is an industrial entitlement for one week that cannot be refused.

If you have any queries please do not hesitate to contact the ANF Information Centre on 6223 6777, 1800 001 241 (outside Hobart area) or email info@anftas.org.

Authorised: Agnes Stanislaus-Large

Acting Branch Secretary

22 March 2013

Download printable version here

This has resulted in many members being shocked and unaware that whole periods of leave have been paid at ordinary rate (i.e. no penalties and no annual leave loading), making it difficult to manage regular deductions and payments in their budgets.  Some members were reportedly several hundred dollars worse off per pay period and hence reluctant to take more leave as they still have a large number of public holiday leave accrued hours remaining.  This is mainly affecting shift workers.

Management have recognised this but will continue to apply the policy of accrued leave for public holidays being used first.  Management’s solution is that upon individual request, a member can ask to ‘cash out’ extra public holiday accrued leave hours (if they have any available) to make up any shortfall in wages during leave.

This means there will be no financial hardship and public holiday leave balances will decrease quicker.  ANF reminds members that in these instances, the accrual of all other leave entitlements (annual leave, personal leave and Long Service Leave) will still occur, despite leave periods being cashed out.

If you have any queries please do not hesitate to contact the ANF Information Centre on 6223 6777, 1800 001 241 (outside Hobart area) or email info@anftas.org.

Download for printable version

• Allowances – ANF has signed off on the Post Graduate Guidelines which will be available on the ANF website next week.

• Classification reviews

-       Group Reviews – Those who applied as a group are urged to lodge the application without delay.  Initial assessment will be as a group but there will also be a review on a state-wide basis for any differences.

-        ANF Review – following review today eleven (11) applicants will be informed in writing of the outcome next week, most of which were successful.

-       Statistical information as at 8/3/12

Prior to 7 October 2012 – there were 288 Intentions to Review made up of Grade 3-4 (223); Grade 5 (10); Grade 6 (18).

Post 7 October 2012 – there were 141 Intention to Review made up of Grade 3-4 (133); Grade 5 (5) and Grade 6 (10).

There were a total of 43 Intentions to Review for Grades 7, 8 and 9.

-       Applications for Review – Grade 3-4 (260), Grade 5 (8) and Grade 6 (19) totalling 287.

-       153 assessments are being undertaken by HR Job Design.

State-wide Mental Health Services (SMHS)

-       Members are encouraged to submit their applications for review as a matter of priority.  This will assist your assessment to be undertaken by SMHS and prior to transfer to Tasmanian Health Organisations (THO).

ANF has been receiving enquiries regarding the status of the reviews.  There has been no contact with applicants since lodgement of Intention to Review forms were lodged.  Following discussion today, with DHHS a process with be commenced to advice applicants when applications are forwarded to HR Job Design (Step 5 of the Translation Classification Review Process).

If you are not satisfied with the outcome, you can appeal the decision by an application to the Tasmanian Industrial Commission (TIC) with 14 days of notification of the review outcome.  Please contact the ANF Information Centre on 6223 6777 or 1800 001 241 (outside Hobart) or info@anftas.org if you need assistance with your appeal.

GET OUT OF TOWN!!!

Need a holiday?  Well here is your chance.  Simply by recruiting members for ANF (Tas Branch) you could go into the draw to win a

$600 travel voucher

All you have to do is:

i)    Recruit any Nurse or Carer, working in Aged Care, who is not already an ANF member.

ii)   Make sure that they enter your name in the ‘recruited by’ section on the join now form.

It’s that easy!  And to make it even easier, the new member that you recruit will go into a draw to win a $400 travel voucher!!

Remember, increased numbers = power. Help to build the power of your nursing team.

To grab some blank member forms and start recruiting call ANF (Tas Branch) on 6223 6777, 1800 001 241(outside Hobart area) or email your name and address to anf@anftas.org with the subject title ‘Get Out of Town’.

Competition ends COB Friday June 28 2013.

Terms and Conditions

To be eligible to win the $600 travel voucher the recruiting member must:

1. Be a current financial member of ANF Tas Branch
2. Ensure that the new member mentions the recruiting members name on their join now form
3. Recruit new members that work in the Aged Care Sector as a registered nurse, an enrolled nurse or a care worker
4. Ensure that the new members’s join now form is received by ANF (Tas Branch) membership department no later than COB Friday June 28 2013

To be eligible to win the $400 travel voucher the new member must:

1. Be an eligible ANF member
2. work in the Aged Care Sector as a registered nurse, an enrolled nurse or a care worker
3. Ensure that their  join now form is received by ANF (Tas Branch) membership department no later than COB Friday June 28 2013
4. have become an ANF member between 14 March 2013 and 28 June 2013.

• The competition will be announced at the earliest convenience of ANF (Tas Branch) after the closing date.
• Please note:  competition consists of two separate prize draws and both recruiter and new member will be selected at random.

Do you know your CPD requirements for registration?

If not… you need to know BEFORE 1 June 2013

ANF HERC will be running a course helping you to understand your CPD requirements for registration and how to build your CPD portfolio.

Ulverstone: Tuesday 30 April 2013, 4pm-6pm,  Beachway Hotel, 1 Heathcote St

Launceston: Wednesday 1 May 2013, 3:45pm-5:45pm,  The Tramsheds, 4 Invermay Rd

Hobart: Thursday 2 May 2013, 3:45pm-5:45pm, ANF Health Education & Research Centre, 182 Macquarie St

You can bring your own CPD Portfolio folder or get a great deal by bundling a new portfolio with the cost of the course.  CPD Portfolios will also be available for sale on the day $20 for members $40 for non- members.

Head to the ANF Professional Development page to register

PROUD TO WORK IN AGED CARE?

As part of the 2013 ANF (Tas Branch) Aged Care Campaign all new members, working in Aged Care and signing up between 1 January and 30 April 2013, will receive a free ANF Aged Care T-shirt.* T-shirts will be delivered in April to celebrate ANF Aged Care Month.

T-shirts are also  available for sale to current ANF members for $15 each ($10 for Workplace Representatives).**

ANF will be trying to organise T-Shirt days on a site-by-site basis where Aged Care can be promoted through the wearing of T-Shirts at work.

Show your pride!

To purchase a t-shirt call ANF (Tas Branch) on 6223 6777, 1800 001 241 or email anf@anftas.org.  Alternatively a group order form can be placed on your noticeboard through your Workplace Representative, facilitated by your Organiser.

*While stocks last                       **Postage fees may apply in some cases.

Download order form

Download group order form

Look out for a greater ANF presence at Aged Care worksites and be sure to keep an eye out for activities in your area.

Click here to see what is happening in Aged Care this month.

• The bans on the completion of HoNOS documentation are to be lifted for a period of 1 month effective from close of business (5.00pm) today, Friday 8 March 2013 until close of business on 8 April 2013. There will be a report back conference in the TIC on 8 April 2013.

• The other bans still remain in place in those services still participating in this action.

• SMHS has agreed to provide additional data to the three unions as per their request in the TIC by the close of business 18 March 2013 and ensure the status quo remains with respect to all current SMHS positions for the same period.

• SMHS and the three unions will meet on Thursday 21 March 2013 to discuss the issues further.

The parties are committed to continuing to work together to resolve any outstanding matters with the assistance of the TIC.
A further joint union communication will be issued to keep members informed on progress.
Nick Goddard, Acting CEO, SMHS
Neroli Ellis, Branch Secretary, ANF
Mathew Woolley, Organiser, HACSU
Mathew Johnston, Assistant Secretary, CPSU

DOWNLOAD PRINTABLE VERSION

Tasmanian Industrial Commission Direction

Joint Union Communique

The publication is intended as a ready reference for health workforce planners and other interested people, for understanding the broad characteristics and size of these workforces.  The report draws together information from a range of sources including the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency, the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare Labour Force Surveys, the National Health Workforce Dataset and the Department of Industry, Innovation, Science, Research and Tertiary Education.

Health Workforce Australia’s (HWA) goal is to build a sustainable health workforce for Australia. A core component in achieving this goal is building the evidence – providing the evidence base for health workforce reform through planning, research and evaluation.

Health Workforce by Numbers outlines that in 2011 Tasmania had 1187 Full Time Equivalent nurses per 100 000 population which is higher than most states and territories. The lowest figures were in New South Wales where there are 949 FTE nurses per 100,000 population in New South Wales; contrast this with 1406 FTE nurses per 100,000 population in the Northern Territory which has come in at the highest level.

Interestingly the number of students completing courses for initial registration as a nurse in Australia continues to rise from 6093 in 2005 to 9950 in 2011. a nurse

To view this report, please click here.

Classification reviews – Closing date for lodging Intention to Review is today.

• ANF reviewed applications which had been assessed and have advised that nine (9) applicants will be informed in writing of the outcome next week.
• If you are not satisfied with the outcome, you can appeal the decision by an application to the Tasmanian Industrial Commission (TIC) with 14 days of notification of the review outcome.
• Please contact the ANF Information Centre on 6223 6777 or 1800 001 241 (outside Hobart area) or email info@anftas.org if you need assistance with your appeal.

Work Value Review for Grades 5, 6, 7, 8 & 9

• A meeting has been scheduled between the DHHS and ANF for 18 March 2013 to discuss a way forward.

Community Entry Points – Appeal of Decision

• ANF appealed the decision by the TIC, on the maintenance of status quo for entry points for Community Nurses.
• ANF has lodged our written submission on 6 March 2013.  The DHHS has until 3 April 2013 to lodge written submissions.  The matter has been listed for a hearing on 22 April 2013 before a Full Bench.
• In the interim a second meeting between the ANF and DHHS has been scheduled for 12 March 2013, to review draft proposal developed to address entry points for Community Health Nurses.

Mental Health Services

• Bans on the use of webfleet to book cars and completing OARS and HoNOS were implemented by members due to lack of consultation by DHHS when budget cuts were implemented. The budget cuts resulted in increased workloads for members and concerns of the efficacy service delivered.  The bans have been in place for more than 12 months.
• The DHHS lodged an application with the TIC for ANF, HACSU and CPSU (unions) to have the bans lifted, the matter which was heard yesterday.
• On the strong recommendation of the Deputy President of the TIC, there has been the following outcome under the auspices of the Commission:

1. By the COB 18 March 2013 the following information has to be provided:
   (a) The DHHS has to provided the Unions information identifying changes to service provisions as a result of budget saving strategies; lost time injury and return to work data for the last 24 months; accurate establishment data incorporating all positions removed due to budget saving strategies; reasons for every temporary position; minutes/evidence of agreements reached on minimising impact on employees; ensure a status quo to the employment of all positions.
   (b) CPSU to provide information regarding workload management tool to the other parties.
2. In exchange for the provision of the above information the Unions will lift the bans on completing all sections of HoNOS except Occasions of Service effective from COB 8 March 2013 to COB 8 April 2013 to enable the DHHS and the Unions to reach a mutually agreeable resolution.  Bans on webfleet will continue.
3. The Unions and DHHS will meet on 21 March 2013 to try and reach a resolution.
4. The Unions and DHHS will report back to the TIC on 8 April 2013.

Click Here For Joint Union and DHHS Communique

The paper is a preliminary output of this work and has been prepared after initial consultation with stakeholders; including those from nursing, other related health professions, government, employers, regulatory and accreditation bodies, educators, industry and professional organisations.

The paper has been released as part of an ongoing process of consultation and the next phase will include a workshop with key stakeholders in April 2013. The feedback received on this paper, along with an analysis of outcomes from the workshop, will inform the next stage of the project.

Submissions are invited until 30 April, 2013. They can be lodged by mail, email or by completing the online form. Consultation questions have been included under each theme in the paper. Respondents are invited to not only respond to these questions using the feedback form, but also provide comment and feedback on any broader related issues considered important by the respondent.

The material from all phases of the consultation process, along with a more comprehensive review of evidence, will be considered during the study and a final report with options for nationally-coordinated action will be produced in the second half of 2013.

For further information on the study, please contact the study project manager, Ian Brownwood, at ian.brownwood@hwa.gov.au.

ANF provides the following update for members:

1. Staffing

Management advised that four permanent RN, two permanent EN and three fixed term positions will be advertised in the near future. The NUM will clarify at the next meeting whether the fixed term vacancies are for the projected maternity leave positions.

Management confirmed the Grade 5 position is currently with Job Design following approval by EDON.

The Team Leader role has been reviewed by Management and is currently in draft for review by staff with any feedback to NUM Rieper.

It was agreed that NUM Rieper would also review the allocation of non-clinical time for the past two weeks to ensure that (a) the new record keeping system was working and (b) nurses were not being re-tasked to clinical work during that time.

2. List Management

The regular meetings regarding list management are continuing with workplace representative Keven Cronk advising some improvement has been noted however there have been occasions where too many similar procedures have been scheduled and access to equipment has been an issue. Management will liaise with procurement around the purchase of equipment where needed.

3. Overtime

It was agreed that this issue is now resolved.

4. Education/Skill Mix

Management confirmed the Educators have been consulted regarding the concerns expressed by staff and is currently looking at effective models for delivering mandatory and other training to staff of the Service.

Feedback from the training needs analysis is to be provided to staff members at the meeting scheduled for 5 March 2013.  An overview of the new staff training package will be presented at this meeting. The Educators will also meet with the perioperative staff 1:1. The ADON Education will be invited to the next meeting.

NUM Rieper will organise a meeting with all nursing staff with a Portfolio and provide a current list to staff of the portfolios within the unit.

5. Culture

HR met with staff to explore issues associated with the culture within the Perioperative Service. A survey was undertaken of those present to provide a snapshot result. HR planned to attend the staff meeting 5 March to provide feedback. A summary will be prepared for noticeboards for staff not in attendance at either meeting.

6. Local Anaesthetic Lists

NUM Rieper and Associate Professor Marcus Skinner, Director Anaesthetics and Perioperative Medicine met and provided email communication to all staff. ANF raised concern regarding the lack of consultation with staff regarding the content of the email.  Management will source more information and provide feedback at the next meeting on 18 March.

NUM Rieper to re-visit the consultation process with staff and to provide feedback to those staff who are currently working across the LA List.

If you have any further questions or would like further information, please contact your ANF Workplace Contact Keven Cronk or the ANF Information Centre on 6223 6777, 1800 001 241 (outside Hobart area) or email info@anftas.org.

ANF Submission – Joint Select Committee Enquiry: Preventative Health Care

Please find below the draft Bill, an information paper, and an invitation to comment.

Reproductive Health (Access to Terminations) Draft Bill 2013

Information Paper relating to the Reproductive Health (Access to Terminations) Draft Bill 2013

Invitation to comment on the Reproductive Health (Access to Terminations) Draft Bill 2013

All comments must be received by 5pm Friday 22 March 2013.

Under the National Law¹, all registered nurses and midwives are responsible for renewing their registration on time each year.

On behalf of the National Board, the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA) will contact nurses and midwives individually about their registration renewal. The quickest and easiest way to renew your registration is online.

More than 99.5 per cent of nurses and midwives have provided AHPRA with an email address. However, over six per cent of emails bounce back undelivered.

The National Board urges all nurses and midwives to ensure contact details, including your email address and mobile phone number, are current. Also make sure that the name you use to register with is your legal name. You should also check to make sure that emails from AHPRA.gov.au do not go to your SPAM mailbox, otherwise important renewal reminders may be lost.

Nurses and midwives can check their registration details and expiry date on the national register. The National Board also uses email addresses to send regular newsletters and important communication.

To update your contact details visit www.ahpra.gov.au, go to the bottom of the home page and under Services for Practitioners click on Update Contact Details. Use your user ID and secure password, and follow the prompts.

If you do not have your user ID, complete an online enquiry form (Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency – Make an Enquiry) and select ‘Online Access’ as the category type.

Keep a look out for the AHPRA reminders to renew as confirmation that online renewal is open.

Make sure you renew on time because, under the National Law, there is no option for AHPRA or the National Board to renew your registration after it has lapsed, without you having to complete a new application for registration.

For more information

• Visit www.nursingmidwiferyboard.gov.au under Contact us to lodge an online enquiry form

• For registration enquiries: 1300 419 495 (within Australia) +61 3 8708 9001 (overseas callers)

• For media enquiries: (03) 8708 9200

1 The Health Practitioner Regulation National Law as in force in each state and territory (the National Law).

Complete the entry form below for the chance to win $750

Entry is open to all ANF student members

Join online, call or email ANF

6223 6777 | 1800 001 241

enquiries@anftas.org

Applications for this award are now closed. Judging will take place shortly and winners will be notified. Winners will also be announced in eNews and Infusion.

The outcomes of this meeting are as follows:

Budget:

• Projected budget deficit for 2012/13 was not provided due to the Chief Executive’s absence from the meeting.
• ANF has requested this information be provided out of session prior to the next meeting.

ANF Tasmanian Public Sector Cost Saving Initiatives Paper

• The Secretary for DHHS has responded to the paper in broad terms, however, ANF is seeking a specific meeting with EDON and/or CEO to seek a THO-South specific response.
• ProAct and HR system reviews are currently in progress and consumables has also been targeted as an area for improvement.

RHH Redevelopment

• Current work involves completion of a detailed plan with identified working groups that include management, user and executive groups.
• Discussion was held regarding the standard of equipment for the fit out of the psychiatric inpatient areas with confirmation from the WH&S Manager, Craig Ackerly that there would be checklists for consultations.

Work Health and Safety

• The RHH organisational policy for Work Health and Safety has been reviewed and was circulated for comment to JUMIC members by next meeting.
• The current work groupings are also under review with an aim of refining the number of groups at the next WH&S Committee meeting Wednesday 6 March 2013. ANF has requested involvement in this process.

AIN Trial

• The AIN Trial on 1BN and AOPU is to be extended for a further nine months pending final signoff by Management and ANF.
• There will be no disadvantage to the AINs with substantive positions, who transferred from Peacock

Nursing Workforce Review

• Management advised that RHH are soon to undertake a comprehensive workforce planning review for 2015-2025 and will liaise with the ANF and the Chief Nurse
• A survey for staff is expected in the near future and other data will be sourced internally for the development of the workforce strategy. Management will provide a copy of the survey tool to the ANF for review.

Nursing Re-classifications

• Management confirmed that several Classification Reviews had been submitted incomplete, with errors or without a statement of duties.  These issues have all been addressed with individuals and submitted as per the process.

Police Checks

• The completion of National Police Checks for all new employees of THO-South will now be mandatory. Existing employees will only require the police checks when applying successfully to new positions.
• The THO will fund the police check and employee consent is required prior to the check being undertaken. There is no capacity at this time for police checks relating to the same employee to be shared across Agencies.
• The policy will be provided to ANF for review.

Graduate Nurses

• New graduates commence early March 2013 with some recruited to community and mental health areas.

Esperance Multipurpose Centre

• Advice received that the Huon Council have decided to sell the Centre to Huon Eldercare.
• THO-South continue to work collaboratively with ANF and members.
• ANF will meet with members in early March.
• Career counseling, redeployment, interview skills development and redundancy will be available to staff.

Mental Health Transition to THO

• No information available at this meeting, the CEO will provide an update at the next meeting.

If you have any queries please do not hesitate to contact the ANF Information Centre on 6223 6777, 1800 001 241 (outside Hobart area) or email info@anftas.org.

ANF has welcomed the Gillard Government’s $1.2 billion Aged Care Compact announcement today to increase the wages of private and not-for-profit aged care nurses and carers over the next three years.

Read the Federal ANF media release

Read more about the Aged Care Compact announcement

The announcement is the culmination of ANF’s national Because We Care campaign which began almost four years ago. The Aged Care Compact provides some certainty as ANF (Tas Branch) begins enterprise bargaining on behalf of members employed at many aged care facilities where enterprise agreements are soon to expire including Baptcare Karingal, One Care, Queen Victoria, Huon Eldercare and Presbyterian Care.

Below is a summary of how the new Aged Care Compact will work to increase the low wages of aged care nurses and personal care workers.

Why are aged care nurses paid less?

Up until the 1990s, nurses in private aged care earned a similar amount to nurses in public acute care and private hospitals. Since the late 1990s enterprise bargaining became the only way to secure real wage increases, and awards stagnated.

In the public acute and mental health sectors, we bargain with the State Government to secure improved wages and conditions. Large scale industrial action in conjunction with bargaining has seen significant gains for our members in those sectors, usually matched by the private hospital sector. In private aged care, the gains have been less, resulting in significant disparity between what acute sector nurses are paid, compared to private aged care nurses.

Enterprise bargaining has not been as successful in private aged care. There are numerous reasons for this. The ANF enjoys strong membership numbers in the public sector and private hospital sectors. In private aged care, the vast majority of nurses choose to be ANF members,however in the personal care workforce union membership is low.  Misinformation campaigns are common where personal care workers are told they cannot join ANF, which is simply untrue and indeed thousands of personal care workers are already members of the ANF. Everyone in aged care knows that the nursing workforce – nurses and personal care workers – will be strongest if in one union.

With the workforce in Tasmania broken up across some 70 aged care facilities, operated by over 20 different employers, bargaining is complex and very resource intensive. ANF has the resources to achieve this, and only needs the support of nurses and personal care workers to succeed. In this bargaining round, we have the added benefit of the Gillard Government’s recently announced ‘workforce compact’.

What is the compact?

This long awaited action on the problem of low wages in aged care is crucial in an industry which determines the quality of life of over 250,000 older Australians – a number which will rapidly increase in the coming years. Calls for action have been made by several Productivity Commission reports, the last being the Caring for Older Australians Report in 2011, which set the platform for the Gillard Government’s aged care reform package Living Longer. Living Better. in April 2012. The compact is the process by which employers can receive the additional funding.

What the ‘compact’ means for you

Primarily the compact allows your employer to access additional Commonwealth funding to improve wages for nurses, personal carers and support staff. It will be up to you, and the ANF, to encourage employers to take up this opportunity. The process applies differently depending on whether your EBA has expired and due for renegotiation, or whether your EBA is yet to expire.

What if my EBA has expired?

If your EBA has already expired, then your employer needs to negotiate with the ANF for a new EBA that, at a minimum (in order to attract the compact funding), contains the following:

• the agreement rates for personal care workers (and support staff) must be at least 3% above the Aged Care Award 2010 rate. This can be phased in over one year for PCWs/AINs and support staff
• the agreement rates for enrolled nurses must be at least 8.5% above the Nurses Award 2010. This can be phased in over two years
• the agreement rates for registered nurses must be at least 12.65% above the Nurses Award 2010. This can be phased in over three years
• a clause stating that if the Fair Work Commission wage increase exceeds the employer funded wage increase (less the compact increase) that the Fair Work Commission  increase will apply
• in addition the varied or new agreement must contain a number of clauses agreed in negotiations with the employers that are not in the modern awards.  These include:
• a workload management clause
• a disciplinary clause that allows for a system of warnings and a right to representation
• an occupational health and safety clause
• a general training clause; and
• provisions allowing a casual worker to convert to permanent employment or for a part-time worker to have their hours reviewed to reflect actual hours worked.

What if my EBA is still current?

The compact also contemplates employers with current agreements varying those agreements to access the compact money. Again those employers are only required to do this if they want the additional funding. The EBA would need to be officially varied through the Fair Work Commission, and include as a minimum:

• a wage table from the current EBA, with additional columns reflecting at least a 1% additional wage increase on top of employer funded increases in each of 2013, 2014 and 2015 , and a 0.5% increase in 2016.
• analysis to ensure the existing wage increases in the current EBA are at least 2.75% per annum, or the Fair Work annual wage review increase, whichever is higher.

In addition, the varied agreement must contain a number of clauses agreed in negotiations with the employers that are not in the modern awards.  These include:

• a workload management clause
• a disciplinary clause that allows for a system of warnings and a right to representation
• an occupational health and safety clause
• a general training clause; and
• provisions allowing a casual worker to convert to permanent employment or for a part-time worker to have their hours reviewed to reflect actual hours worked.

A Residential Aged Care provider that is also a home care provider will need to extend the coverage of the RAC agreement to their employees in home care.

Where to from here?

While there is no deadline to sign up to the Compact, only those employers who have an enterprise agreement in place by 1 November 2013 will have the money back paid to 1 July 2013, when the first increases should flow to employees. Given the Federal election later this year, and the absence of any commitment from the Liberal Party should they win government, it is critical that we act as soon as possible.

ANF will be actively engaging with all aged care employers to ensure these welcome initiatives are implemented as soon as possible.

Yours sincerely

Neroli Ellis

Branch Secretary

Australian Nursing Federation (Tasmanian Branch)

‘Tasmania has an aging population, as well as an aging workforce’ said Tasmanian Branch Secretary Neroli Ellis.

‘This increase in wages will go a long way towards encouraging younger workers into Aged Care, as well as providing an incentive for current staff to stay in the industry.’

Aged care nursing and care staff will start receiving wage increases from 1 July this year. To access the Compact increases, an employer must vary the current Enterprise Agreement or negotiate a new Agreement.

The Government has ensured that employers must provide annual employer funded wage increases of at least 2.75% per annum or the Fair Work annual wage review increases, which ever is higher. This is in addition to the 1% increase for 2013, 2014 and 2015 and the 0.5% increase in 2016.

‘By the end of 2016 wages will have increased by about $46 a week for Registered Nurses, $35 a week for Enrolled Nurses and $29 a week for Care Workers.

‘This will provide a real morale boost to those working in Aged Care, and delivers most of what unions had sought throughout the Compact negotiations.

‘Recent research in 2012 National Aged Care Workforce Census and Survey Report shows a significant continuing decline in  numbers of Registered and Enrolled nurses working in the industry at a time when elderly in Aged Care facilities have more complex health needs.

‘This report also outlines the improved educational levels of Care Workers, with 85% now holding a qualification.’

On a Federal level, the ANF is now calling on the Opposition to commit to continuing the Workforce Compact if it wins the Federal Election in September thereby ensuring improved wages for low paid aged care nurses and care staff and quality care for some of the most vulnerable people in our society – Australia’s elderly.

Aged Care Workforce Compact FAQs

ANF Health Education & Research Centre, Hobart Thursday 18 April 2013 8.30am—4.30pm

Key Note Address- Dr Peter Orpin The Older Person as a full citizen: “caring for” or ”caring with” Person Centered Approaches

• Changing role of the Registered and Enrolled Nurse in RAC’s
• ‘’IMNPACT’’ – Aged Care Nurse Practitioner Trials
• Palliation in Dementia -Supporting the person – Dr Paul Dunne
• Health Care in a Changing World: Cure, Restoration of function or Palliation? –Dr Jane Tolman

Risk Management and Clinical Care

• Medication Management – Adverse event reporting
• Misunderstanding incontinence, Enteral feeding, Wound management

DOWNLOAD FULL PROGRAM

COST

$155 ANF Members                     $195 Non Members                      Lunch provided

To register  using PayPal click here.

Alternatively, download a hard copy of the registration form here

Registrations close Friday 12 April 2013.

The outcomes of this meeting are as follows:

• Variation in work pattern: ANF  has reviewed a draft contract of employment outlining variation in work pattern and have asked for the following inclusions:

- On call: Will be voluntary for those employees who have not previously been required to work on-call.  Following consultation and mutual agreement by an employee, working on-call will be included.

- Define ‘Day worker as working Monday – Friday’ between hours of 7.00am to 5.30pm.

- ‘Payment or accrual of public holidays as per the Award’.

• Accrual of public holidays: Employees must elect whether to accrue leave (no loading) or payment on rostered days off. If the election form (available on the intranet) is not submitted the default will be payment for the public holiday.
• Trial Roster: A roster to trial 0830-1730 shifts will commence on 17 March for a two month period, with ongoing evaluation. Allocation of cleaning duties and portfolio time has been considered in the development of this roster. Retrospective data has shown that 95% OT sessions are completed on time. Ongoing data collection for monitoring will continue.
• Overtime: rates apply for day workers after 1730 (even if part of normal hours) unless there is mutual agreement as per the Award to change the spread of hours.
• Lunch Break: ANF highlighted that a 30 minute lunch break is an entitlement as per the Award and is not negotiable. Management committed to ensuring this is achieved.

• Rostered 5 hour shift and overtime: If rostered a 5 hour shift to fulfill contracted hours and an employee is asked to work extra time, the extra time is to be paid as overtime.
• On-call versus Overtime: When an employee on-call is asked to work beyond their rostered shift time into the on-call period this is considered a call back. If you agree to stay it is essential that you verbalise to your manager that this is a call back and claim it on your timesheet. This position was accepted and unanimously endorsed by ANF members at the membership meeting on 21 February 2013.
• Security: OT management staff will remain on duty until 1700 each day to support staff and ensure security.
• Drug Cupboard keys after hours: Discussion continues to resolve problems identified with accessing Drug Cupboard keys when called in after hours.
• Holidays for Shift Workers: ANF is negotiating with Management for the extra week of leave to be granted to staff for the current year who have been shift workers working weekends and may not have worked the full 20 weekend shifts.  ANF will keep members informed.

If you have any queries please do not hesitate to contact the ANF Information Centre on 6223 6777, 1800 001 241 (outside Hobart area) or email info@anftas.org.

Th National Lead Clinicians Group (LCG) Awards for Excellence in Innovative Implementation of Clinical Guidelines recognise and reward creative, successful and cost-effective approaches to implementation of best practice. The Awards will be presented as part of the National Clinicians Network National Forum (National NCN Forum) in June 2013.

Finalists will be sponsored to attend the National NCN Forum to showcase their implementation approach by way of a presentation, and winner(s) will each receive an award of $10,000. All finalists will receive a certificate signed by the Commonwealth Minister for Health, the Hon Tanya Plibersek MP.

Applications for the Awards close at 5pm AEDT, 16 March 2013.

Click here for more information regarding this award.

Australian Nursing Federation (Tas Branch) met with ANF Reps, CEO and Director of Nursing on Monday 11 February 2013  to discuss  issues of joint concern to members and management.
The outcomes of this meeting are as follows:
• A quorum was not present for the JCC as no HACSU staff or members were present, therefore an informal meeting was held.
• Phones in the anesthetic bays have been programmed making it easier to distinguish which phone is ringing
• The external doors are now locked after hours and access to the building and swipe card access is now available for staff
• A Director of Nursing appointment has been made and will be announced soon
• Five Health and Safety Representatives (HSR) have been elected. Three more HSR’s are required, one each for Huon, Catering and Maintenance. ANF members on Huon Ward are encouraged to consider nominating for this important role. The training provider used is decided by mutual agreement between NWPH and the HSR.  ANF has made a recommendation to Management of preferred trainer.
• The Healthecare Burnie Pty Ltd and Nursing Staff Employee Collective Agreement expires 3 August 2013. ANF will be commencing the process in coming months, including distribution of a survey and member meetings to establish a log of claims. Please talk to your ANF Representatives about important issue to include in the claim.
• A fulltime midwife has been recruited and a 0.8 position advertised. Some midwifery staff have had permanent hours increased. These measures  will relieve the necessity for agency staff
• An increase in surgery will occur soon to provide pain management and ophthalmology services. Existing resources will cover the needs required.
• Replacement of televisions will occur throughout the facility to accommodate the introduction of the digital network and closing down of the analogue service.
If you have any queries please do not hesitate to contact the ANF Information Centre on 6223 6777, 1800 001 241 (outside Hobart area) or email info@anftas.org.

ANF and ANF workplace contact, Keven Cronk, met with the Management Group on 13 February 2013 to continue discussions regarding workload concerns raised with the ANF.

ANF provides the following update for members:
Staffing
• ADON Cheryl Carr confirmed that discussions on the modified ACORN workload model had occurred. Staffing is also based on complexity of the cases rather than a categorisation as major and minor.
• There has also been a review of the establishment FTE with advertising progressing for three (3) vacant RN positions ASAP. Coverage for impending maternity leave is also being addressed.
• EOIs will be posted for annual leave for specific positions requiring specific backfill. (e.g. Skills facilitator).
• ANF will seek clarification to ensure the 0.23 shift worker relief factor is in the budget with the NUM.

List Management
• The NUM, Beth Reiper, confirmed that specialty team allocations had occurred. Staff members have been allocated to specialty teams following consultation. The first roster incorporating team allocation will be published at the weekend. The team allocation will be available in the communications book and distributed via email
• The NUM has also undertaken to liaise with the educators to create a feedback form to assess the allocation of staff to specialty team lists.
Overtime
• Data was provided to ANF which indicates $1500 expenditure per month on overtime, with general consensus that there has been a slight reduction in overtime.
• ADON Carr confirmed that overtime is monitored with any trends acted upon. The NUM will liaise with the floor coordinators about the needs of staff as access to meal breaks remain a concern.  ANF urges any members consistently not receiving their meal breaks to notify their NUM and /or ANF Representative.
Education/Skill Mix
• The training needs analysis has been distributed with a response rate of only 12% so far, which does not provide an accurate reflection of the team’s education needs. ANF urges members to complete and return this form ASAP.
• Clinical Nurse Educators have been consulted regarding their visibility within the theatre suites and the NUM will monitor this situation.   The Educators will provide the date for the release of the data analysis at the next meeting.
• Timetabling and the program for the new graduates to meet their competency assessments will be reviewed by the NUM and Educators and then be made available to all staff.
• There has been a process change regarding the recording of non-clinical time by the Floor Coordinator. All staff members will be informed of the process to record non-clinical time and when non-clinical time is changed to meet the clinical needs of the unit.
Culture
• Meeting scheduled for Phil Everist (HR) to meet with staff next week.
Local Anaesthetic Lists
• Education to be provided to scrub scouts by the NUM Anaesthetics. ANF requested clarification from Associate Professor Marcus Skinner, Director Anaesthetics and Perioperative Medicine by the middle of next week whether there is a requirement to monitor LA patients during procedures.

If you have any questions or would like further information please contact your ANF Workplace Contact, Keven Cronk, or contact the ANF Information Centre on 6223 6777, 1800 001 241 (outside Hobart area) or email info@anftas.org.

Australian Nursing Federation (Tas Branch) met with Management and other Unions on 11 February to discuss issues of joint concern to members and management.

The outcome of this meeting is as follows:
Budget
• Projected budget deficit for 2012/2013 is $5.7 million. The CEO reports that all areas will be affected by saving strategies with no specific details available at this time.
ANF Tasmanian Public Sector Cost Saving Initiatives Paper
• A review of this paper commenced and will continue in future JCC meetings. Management agrees with most ANF submissions discussed. Some points are already under review and others are under consideration. ANF will provide a summary of outcomes to members Statewide when discussions are complete in all regions.
Capital Works
• A contractor for the Cancer Centre will be announced soon
• Medical Records at MCH will be completed in March
• Architects have been appointed for Oncology extensions at MCH
• Construction of MRI facility at NWRH will commence in April and the contract for purchase has been received by THO-NW.
Primary Health
• Linda Neal has commenced as HealthWest Director of Nursing
• The King Island Hospital and Health Centre redevelopment has been officially opened.
Paid Car Parking at NWRH
• ANF has requested consultation with staff as per the Award
• Dedicated afternoon and night shift parking will be allocated
• Staff parking is proposed to be charged at $2 for a 24 hour period ($4 for visitor sections)
• Detailed information will be delivered through the Heads of Department
• Presentations for each department can be requested by contacting Marty Viney.  Any feedback, concerns and suggestions should be forwarded to Marty. ANF encourages members to request these sessions to ensure comprehensive consultation.

If you have any queries please do not hesitate to contact the ANF Information Centre on 6223 6777, 1800 001 241 (outside Hobart area) or email info@anftas.org.

If you have any queries please do not hesitate to contact the ANF Information Centre on 6223 6777, 1800 001 241 (outside Hobart area) or email info@anftas.org.

UPDATE: ANF TAS BRANCH PHONE LINES WILL BE DOWN UNTIL COB TODAY 22 FEBRUARY 2013.  PLEASE DIRECT ANY URGENT PHONE CALLS TO 0428 323 441

ANF (Tas Branch) would like to advise that our phone lines are currently down due to a technical issue.

We are working hard to get this issue corrected.

Please keep checking this space for status updates on this issue.

For any URGENT industrial enquiries please email info@anftas.org.

We apologise for any inconvenience cause by this matter.

To date, 564 Intention to Review Forms have been received and due to a lack of resourcing, only 13 applications have been assessed.

The outcomes of the conciliation are as follows:

1. ANF will meet with HR Job Design to review application of the classification descriptors to date and ensure group applications are prioritised within a week. One group application has over 100 nurses linked to the group.
2. Any successful applications will roll out to all nurses who are undertaking that role across the State, regardless of the date the review is finalised.
3. Nurse Managers must ensure the Statement of Duties (SOD) is reviewed and updated to reflect current roles prior to reclassification by Job Design and advertisement. If this is not undertaken, the old SOD will be used and the job will be advertised at the same classification rate.
4. DHHS has committed to employ three FTE for the purpose of the Nurses’ Classification Reviews.
5. DHHS will notify all senior managers to ensure relevant steps/reviews are within agreed timeframes.
6. If you have received notification that your application has not been successful, please contact ANF if you wish to seek an external review through the Tasmanian Industrial Commission. This must be lodged within 14 days of notification of the review outcome.
7. ANF encourages all members intending to lodge an Intention to Review Form prior by Friday 8 March 2013 which is the date this process closes. Nurses will then have 28 days to complete their application.

A further conference is scheduled in the Tasmanian Industrial Commission on Tuesday 19 February 2013. Please contact your ANF Representative for further information or the ANF Information Centre on 6223 6777, 1800 001 241 (outside Hobart area) or email info@anftas.org.

Conference Program

Registration Brochure

Please find below links to the program of events for the week, along with the program and registration form for the Medical History and Research Seminar, which will run from Wednesday Day 15 – Friday 17 May 2013.

LGH Sesquicentenary Program of Events

LGH Sesquicentenary Medical History and Research Seminar

The Launceston General Hospital is also releasing a book to celebrate this milestone, ‘Launceston General Hospital: Celebrating 150 Years of Caring’. It focuses on the history of the LGH from 1963 to the present day, a continuation of Dr Clifford Craig’s book, Launceston General Hospital: First Hundred Years 1863-1963.

There will be a limited early release of 250 copies, so if you would like a copy please download the pre-order form below.

LGH Sesquicentenary Book pre-order form

All meetings will be held at 1430-1530 hours in the Clifford Craig Seminar Room.

Please see below for meeting dates:

• Wednesday 13 February 2013
• Wednesday 13 March 2013
• Wednesday 10 April 2013
• Wednesday 8 May 2013
• Wednesday 12 June 2013
• Wednesday 10 July 2013
• Wednesday 14 August 2013
• Wednesday 11 September 2013
• Wednesday 9 October 2013
• Wednesday 13 November 2013

If you have any queries please do not hesitate to contact the ANF Information Centre on 6223 6777, 1800 001 241 (outside Hobart area) or email info@anftas.org.

All meetings are held at 1430-1530 hours.

• Wednesday 20 February 2013 – Neuro Surgical Ward (1H) Allied Health Room (next to gym)
• Wednesday 20 March 2013 – Neuro Surgical Ward (1H) Allied Health Room (next to gym)
• Wednesday 17 April 2013 – Room 235 (Surgical Services) 2nd Floor Clinical School
• Wednesday 15 May 2013 – Room 235 (Surgical Services) 2nd Floor Clinical School
• Wednesday 12 June 2013 – Room 235 (Surgical Services) 2nd Floor Clinical School
• Wednesday 17 July 2013 – Room 235 (Surgical Services) 2nd Floor Clinical School
• Wednesday 21 August 2013 – Room 235 (Surgical Services) 2nd Floor Clinical School
• Wednesday 18 September 2013 – Room 235 (Surgical Services) 2nd Floor Clinical School
• Wednesday 16 October 2013 – Room 235 (Surgical Services) 2nd Floor Clinical School
• Wednesday 20 November 2013 – Room 235 (Surgical Services) 2nd Floor Clinical School

If you have any queries please do not hesitate to contact the ANF Information Centre on 6223 6777, 1800 001 241 (outside Hobart area) or email info@anftas.org.

Faye Hoppitt Rep of the Year Award Nominations and Resolution Submissions are open now. Forms can be found using the links below.

Please keep checking the website for Registration and Program information.

• Emergency Management of Severe Burns (EMSB) Course ANZBA, 20 April 2013 Hobart
• Tasmanian Burns Study Day, TBC late 2013
• Burns Nursing Seminar ANZBA, 22 & 23 March 2013 Melbourne
• Wound Management Forum, 22 & 23 April 2013 Melbourne
  • Regisration Form
  • Provisional Program

Is someone from your family interested in a nursing career?

Help them kick start their RN, EN or Care Worker studies

2 grants of $1000 to be won

Open to ANF Members

6223 6777 | 1800 001 241 | anf@anftas.org

Nominations for the ANF/MyState Next Generation Grant have now closed. Thank you to everyone who entered.

The competition will be drawn shortly, and winners will be contacted and announced once chosen.

Condition of entry:

• Entry is open to ANF Tas Branch members who have a next generation relative/relative who is currently studying or will be commencing study during the 6 months after the grant closing date
• The ‘entrant’ is defined as the ANF member and the ‘nominee’ is defined as the next generation relative
• The nominee must be studying/planning to study in Tasmania
• The nominee can be a child, niece, nephew, sibling or ward of the entrant
• Entry is via joint submission of the nomination form (found on the ANF website)
• Study is defined as enrolment and attendance at a recognised training facility in an approved course for Registered Nurse, Enrolled Nurse or Cert III Care Worker
• Submission must be received by closing date
• Submissions become the property of ANF and MyState
• Prize money is to be utilised for educational resources (eg. study materials, nursing equipment or materials, training/conferences)
• Winners to be selected from a panel of representatives from ANF and MyState
• Winners are defined as both the entrant and the nominee
• Prizes will be awarded to the top two entries received by the closing date, regardless of course of study
• Winners to provide an  interview  to ANF and MyState within three months of receiving the award, for use in professional publications, providing comment on winning the award, how studies are progressing and goals/aims for their future nursing career
• Winners to provide advice to MyState and ANF on how the award funds were utilised and how this supported their academic needs  within 12 months of receiving the scholarship funds

Burnie
Date: Tuesday 15 January 2013
Time: 11.30am – 1.30pm
Venue: NWRH Burnie Campus Cafeteria Courtyard

Mersey
Date: Wednesday 16 January 2013
Time: 11:30am – 1:30pm
Venue: Mersey Community Hospital Open Grass Area

Hobart
Date: Thursday 17 January 2013
Time: 11:30am – 1:30pm
Venue: Back of RHH Cafeteria

Launceston
Date: Wednesday 23 January 2013
Time: 12:00pm – 2:00pm
Venue: Civic Square

All proceeds will be given to the Red Cross Tasmanian Bushfires 2013 Appeal. The Unions Fire Appeal has been registered with the Red Cross.

LGH Ward 5B are holding a morning tea on Monday the 21  January 2013 from 10am onwards, in order to raise money for those who have been affected by the devastating bush fires across Tasmania.

All LGH staff are invited to go along and help raise money for a very worthy cause.

When:    Monday 21^st January

Where:   Ward 5B (Room 3-6)

Time:     10am onwards

Why:     Raise much needed funds for those affected by the fires in Tasmania.

Price:     $1 per treat

Any cash donations great or small would be greatly received in assisting these communities to re-build.

ANF has established a Bushfire Appeal Fund with all monies going directly to those ANF members who have been adversely affected. We invite our ANF members who would like to donate money to this fund to use the details below.

Monies from these donations will be available to members in fire affected communities depending on each individuals needs.

ANF members who wish to seek assistance should complete our Criteria for Assisting Bushfire Victims form by Thursday 28 February 2013 or contact the ANF on 1800 001 241 (outside Hobart area), 6223 6777 or email info@anftas.org.

DONATE NOW

Phone (credit card): 1800 001 241 (outside Hobart area) or 6223 6777; or

In person at the Hobart Office, 182 Macquarie Street; or

EFT Deposit: BSB: 067 000; A/C: 00910962; Name: Australian Nursing Federation Tasmania (reference ANF BFA)

Other Ways You Can Help

Tasmanian Unions have joined together to set up the Tasmanian Unions’ Fire Appeal 2013. On Wednesday 23 January Unions around the state will join together to collect money to go towards the Red Cross Tasmanian Bushfire Appeal.

Barbecues will also be held at the four major hospitals around the state, with all proceeds going to the Red Cross Tasmanian Bushfire Appeal. Dates and times will be announced shortly.

Other tickets available are:

Village Cinema Adults -$9.50

Village Cinema Child -$7.50

Village Cinema Gold Class -$29.00

Metro Cinema Adults – $12.00

Metro Cinema Child – $8.50

CMax Cinema Adults – $12.50

CMax Cinema Child – $9.50

*All ticket prices are subject to change without notice.

Friday 17 May 2013

Friday 10 May 2013

Friday 3 May 2013

Friday 26 April 2013

Friday 19 April 2013

Friday 12 April 2013

Friday 5 April 2013

Friday 29 March 2013

Friday 22 March 2013

Friday 15 March 2013

Friday 8 March 2013

Friday 1 March 2013

Friday 22 February 2013

Friday 15 February 2013

Sunday 10 February 2013

Monday 4 February 2013

Where: Australian Nursing Federation 182 Macquarie Street, Hobart

When: Thursday 20 December 12.30 pm

The Australian Nursing Federation (Tasmanian Branch) (ANF) has consistently expressed concern that the Federal funding package for health is not targeted correctly to address issues with access to both acute, elective and community health services.
The majority of the $325m four year package had been already granted and only 54% is new money equating to only $40m extra per year.
“It is critical that this funding is correctly directed to alleviate the key deficits in our health system caused by service closures last financial year” says Mrs Neroli Ellis, ANF Branch Secretary.
ANF will today release their blueprint for the Federal funding and a Cost Savings Initiative Submission highlighting ongoing potential areas to save money in the public health system.
ANF has forwarded both submissions to Mr Alan Bansemer, Chair, Commission on Delivery of Health Services in Tasmania, Mr Graham Houghton, Chair, Tasmanian Health Organisations and Mr Matthew Daly, Secretary, DHHS.
Media contact: ANF Tasmanian Branch Secretary, Neroli Ellis, 0408 037 589
Nurses will also be available for comment at the Doorstop

Cost Saving Initiatives

Proposed Reallocation of the Federal Funding Package

Neroli Ellis, Branch Secretary, will be holding a media conference regarding these submissions on Thursday 20 December at 12.30 pm in the board room of the ANF office at 182 Macquarie Street Hobart.

Non Members: If you would like to register please complete a contact us form or call 6223 6777, 1800 001 241 (outside Hobart area). Please be aware that non members may only attend dependent on registration numbers. Prices are dependent on the conference being attended.

ANF Continuing Professional Development Portfolio

If you would like to collect your Portfolio from one of the ANF offices, please specify which office in the Extra Information section in the checkout area.

Price:

Member no postage $20.00:

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Member inc. postage $30.00:

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Click here to see the Professional Development Calendar in full.

Non Members: If you would like to register please complete a contact us form or call 6223 6777, 1800 001 241 (outside Hobart area). Please be aware that non members may only attend dependent on registration numbers.

Knowing Your CPD Audit Study Day – 130501L

We can no longer take registrations for this session.

NMBA Audits Commence THIS Year!!!!

Do you know your CPD requirements for registration?

If not… you need to know BEFORE 1 June 2013

ANF HERC will be running a course helping you to understand your CPD requirements for registration and how to build your CPD portfolio.

Launceston:  Wednesday  1 May 2013, 3:45 pm-5:45pm,  The Tramsheds, 4 Invermay Rd

You can bring your own CPD Portfolio folder or get a great deal by bundling a new portfolio with the cost of the course.  CPD Portfolios will also be available for sale on the day $20 for members $40 for non- members.

Price: $0.00

Knowing Your CPD Audit Study Day - 130502H

NMBA Audits Commence THIS Year!!!!

Do you know your CPD requirements for registration?

If not… you need to know BEFORE 1 June 2013

ANF HERC will be running a course helping you to understand your CPD requirements for registration and how to build your CPD portfolio.

Hobart:  Thursday 2 May 2013, 3:45 pm-5:45pm,  ANF Health Education & Research Centre, 182 Macquarie St.

You can bring your own CPD Portfolio folder or get a great deal by bundling a new portfolio with the cost of the course.  CPD Portfolios will also be available for sale on the day $20 for members $40 for non- members.

Price:

Member Attendance $50:

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Member Attendance and Portfolio $60:

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Non-Member Attendance $60:

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Non-Member Attendance and Portfolio $80:

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Student Attendance and Portfolio $20:

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May 2013 Professional Development 130514L

We cam no longer takePayPal payments for this session. Please contact 6223 6777 to check availability

When: Tuesday 14 May 2013

Where: The Tramsheds, 4 Invermay Road, Launceston

Structure: The day consists of 3 sessions. You can choose to come to 1, 2 or all 3 sessions and you will obtain CPD hours according to your attendance.

Session 1 – Advanced Emergency Management

Time: 8.30 am – 11.45 am  CPD: 3 hours

Presenter: Craig Shennan, Life Support Coordinator, Integrated Learning and Simulation Centre

Overview:

The ALS Algorithm

• Drugs used in cardiac arrest
• Defibrillation (effect, purpose and importance)
• Physiology behind the arrest and the significance of CPR/BLS and its impact on patient survival
• PEA the non-shockable side of the ALS algorithm as this is a major cause of in-hospital cardiac arrests
• VF and VT (causes and treatment)

As part of the management of deteriorating patients to understand 12 lead ECGs in scope of chest pain

• Segment changes consistent with AMI and ischemia
• To be able to recognise inferior, anterior, lateral and posterior infarct
• To be able to recognise inferior, anterior, lateral and posterior ischemia
• Understand the time critical need to get help fast

Airway Management

• Bag/Valve/Mask ventilation and airway management
• LMA rescue airway in the context of cardiac arrest (simulation demonstration)

Lunch – 11.45 am – 12.15 – pm (Lunch will be provided to participants registering to attend all three sessions or at a cost of $10 for those attending less than three)

Session 2 – Paediatric Emergencies

Time: 12.15 pm – 2.15 pm  CPD: 2 hours

Presenter: Shaun Probert, CN, DEM LGH (BN, Grad Dip Nursing)

Overview:

Taking the fear out of dealing with unstable children is almost impossible

• This session aims to improve clinical assessment skills and develop sound clinical observation skills in every practitioner that meets and greets paediatric patients in and out of their normal working environment – from First Aid Care to Advanced Life Support

Tea Break – 2.15 pm – 2.30 pm

Session 3 – Law & the Nurse – Professional Issues

Time: 2.30 pm – 4.30 pm  CPD: 2 hours

Presenter: Lisa Grosser and Team, Industrial Office, ANF

Overview:

• Coronial matters
• Health quality and complaints commission
• Criminal history checks
• Boundary issues
• Practising in different classifications of nursing from those which you are trained or training
• Open disclosures
• Drugs and poisons regulations
• Substitute decision making

Video Conferencing

The ANF (Tas Branch) Health Education and Research Centre now has video conferencing facilities. If you are interested in video linking please advise ANF when you register to check availability.

Price: $0.00

June 4th 2013 Professional Development 130604U

When: Tuesday 4 June 2013

Where: The Wirght Room, The Beachway Motel, 1 Heathcote Street, Ulverstone

Structure: The day consists of 3 sessions. You can choose to come to 1, 2 or all 3 sessions and you will obtain CPD hours according to your attendance.

Session 1 – Diagnosing/Identifying Dementia

Time: 8.30 am – 11.45 am  CPD: 3 hours

Presenters: Michelle Kemp, Clinical Nurse Educator/Liason Officer, DBMAS

Overview:

• Types of Dementia
• What Dementia involves – Five Domains
• Why making a diagnosis of Dementia is important
• Ways of classifying Dementia
• Identifying reversible causes
• Stages of care for people with Dementia
• Best practice referrals to a memory clinic or specialist
• Services available to support people with Dementia and their carers

Lunch – 11.45 am – 12.15 – pm (Lunch will be provided to participants registering to attend all three sessions or at a cost of $10 for those attending less than three)

Session 2 – Parkinson’s Disease

Time: 12.15 pm – 2.15 pm  CPD: 2 hours

Presenters: Ann Dodd, Neurological Nurse Specialist/Educator Primary Health, THO-NW

Overview:

• Obtain an understanding of Parkinsonism, aetiology and diagnosis
• Ability to identify symptoms f Parkinson’s Disease, domains of nursing assessment and implement appropriate nursing management strategies
• Describe the different Parkinson’s medications, wearing off and side effects including dyskinesias
• Obtain knowledge of where to find Parkinson’s Disease resources to support your practice and referral pathways

Tea Break – 2.15 pm – 2.30 pm

Session 3 – Overview of Multiple Sclerosis

Time: 2.30 pm – 4.30 pm  CPD: 2 hours

Presenter: Kim McCarthy, Nurse/Case Manager, MS Society and Kirsty Schnierer, Nurse/Case Managaer, MS Society

Overview:

• What is MS? Types of MS
• Statistics
• Therapies currently available and some emerging therapies
• Ongoing Management of MS
• Support provided by MS Society of Tasmania

Video Conferencing

The ANF (Tas Branch) Health Education and Research Centre now has video conferencing facilities. If you are interested in video linking please advise ANF when you register to check availability.

Price:

Members Attend One Session $50.00:

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Members Attend Two Sessions $90.00:

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Members Attend Three Sessions (incl. lunch) $130.00:

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Students Attend One Session $10.00:

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Students Attend Two Sessions $20.00:

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Students Attend Three Sessions (incl. lunch) $30.00:

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Lunch (attending one or two sessions only) $10.00:

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June 6th 2013 Professional Development 130606H

When: Thursday 6 June 2013

Where: ANF (Tas Branch) Health Education and Research Centre, 182 Macquarie Street Hobart

Structure: The day consists of 3 sessions. You can choose to come to 1, 2 or all 3 sessions and you will obtain CPD hours according to your attendance.

Session 1 – Post Partum Haemorrhage & Antenatal Education

Time: 8.30 am – 11.45 am  CPD: 3 hours

Presenters: Sally Gregor, Clinical Midwife Educator, RHH and Evelyn Larcombe, Clinical Midwife Educator, RHH 

Overview:

Post partum haemorrhage (Evelyn Larcombe)

• Practical exercise – estimating blood loss

Antenatal ecuation (Sally Gregor)

• Audience participation

Lunch – 11.45 am – 12.15 – pm (Lunch will be provided to participants registering to attend all three sessions or at a cost of $10 for those attending less than three)

Session 2 – Breast Feeding & Perinatal Mental Health

Time: 12.15 pm – 2.15 pm  CPD: 2 hours

Presenters: Sue Cox (AM, BM, IBCLC, FILCA) and Angela Hay, Perinatal Mental Health Liaison Coordinator, CAMHS

Overview:

Breast Feeding (1 Hour)

• The confusion to new mothers of conflicting advice

Perinatal Mental Health (1 Hour)

• National Perinatal Depression initiative

Tea Break – 2.15 pm – 2.30 pm

Session 3 – Law & the Nurse – Consenting to Healthcare

Time: 2.30 pm – 4.30 pm  CPD: 2 hours

Presenter: Lisa Grosser and Team, Industrial Office, ANF

Overview:

• The right to autonomy
• What is valid consent?
• Minors and consent, the mature minor, minors under the care of others
• Exception of necessity

Claims which may arise where no consent is obtained

• Claim of trespass to the person (assault and battery)
• Claim of negligence (where a lack of information has been provided)

Video Conferencing

The ANF (Tas Branch) Health Education and Research Centre now has video conferencing facilities. If you are interested in video linking please advise ANF when you register to check availability.

Price:

Members Attend One Session $50.00:

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Members Attend Two Sessions $90.00:

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Members Attend Three Sessions (incl. lunch) $130.00:

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Students Attend One Session $10.00:

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Students Attend Two Sessions $20.00:

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Students Attend Three Sessions (incl. lunch) $30.00:

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Lunch (attending one or two sessions only) $10.00:

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ANF Continuing Professional Development Portfolio

If you would like to collect your Portfolio from one of the ANF offices, please specify which office in the Extra Information section in the checkout area.

Price:

Member no postage $20.00:

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Member inc. postage $30.00:

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The ANF is shocked and saddened by the tragic death of Jacintha Saldanha, who was part of our global nursing family,” ANF Federal Secretary, Lee Thomas, said today.

“Out of respect to Jacintha’s family, friends and nursing colleagues, the ANF has withdrawn our current nursing campaign advertising from 2DayFM.

“We hope that all of those involved in this tragedy both here in Australia and the United Kingdom, now receive the appropriate counselling and support throughout this very difficult time.

“On behalf of our members, the ANF expresses its deepest sympathy to Jacintha’s family. Our thoughts and prayers go out to them.”

The ANF is committed to protecting the privacy of patients, and the wellbeing of the nurses caring for them.  The actions of the 2Day FM presenters were reprehensible, and there has be considerable condemnation of them in the Australian and UK Media.

We encourage all nurses and other members of the public to write to politicians, the media and professional organisations  to express their views on this event.

It is clear that the media in general, and social media in particular, are generating serious ethical and professional concerns at a rate that is outpacing the legislation pertaining to them.  The ANF has released guidelines through the ANJ and professional development seminars to educate nurses about the professional hazards of such media.

We are interested to hear more of your views, if you are happy to share them.  We do not have your phone number on file, but if you would like to call us to discuss further, please call the ANF Info Centre on 6223 6777.

Originally developed in 2007, the second edition includes new and updated information and a series of optional booklets that women can order according to their individual needs. This allows women to access information relevant to them when they want it. Hope & Hurdles also includes brochures, magazines and CDs that offer information, support and hope for women and those around them.

In developing the resource, BCNA heard directly from doctors, oncologists, nurses and other health professionals, as well as women living with secondary breast cancer. Women made suggestions about things that helped them and their family and friends to deal with a diagnosis of secondary breast cancer.

BCNA CEO Maxine Morand said the updated Hope & Hurdles will provide reliable and relevant information for the estimated 2,000 women who are diagnosed with secondary breast cancer in Australia each year.

“We believe that the right information helps women make informed decisions and gives them a greater feeling of control over treatment and wellbeing,” Maxine said.

Women with secondary breast can order the new optional items when ordering their Hope & Hurdles pack, or at any later time when they may want them. Women who received the first version of Hope & Hurdles are also welcome to order the second edition.

Health professionals are also welcome to order Hope & Hurdles on behalf of their patients.

I am thrilled with the new Hope & Hurdles and especially the new booklets. I have secondaries in the bone and learnt so much that I had not been told by my medical team. Hope & Hurdles has allowed me to take control, not feel so panicked and move through this process with a sense of calm. – Sue, Vic

For more information visit:  www.bcna.org.au/hope-hurdles-pack

The poll is part of the Australian Nursing Federation’s (ANF) ongoing national campaign “Stop passing the buck, Australia’s nursing grads need jobs”, which is calling on the Federal Government to find solutions to the growing shortage of nurses and midwives across the country.

The online poll poses two questions:

1. Should the Federal Health Minister Tanya Plibersek do more to fix the graduate nurse crisis?

2. Should the Prime Minister waive HECS fees for nurse graduates who accept employment in areas of need?

“There is a growing shortage of nurses and midwives across Australia and it’s only going to get worse,” ANF Federal Secretary, Lee Thomas, said today.

“Unless this is addressed now, safe patient care will be compromised and it will be the sick and the vulnerable who will suffer.

“That’s why the ANF, as Australia’s largest health union, is calling on the Federal Government to work with State and Territory Governments to find solutions to the nursing crisis by funding a range of strategies which will ensure employment of graduate nurses and midwives and also importantly deliver the ongoing promotion of safe patient care.”

The Stop passing the buck, Australia’s nursing grads need jobs campaign has so far resulted in more than 2300 emails to politicians, including 800 to Federal Health Minister Tanya Plibersek with 2000 community members signing up to show their support.

Ms Thomas added: “We want to hear from ANF members as well as the public about who should fix Australia’s nursing crisis and how it could be done.”

The poll will run for two weeks. To take part, go to www.anf.org.au and follow the prompts.

Grade 3 AP Guidelines

Application Form-Grade 3

Referee Report-Grade 3

If you have any queries please do not hesitate to contact the ANF Information Centre on 6223 6777, 1800 001 241 (outside Hobart area) or email info@anftas.org.

The review by the Australian Skills Quality Authority was announced following evidence that some aged care workers were receiving inadequate training before being employed in nursing homes.

“The ANF has long been concerned about the fast-tracking of students through aged care courses and the potential risk that these courses do not adequately prepare students for practice,” ANF Federal Secretary, Lee Thomas, said today.

“Many of our members gave evidence to the Productivity Commission that qualified aged care nurses were being replaced by non-qualified workers.

“Students with inadequate training cannot be expected to be put to work in nursing homes to care for vulnerable residents, with many of them suffering a range of chronic and complex health problems.

“That’s why the Federal Government must implement better workforce staffing levels and the right skills mix and a national licensing system for aged care workers to ensure the delivery of safe patient care for older Australians living in nursing homes.”

Ms Thomas said the aged care sector needed 20,000 nurses “as a matter of urgency”.

The ANF’s new national campaign, Stop passing the buck, Australia’s nursing grads need jobs, is calling Federal Government to work with State and Territory Governments to find solutions to the growing shortage of nurses and midwives by funding a range of strategies to ensure employment of graduate nurses and midwives and the ongoing promotion of safe patient care.

“One of the campaign’s strategies is for the rotation of graduate nurses through non-traditional graduate areas such as primary care and aged care as well as acute settings,” Ms Thomas added.

“This would help address the current workforce issues experienced across the aged care sector.”

For more information about the campaign, go to www.anf.org.au.

http://www.premier.tas.gov.au/media_room/media_releases/launch_of_family_violence_workplace_policy_for_tasmanian_public_servants

Also, the Hon Julie Collins, Australian Government Minister for the Status of Women, launched a new domestic violence toolkit to support women at work, which has been developed by the Australian Domestic and Family Violence Clearinghouse and funded by the Commonwealth. The toolkit – Keeping you and your job safe: Information for workers experiencing family violence can be downloaded at www.dvandwork.unsw.edu.au (go to ‘worker information’)

You may also be interested in a video (YouTube clip) developed by Unions Tas entitled Family Violence is a Workplace Issue.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C3A4oYXv8yw

The Online Clinical Simulation for Nurses training room offers 3D simulated learning for clinical procedures and currently consists of 32 modules. Each module teaches a different procedure through an interactive simulation, accompanied by a step-by-step text with hyperlinks, a video demonstration, a 3D model of the anatomy encountered during the procedure and a quiz.

Access to each module is for a term of one month. During this time you will have access to each module purchased 24/7. On expiration of each module a message will appear in your ‘bookshelf’ area on the website notifying you of the expiration. You may repurchase any module at any time.

Pricing:
ANF, NSWNA and QNU members pay only $10 per module (for a term of one month)

Non-members pay $15 per module (for a term of one month)

All the training modules in the Australian Nursing Federation’s suite of 3-D simulated education programs have been endorsed by the ANF. On completion of each module a Simulation Summary Report advising you of your simulation test score and quiz score, along with the time it took you to complete each module, will be available in your Logbook, which can be accessed from the top left drop down menu. This report is printable and can be retained as evidence of completion of the training modules.

Contact Jodie Davis ANF Federal Education Officer for further information.

Figures released by the Government through Questions on Notice demonstrate the effect of the budget cuts on graduate nurse employment.

“No amount of spin doctors can remove the reality that the Government has reduced nurse graduate positions by almost 40% and many of those positions are now part time,” Tasmanian Branch Secretary Mrs Neroli Ellis stated.

“Despite the Minister stating there is an increase of graduate employment, this is clearly not evidenced in these figures;”

At the ANF Federal Executive meeting held today a national campaign was endorsed to support additional graduate positions. This will include lobbying the Federal and State Ministers, requesting research from HWA on where graduates go, consideration of HECS fee reduction and mixed models of placement.

“It does seem confusing, where nurses have been recently retrenched due to budget cuts and yet there is a known future nurse shortage due to the impending retirement of so many Tasmanian nurses and midwives” said Mrs Ellis.

This must be acted upon now to ensure safe patient care in the future”

To read more about the Stop Passing the Buck Campaign

To send an email to Minister Plibersek and Minister O’Byrne

Join this forum to share your ideas

The Tasmanian Climate Change Office invites you, or your nominated representative, to a discussion on Human Health and Vulnerable Communities and the risks and opportunities that our changing climate will bring.

This will be one of several round tables of around 15 participants focusing on the adaptation priority areas identified in the Issues Paper.

These sessions will consider key issues and how we can adapt with a focus on strategies and actions the Government can take to facilitate adaptation in Tasmania in this priority area.

The round table will be held on Wednesday, 12 December 2012 at Training Room, Level 11, 10 Murray Street, Hobart from 9:30 am to 12:30 pm.

Issues to be discussed

Through the round table we will discuss:

• the risks and opportunities this priority area faces in adapting to changes in Tasmania’s climate; and
• action the State Government can take to address these risks and opportunities, in the short, medium or long term.

Next steps

Feedback collected from these sessions will help shape an adaptation plan, which will be incorporated into the Government’s broader 2020 climate change strategy to be released next year.  The broader strategy will consider short, medium and long term action to reduce the State’s greenhouse gas emissions and adapt to our changing climate.

RSVP

Please confirm your interest in joining the forum by Monday, 19 November 2012 by email to marie.hassan@dpac.tas.gov.au or by phone to 6232 7173.

The organisers have given ANF free weekend passes to give away to members. We have five (5) double passes and five (5) single passes up for grabs.

If you would like to be in the running to win one of these passes, please enter your name, phone number and email address in our entry form.

Entries close at 1.30pm on Wednesday 14 November, and winners will be drawn at random at 2.00pm. Winners will be notified by phone after the draw and will need to be able to collect the tickets from the Hobart ANF Office during opening hours (8.30-5.00 Thursday or Friday).

*This competition is open only to ANF Tasmanian Branch members, and membership will be verified before winners are contacted. Winners are drawn at random and no correspondence will be entered into regarding the drawing of names.

The organisers have contacted ANF and offered a discounted rate on tickets to ANF Members, available by purchasing online with a special code. The discount allows ANF Members to purchase a weekend pass for the price of one day, a saving of $20 and allowing access to the full festival for just $89.

If you would like to take advantage of this exclusive offer, log into the member’s only section below and follow the link to book tickets using the code provided.

Enter your Login Details below:

Membership Number:

Password:

Logging In

close x

Your default password is your surname as it appears on your member card (case sensitive).

Once you have logged in you have the option of changing your password to something else of your choice.

You can change your password in the "Edit Profile" section.

Please find attached a ‘Fact Sheet’ that outlines the role of the Commission and provides details of the upcoming public consultation forums.

The Commission is hosting these public consultations to provide a forum for community members, including healthcare professionals, to consider opportunities to improve the efficiency of health care delivery in their local area. These consultation forums will provide an early opportunity for community members to learn about the role of the Commission and to raise important local health issues.

Please register your interest in attending a forum by Friday 9 November by completing the registration form on the Commission website: www.tasmaniahealthcommission.gov.au

Please find attached a statement from Sanofi welcoming this updated position, as well as comments from Associate Professor Michael d’Emden, Vice President of the ADS, on this new position.

Please also find attached a backgrounder on Lantus safety for your information.

316 nurses (229 Nov/87 Feb) will graduate from the University of Tasmania (UTAS) in the coming months and yet the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) are only offering around 100 graduate positions, most of which are part time. Before the budget cuts, 179 Full Time Equivalent DHHS graduate positions were offered, which is a more appropriate level to meet the future workforce demands.

“The budget cuts have slashed the number of graduate nurses being offered employment by over half,” states Mrs Neroli Ellis, Branch Secretary.

“This short term strategy will have dire impacts on the future ability of our healthcare system to cope with growing demands and an ageing nursing workforce who are entering a  retirement phase over the next four years.”

Whitney Bowerman is one graduate who missed out on a graduate position this year, despite achieving high academic success.

“Many of us entered nursing due to the promise of employment and the opportunity to gain work in any area of nursing that we wished, instead we have found the exact opposite,” states Whitney.

“I’ve worked as an enrolled nurse for three years now and worked so hard to achieve high grades throughout Uni … Sadly despite all this the Tasmanian Government has chosen to let nursing students, the nursing workforce and the people of Tasmania down by failing to see the value of the continuing health workforce.”

Many nurses apply to undertake their graduate year interstate as they know there will be very few opportunities here in Tasmania.

“We are losing a whole generation of nurses which will lead to a hard recovery, as enticing nurses and their families back to Tasmania in the current climate is very difficult,” says Mrs Ellis.

“We are seeing an incredible drain of nurses leaving the State since the budget cuts, with around 30 transferring interstate every month as they are frustrated with the shortages and the impacts on patient care.”

Recent research from Health Workforce Australia reveals a fast approaching nurse shortage in Tasmania and Australia. Assuming every graduate is employed, Tasmania will still have a shortage by 2016. With the current trend of only employing 100 not 379 graduates per year, this shortage will be with us by next year.

For further information, please contact Neroli Ellis on 0408 037 589

-end-

The government intends to radically amend the State Service Act 2000 to implement the recommendations of an external review by George O’Farrell.  Mr. O’Farrell recommends the abolishment of the role of the State Service Commissioner, the transfer of all employer powers to the Minister and the appointment of an independent, external person to conduct a regular, prescribed review into how the Minister conducts the employer power.  The State Service Amendment Bill 2012 tabled in the House of Assembly yesterday abolishes the State Service Commissioner and transfers the powers to the Minister but fails to appoint an independent person to undertake a regular review.

“The government has accepted all the recommendations that give it greater power but has rejected the recommendations that put external checks and balances in place”, said CPSU General Secretary Tom Lynch.  “Without a regular report to parliament by an external person the government is only accountable to itself when it comes to public sector employment”, said Mr Lynch.

ANF State Secretary Neroli Ellis said “This government has an appalling record in areas such as fixed term employment and these changes will mean it can continue to treat nurses unfairly and there will be no one continually watching and reporting on what it is doing”.

AEU State Manager Chris Lane said “For the government to accept the recommendations of an external review and then reject a key accountability measure undermines the whole process and calls into question its motives”.

A high level of external oversight is particularly important in public sector governance to ensure the public sector is serving the community rather than the government of the day.

“Without an independent person reviewing how the government of the day is utilising the employer powers and reporting to parliament there is a risk the public sector becomes politicised or employment decisions lack fairness,” said HACSU Assistant Secretary Tim Jacobson.  “The people of Tasmania should not accept changes that mean the government is less accountable or open to scrutiny,” said Mr. Jacobson.

For comment contact:

Tom Lynch 0418 412 766                    Tim Jacobson 0419 331 936
Neroli Ellis 0408 037 589                    Chris Lane       0409 349 501

Letter to Brian Wightman MP

Midwives and nurses were central caregivers of women during labour and birth, and through such employment, were also involved in removing babies from their mothers in cases of forced adoption.

One midwife who was working at the time recalls, “There were pressures from society and social services for young girls to give up their babies. We did the best we could to look after them. It is just how things were in those days.”

While the ANF was not actively involved in the policy at the time it was in effect, we acknowledge that the organisation did not take a critical view of the practice.

“Nursing and midwifery have made great strides as professions over the decades.  Advocacy for justice, human rights and ethical treatment are central to contemporary nursing practice.  Nurses and midwives in Australia today are strong, capable, educated professionals who abide by a high standard of ethics.” says Neroli Ellis, ANF Tasmanian Branch Secretary.

“Nurses and midwives pride themselves on being advocates for patients and clients and, as a result of unjust practices such as this; there is today a strong awareness amongst nurses, midwives and ANF of the need to stand against such injustice. No government or employer should force a nurse or midwife to do something that violates the rights of people in such a way and no nurse or midwife should violate the rights of anyone in such a way.  Thankfully, nurses and midwives now have the professional standing and recognition to refuse such directives.”

The ANF deeply regrets harm done to everyone affected by forced adoption, and we call upon all other organisations, professions and governments to issue a public apology for the wrongs of the past.

Governments must also commit resources, such as free counselling, support, information and family-search services.  The ANF supports further legislative and regulatory reform, such as integrated birth certificates, to make amends for taking away identities and family ties.

The ANF Tasmanian Branch is the largest nursing and midwifery organisation in Tasmania and has been the industrial and professional organisation representing Tasmanian nurses and midwives since 1924. It currently represents more than 6,300 nurses and midwives throughout the State.

For further information, please contact Neroli Ellis on 0408 037 589

Group Process:

1. One (1) application may be submitted.
2. All applicants are required to complete the first page with their individual personal details of the Translation Classification Review Form.
3. All applicants are required to sign the group application.
4. Group application has to be submitted to their relevant Manager.

Below are the groups that have been identified within each area;

ANF encourages nurses who have been identified as a group review, to collaboratively work with their colleagues in developing their Statement of Duties and the classification review documentation.

Please check the ANF website for more information.

If you have any queries please do not hesitate to contact the ANF Information Centre on 6223 6777, 1800 001 241 (outside Hobart area) or email info@anftas.org.

The Hon. Michelle O’Byrne

Ground Floor, Public Buildings

53 St John Street

LAUNCESTON   TAS   7250

Email:  Michelle.obyrne@parliament.tas.gov.au

Dear Minister

Australian Nursing Federation (Tas Branch) has serious public safety concerns with the intent to dilute the criteria for an “approved psychiatric nurse” in the draft Mental Health Bill 2012.

The main concern is that removing the requirement to have a specialised mental health qualification, would open up the risk that general nurses may be deemed (due to budget cuts) to exercise all powers conferred under the Act, which includes ordering seclusion and restraint of mental health clients.

The definition under the current Act defines “approved psychiatric nurse means a psychiatric nurse who is approved by the controlling authority of an approved hospital or the Chief Forensic Psychiatrist to exercise powers conferred under this Act” and

“Psychiatric nurse means a registered nurse who is qualified to practice psychiatric nursing;”.

A nurse qualified to practice psychiatric nursing ensures that these nurses have a specialised tertiary graduate or post graduate diploma mental health (psychiatric) nursing qualification or prior to the introduction of tertiary education, a hospital based certificate course equivalent to the above.

The new amendment removes the requirement for a nurse to be qualified in mental health and to have the appropriate post graduation specialist qualification and now deems experience only for a general registered nurse to be empowered under the Bill.

As part of the implementation process, consultation with key stakeholders will determine experience required however, this is not acceptable, as it is the theoretical knowledge which is gained through post graduate studies which is the minimal requirement for this level of decision making.  Additionally, years of experience does not necessarily equate to capacity and how will this be determined to ensure the public are protected.

Whilst ANF supports registered nurses working in mental health, ANF’s position is that the additional level of responsibility and accountability must be protected through the attainment of the relevant specialised additional qualification.

It is noted that there is no dilution of the medical staff qualifications to have these powers conferred and they continue to be required to meet the specialist qualification as Authorised Psychiatrist or Authorised Medical Officer.

ANF requests that the Bill be reworded and amended to ensure the safety and protection of mental health clients and the experience be in addition to the relevant qualification and not in lieu of the qualification.  ANF is happy to be consulted regarding the appropriate level of qualification which should also be included in the definition.

Please do not hesitate to contact me if further clarification is required.

Yours sincerely

Neroli Ellis

Branch Secretary

cc:       Jeremy Rockliff, Shadow Minister of Health

Paul O’Halloran, Greens Spokesperson for Health

Coral Muskett, Mental Health Director of Nursing

Fiona Stoker, Chief Nurse

Cecily Pollard, Tas Chair, ACMHN

ANF Mental Health Reps

GRADE 3 – IN-CHARGE

The Grade 4 is a personal classification and hence there is no cap to the number of positions in each practice area.  However, it was always intended that there should be sufficient numbers of Grade 4 and/or Grade 5 nurses to be ‘in-charge’ per shift.

At the Tasmanian Industrial Commission (TIC) discussion on 27 September 2012, the DHHS agreed that a Grade 3 nurse should not be required to be in-charge where there is a shortage of Grade 4 or 5 nurses, and will have the right to refuse to be ‘in-charge’.

This was to ensure that it did not become common practice for Grade 3 nurses to be in-charge by default due to the insufficient numbers of Grade 4 or 5 nurses.

ANF supports Grade 3 nurses to be in-charge by mutual agreement for the following reasons:

(1)      Professional development needs

(2)      On infrequent or one off occasions where there is no Grade 4 or Grade 5 rostered.

ANF’s advice remains that if Grade 3 nurses are regularly required to be in-charge due to insufficient numbers of Grades 4 and or 5, then a NHpPD Grievance should be completed to address the inadequate skill mix and lack of Grade 4 or 5 nurses.

If you have any queries please do not hesitate to contact the ANF Information Centre on 6223 6777, 1800 001 241 (outside Hobart area) or email info@anftas.org.

8 October 2012: the DHHS will commence collating and assessing the applications.

10 October 2012:

(1) ANF will be meeting with the DHHS to identify the applications which would fit into the criteria of ‘groups’ so that Statement of Duties (SoD) can be reviewed.

(2) A decision will be made whether the SoDs will be grouped either regionally or state-wide.

Where a group of employees with similar position characteristics have individually submitted an Intention to Review Form, these may be processed as a group application.

(3) Time frames will be decided regarding the following:

(a)   Notification to employees if their application is considered as a grouping.

(b)   The process to progress the applications.

Please check the ANF website for more information.

If you have any queries please do not hesitate to contact the ANF Information Centre on 6223 6777, 1800 001 241 (outside Hobart area) or email info@anftas.org.

Grade 3 Year 4 to Year 6 – Closing date for submission of Application has been extended to 30 November 2012.  Back pay will still apply from 13 May 2012.

Grades 7, 8 and 9 – Trigger date for lodgement of Intent to Review Form is 7 days from date of receipt of letter confirming classification.  Letters advising of classification should have been sent on 28 September 2012.

Grade 7 b – will be classified as 7b Year 2 following review.

Mental Health Services – Classifications will be assessed as state-wide MHS and not as THO.

Audit – ANF has requested an audit of number of Gr 4 pre and post classification as there needs to be a review of skill mix and numbers of Grade 4.  DHHS have confirmed that Grade 3 have the right to refuse to be “in-charge” as there should be a grade 5 or 4 rostered “in-charge” per shift.  ANF will be advising Grade 3 not to accept in-charge role if there are insufficient Grade 4 on roster.  If Grade 3 is required to be in-charge due to insufficient numbers of Grade 4 and or 5, then a NHpPD Grievance should be completed.

Community Health Career Structure – Meeting to be arranged between ANF and Chief Nurses Office to arrange process moving forward to reconvene working party.  Dispute continues on maintenance of status quo for new employees.  Arbitration is listed in the Commission on 3-4 October 2012.

6, 10 & 12 Hour shifts – It is agreed that if rostered 6 hour shift is extended, then payment of Overtime rate for the extended period will apply to employees.  The DHHS is to provide their written position in relation to casual employees.  12 hour shift conditions/guidelines are being finalised for inclusion in the Award.

Relinquishing of a higher grade – discussions and outcomes will occur as a case by case basis.

If you have any queries please do not hesitate to contact the ANF Information Centre on
6223 6777, 1800 001 241 (outside Hobart area) or email info@anftas.org.

The nursing workforce is an aging demographic and older nurses in Tasmania are still giving a lot of themselves to their patients and society.

To celebrate members’ involvement in providing healthcare in Tasmania, the Australian Nursing Federation (ANF) Tasmanian Branch is holding a morning tea in Ulverstone for those nurses aged over 55 years.

‘Our nurses and midwives in Tasmania do an amazing job under both physical and mental pressure,’ says Mrs Neroli Ellis, ANF Branch Secretary.

‘I believe it is important that we commend and celebrate the senior members of our workforce, who make up a large percentage of nurses in Tasmania.

‘We must also understand that our population is ageing rapidly, therefore, the succession planning of the nursing profession is of great importance, with particular emphasis on the employment of our graduates,’ says Mrs Ellis.

Media Opportunity

• Ulverstone – Deli Central, 48 Victoria Street Ulverstone, Wednesday 3 October 10.00 – 11.00 am

Media Enquiries

Sue Robertson

0427 385 501

The key issues debated were maintaining patient safety in the current health care public system, nurse rights and indemnity in relation to any future potential legislation concerning Euthanasia, the lack of funded Graduate positions which leave over 200 nursing graduates without any work and the need for permanency for our new Graduates, no access for nurses to attend professional development and study days, the effects of shift work on an ageing profession, domestic violence and superannuation during periods of parental leave.

The conference provides a forum for nurses, midwives and care workers to debate the key issues relevant to health policy and guest speakers included the Minister of Health, Michelle O’Byrne, Pal Gilbert, the Acting Victorian ANF Secretary, Yvonne Chaperon, Assistant Federal ANF Secretary.

“ANF Representatives reflected on the harsh budget cuts and the real effect on patient care across the community in the public sector and debated the inappropriately allocated Federal package.

Nurses raised their concerns directly with the Minister today in relation to the key issues which are the lack of a strategic plan for health in Tasmania, the lack of funding to implement Nurse Practitioner positions, the ongoing reliance of double shifts due to poor planning (440 double shifts in the last two months at the RHH alone) and the impact of slashing over 280 nursing positions last year and the resultant nursing shortage as so many nurses have now moved interstate.”

Media Enquiries:       Neroli Ellis         0408 037 589

A consultation session to reveiw the Practice Standards will be held in Hobart on Wednesday 24 October (9:30am – 12:00pm). The Mental Health Workforce Advisory Commettee and Health Workforce Australia invite everyone with a particular interest in the mental health workforce to come and contribute; professionals in different mental health work roles, consumers, carers, educators, managers of mental health services, academics and human resource managers are welcome.

Registration is essential and can be completed online by clicking here. If you have any questions about the project, or the consultation sessions, please contact Precision Consultancy on 03 9606 0118 or info@precisionconsultancy.com.au.

Tasmanian Branch

ELECTION NOTICE

Fair Work (Registered Organisations) Act 2009

Nominations are called for:

BRANCH PRESIDENT

BRANCH VICE PRESIDENT

BRANCH EXECUTIVE MEMBERS (4)

BRANCH COUNCILLORS (14)

Written nominations, which comply with the Rules of the Organisation, may be made at any time from Monday 1 October 2012 and must reach me not later than 12 noon on Monday 22 October 2012. Nominations cannot be withdrawn after this time.

Nomination forms are available from me or from the Branch office of the Organisation or can be printed here.

In accordance with Branch Rule 85.5, a candidate may, not later than 12 noon on

Monday 29 October 2012, submit to the Returning Officer a statement in support of the candidature.  Such statement must not exceed two hundred words and may be accompanied by a photograph of the candidate.

HOW TO LODGE NOMINATIONS

By Hand: Australian Electoral Commission, State Office,

2nd Floor NAB House, 86 Collins Street, Hobart   TAS   7000

By Post: GPO Box 520, Hobart  TAS  7001

By Fax: (03) 6235 0568

A postal ballot, if required, will open on Thursday 15 November 2012 and close at 10.00am on Monday 3 December 2012.

NOTE: A copy of the AEC’s election report can be obtained from the organisation or from me after the completion of the election.

Changed address? Advise the Federation now.

Michael Horwood                                                     Monday 1 October 2012

Returning Officer                                                      Telephone: 6235 0509

Those employees who consider their translation to the new classification structure is incorrect may apply for a classification review.

Employees may request a review of their translation classification for a period of six months from 10 September 2012 until 8 March 2013 under this process.

KEY TIME FRAMES

Each employee must submit your individual Intention to Review Form.

Submit Intention to Review Form to your manager BEFORE 7 October 2012 as a first step prior to submitting a Translation Classification Review Application. 

        You will be eligible to receive back pay to 13 May 2012 if successful.

If you submit an Intention to Review Form AFTER 7 October 2012 but prior to 8 March 2013 you will receive back pay to the date your Intention to Review Form was submitted to your manager, if successful.

You may not request a review of the translation, classification AFTER 8 March 2013 under this process.

        You will not be disadvantaged if you have submitted your application and the application assessment is delayed. The date you submit the Intention to Review Form to your manager via email or hard copy will be recorded as the date of submission.

Where a group of employees with similar position characteristics have individually submitted an Intention to Review Form, these may be processed as a group application.

Please check the ANF website for more information.

Review application forms can be downloaded from: http://intra.dhhs.tas.gov.au/dhhs-online/page.php?id=40456

If you have any queries please do not hesitate to contact the ANF Information Centre on 6223 6777, 1800 001 241 (outside Hobart area) or email info@anftas.org.

Intention to Review Form.

Guidelines for Translation to Classification Standards Review Process.

Aged Care Excellence

Award 2012

This year the winners of the ANF/ME Bank Aged Care Excellence Award were Jean Van Nynanten (RN), Suzanne Marshall (EN) and Cherrie Phillips (Carer).  The three exceptional winners were eligible for nomination through working in Aged Care and showing excellence in all that they do.

“Winning the ANF/ME Bank Aged Care Excellence Award this year was a wonderful surprise, and recognition of the effort and energy I endeavoured to put into my position as Clinical Nurse Consultant (CNC) with the LGH Hospital Aged Care Liaison Team (HALT).”  (Jean Van Nynanten)

“It is a wonderful feeling to be recognised by these awards. It is awards such as the ANF/ME Bank Awards that make you feel great about the hard work you do and it helps to know the effort and care you put into a day’s work doesn’t go unnoticed. Thank you for making these awards possible.” (Cherrie Phillips)

Be sure to keep any possible nominations for this award in mind for 2013.

• Classification Standards and Criteria.
• Translation/Classification Review Processes.
• Important Timeframes and Deadlines.
• Back Pay Dates.
• Status of Community Nurse Dispute.
• Public Holiday Dispute Outcome.

RURAL AND REMOTE WORKSITES VIDEOCONFERENCE

Tuesday 25 September 2012

1430 – 1530 Hours

Strahan CHC,  St Helens Cons Rm 2, Huonville CHC TeleHealth Room, Ulverstone CHC,  Bruny Island CHC Meeting Room,  Campbell Town MPS, Ouse Central Highlands CHCT, Triabunna CHC, George Town Hospital, Deloraine Hospital Meeting Room, New Norfolk Hospital, Midlands MPC, Cape Barren Island Health Care, Flinders Island MPC, Esperance MPHC.

(Dial in phone no. for those who cannot attend a site above: 6210 5611 – Pin no. 349#)

Wednesday 19 September 2012

1000 – 1030 Hours

Beaconsfield DHS, Zeehan CHC, Queenstown WCDH Nurses Room,  Scottsdale Hospital Meeting Room

(Dial in phone no. for those who cannot attent a site above: 6210 5611 – Pin no. 122#)

ANF looks forward to meeting members.  Membership forms will be available for those wishing to join the ANF.

If you have any queries please do not hestitate to contact the ANF Information Centre on 6223 6777, 1800 001 241 (outside Hobart area) or email info@anftas.org.

Please find below the Interim Report from the Legislative Council Inquiry into Cost Reduction Strategies of the Department of Health and Human Services.

Interim Report

The ANF was responding to media reports claiming staff such as cleaners could carry out basic health checks as part of a new $10.2 million funding project to train care workers throughout Australia’s under-resourced aged care sector.

“We are extremely concerned by any plans to fill the shortage of highly qualified nurses with non clinical staff,” ANF Federal Secretary Lee Thomas said today.

“Cleaners and other aged care support staff can never perform the roles and responsibilities of registered, enrolled nurses and assistants in nursing (AINs) in delivering quality care to older people living in nursing homes.

“We are calling on the Minister for Ageing Mark Butler to urgently provide further details to our State and Territory members working in the aged care sector on how this project will be implemented.

“Furthermore, the Minister must guarantee that unqualified staff will never be called upon to undertake any clinical duties carried out by aged care nurses and AINs.

“Whilst the ANF welcomes the Government’s recent funding aimed at developing a new aged care workforce, we maintain the only real way of addressing the critical shortage of 20,000 aged care nurses is to pay them what they deserve and ensure a skilled workforce is available in sufficient numbers.

“Currently, aged care nurses on average are paid between $168 and $300 a week less than their colleagues working in public hospitals.

“Unless the wages gap is closed, there is little chance of nurses being recruited and then retained in aged care.”

Mrs Agnes Stanislaus-Large, Acting Branch Secretary, said “We believe that the announcement is a band aid measure and to divert attention from the Legislative Council Interim Report of the ‘Inquiry into the cost reduction strategies of the Department of Health and Human Services’ which was released last week.  The interim report was condemning of the strategies implemented as cost saving measures.”

On Page 19, the sub-committee found (interim findings) that ‘the department’s workforce has been adversely affected by the (cost saving) strategy, which has led to significant retention and morale issues. This risks the ability of the Department to maintain and attract a quality health workforce into the future’ and ‘the ability to attract and retain a quality health workforce is at risk in both the public and private health systems as many health practitioners work in both private and public practice in Tasmania’.

Mrs Stanislaus-Large said “We do not believe that 115 positions are sufficient.

“The Minister has said that these positions would be offered on a full time and part time basis and we need clarity on how many full time positions this equals.

“Whilst we have nurses doing double shifts, part-timers doing extra shifts and reduction in bed numbers, with waiting lists on the increase, the ANF believe that, as a minimum, 150 full time positions should be funded.  We know that approximately the same amount of new nursing graduates will be seeking to consolidate their skills next year, which is about 300,” she said.

The demand for graduate positions is not going to be any less and the 115 positions offered would barely address the current issues even in the short term.

For further information please contact Agnes Stanislaus-Large on 0438 559 768

• Classification Standards and Criteria
• Translation/Classification Review Processes
• Important Timeframes and Deadlines
• Back Pay Dates
• Status of Community Nurse Dispute
• Public Holiday Dispute Outcome

ANF looks forward to meeting members.  Membership forms will be available for those wishing to join the ANF.

If you have any queries please do not hesitate to contact the ANF Information Centre on 6223 6777, 1800 001 241 (outside Hobart area) or email info@anftas.org.

The HoA now includes Schedule 7 – Classification Standards Nursing and Midwifery AND Schedule 8 – Translation, Classification to the Nurses and Midwives Career Structure and Review.

Schedule 7 – contains the Descriptors for Grade 1 (conditions apply) to Grade 9 of the Career Structure.

Schedule 8 – contains the processes which will form the basis of translation to the new classification structure in Schedule 7 and resulting review process.  The process will provide nurses the opportunity to have their translation/classification reviewed in accordance with the agreed processes. No-one will be disadvantaged and there will be no ‘spill and fill of positions’ under this process.

Employees may request a review of their translation classification for a period of six months from 10 September 2012 until 8 March 2013 under this process.

Timeframes for some of the translation/classification reviews have been agreed with back pay of wages. The Community Nurse dispute is listed for early October and their entry points are not completed.

ANF is working with the Chief Nurse’s Office in developing documents to enable nurses to seek a review of their translation/classification. ANF will keep members up to date with the process and will be developing an easy to read guide.

If you have any queries please do not hesitate to contact the ANF Information Centre on 6223 6777, 1800 001 241 (outside Hobart area) or email info@anftas.org.

The Tasmanian scholarships offered are for undergraduate clinical placements, postgraduate study and continuing professional development (CPD).

Administrative arrangements with the Australian College of Nursing for these scholarships were finalised on 31 July 2012 and an application round for the postgraduate and continuing professional development scholarships opened on 1 August 2012.  The closing date for these applications is noon on 14 September 2012.

Tasmanian Undergraduate Clinical Placement Scholarships

At least 50 undergraduate clinical placement scholarships are available for placements in 2013 increasing to 110 in 2014.

Applications for undergraduate clinical placement scholarships will be open to all enrolled and registered nursing and midwifery students studying in Tasmania for placements being undertaken within Tasmania.

Arrangements are currently being finalised to ensure that appropriate placements can be provided in Tasmania for the undergraduate clinical placement scholarships.  These arrangements are expected to be announced in October 2012.

Tasmanian Postgraduate Scholarships

At least 13 postgraduate scholarships are available for study commencing in 2013 increasing to 35 in 2014 valued at up to $30,000.  These scholarships will support face-to-face courses and distance education provided by the University of Tasmania, other Australian universities and registered training organisations.

Tasmanian Continuing Professional Development Scholarships

At least 25 CPD scholarships are available in 2013 increasing to 58 in 2014.  These scholarships are available to nurses or midwives providing clinical services to enable them to participate in an activity that is eligible to accrue continuing professional development hours.

Information on the eligibility criteria and the application process is available from the Australian College of Nursing www.rcna.org.au or Freecall 1800 117 262

ANF has been informed that the Government has now withdrawn their appeal against the Tasmanian Industrial Commission decision which confirmed that day working nurses on non fixed rosters will be either paid or accrue (if elected) 7.6 hours (pro rata) for each public holiday not worked.

DHHS has not paid these nurses any entitlement to public holidays not worked which is in breach of the Nurses and Midwives Heads of Agreement 2010.

Day working nurses should now complete the DHHS Election For Leave form to ensure their choice of accrual of hours or payment for all public holidays falling on rostered days off since 26 January 2011.

This equates to the payment/accrual of 20 public holidays (pro-rata) as an outcome of this dispute for each day working nurses on rotating rosters.

ANF is pleased to continue to ensure your benefits and conditions are enforced!

FULL-TIME CONTRACT POSITION UNTIL 1 JUNE 2013

Salary of $47,265 + 14% superannuation

The Administration Assistant – Marketing will require:

• Exceptional computing skills including Word, Excel, Publisher, PowerPoint, Website Maintenance and Social Networking Knowledge
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills and high level of attention to detail
• High level organisational and time management skills and ability to prioritise to meet deadlines
• Sound judgement and problem solving ability
• Demonstrated ability to work both autonomously and as part of a team

The position description, inclusive of selection criteria, is available here.

Written applications addressing selection criteria should be marked “Confidential” and forwarded to:

Office Manager

Australian Nursing Federation

182 Macquarie Street

Hobart 7000

or via email – manager@anftas.org

Applications close COB on Friday 31 August.

To be eligible, you must be either a registered or enrolled nurse or a registered midwife who is currently employed in a clinical role at a Tasmanian health service provider.

If you want to apply for postgraduate qualifications, you must be studying at an Australian University, TAFE or other registered training organisation.

• Scholarships up to $15,000 per year for 2 years full time or up to $7,500 per year for 4 years part time

For more information, see http://www.rcna.org.au/WCM/RCNA/Scholarships/Government/nahsss_tas_pg/rcna/scholarships/government/nahsss_postgraduate_tas.aspx

For Continuing Professional Development:

• Up to $1500 for a course, conference or workshop that carries recognised CPD points by the RCNA
• The course must be undertaken between 23 July 2012 and 31 December 2013.

For more information, see http://www.rcna.org.au/WCM/RCNA/Scholarships/Government/nahsss_tas_cpd/rcna/scholarships/government/nahsss_tas_cpd.aspx

Applications close 14 September 2012

Please see below flyers for information relevant to the region in which you work.

THO North Uniform Flyer

THO North West Uniform Flyer

THO South Uniform Flyer

Mrs Ellis said the campaign Australia’s Nurses, Midwives and Care Workers: You couldn’t be in better hands would initially feature statewide media advertising on television, radio and cinemas in Hobart and Launceston.

“The nursing community and the public will have the opportunity to share the advertisements on social media and go to the ANF web page (www.anftas.org) to show their support for the nursing team,” Mrs Ellis said.

“The campaign is partly in response to a predicted national nursing shortage, and our hope is that promoting positive images of the nursing profession will in turn attract people to careers as nurses, midwives and care assistants.

“This is a long-term national campaign that the ANF in Tasmania is excited to be part of, and we anticipate strong support from both the Tasmanian nursing community and the general public.”

The campaign coincides with new figures showing that ANF membership across Australia now stands at 220,000, making it one of Australia’s largest and fastest growing unions.

“Membership in Tasmania continues to grow, and we have recently introduced a free student membership to encourage our up-and-coming nurses to join our ANF nursing team,” Mrs Ellis said.

“Our new members have joined us from right across our nursing team and include registered and enrolled nurses, midwives, care assistants and nursing students.

“We believe that part of this level of growth is the result of the very successful campaigns we’ve run, and we look forward to a surge in membership as a result of this latest campaign.”

ANF Federal Secretary Lee Thomas said the campaign – called “Australia’s Nurses and midwives. You couldn’t be in better hands” – showcases the amazing and invaluable work that nurses and midwives do, day in and day out across Australia.

“We have spent months meeting and consulting with nurses, midwives and assistants in nursing, as well as members of the wider community to find out their feelings about the health system in Australia, and how they felt health care should be improved,” Ms Thomas said.

“The campaign is partly in response to Australia’s national nursing shortage and it will promote positive images of nursing and midwifery that will in turn attract people to the nursing and midwifery professions.”

Ms Thomas said the new campaign features a two-minute cinema ad, showing real-life nurses and midwives filmed as they work at three different hospitals. In addition, there is a 60 second TV commercial airing this Sunday as well as a radio ad, which starts today. Other campaign material includes posters, leaflets, bumper stickers and a new campaign website.

“We want this positive campaign to focus on the significant contribution nurses and midwives make to the health system every day, and the trust the community have in them to deliver safe patient care whilst they are being treated and cared for,” she explained.

“We will be working with our ANF State branches, other stakeholders and importantly, the wider community to deliver the solutions we want so we can achieve better and safer healthcare for all Australians.

“Neil Lawrence from Lawrence Creative oversaw production of the ads, with no actors, just the help of 22 nurses and midwives, and many generous members of the community who were happy to appear in the cinema and TV commercials whilst being treated and cared for by nurses and midwives.”

Ms Thomas said the campaign coincides with new figures showing further growth in the ANF’s membership across the Australian health system – with membership now standing at 220,000.

“We have continued to experience unprecedented growth in ANF membership across a full-range of health settings, including private and public hospitals, aged care facilities, medical practices and community medical centres,” she said.

“We believe this continued growth is the result of the very successful campaigns the ANF has run both nationally and by our state and territory branches, working on behalf of all of our existing and new members.”

The aim is to gain support from the public by highlighting all the positive contributions that the nursing community does and to engender pride in the nursing team. We are doing this by promoting the positive aspects of nursing and celebrating the nursing community. We also want to encourage those that are not already members to join our nursing team and support the campaign.

If you haven’t already signed up to the campaign, visit www.anf.org.au and register your support.

Support the ANF Nursing Team!

Watch the TV commercial Here

INSIG Tas is a dynamic focus for Nurse Immunisers throughout Tasmania and we look forward to providing ongoing support to members in the future.

Please use the form below to register or renew your INSIG membership via PayPal. This process is only available to members of ANF, as you are required to be logged in to use the PayPal payment system.

INSIG CPR Update 18th May 2013 Launceston

MANAGING IMMUNISATION EMERGENCIES
CPR and Anaphylaxis update
Premium Health

Date: Saturday 18th May 2013
Venue: Tailrace Centre

1 Waterfront Drive, Riverside

Free Parking On Site

Cost: Members $50, Non Members $100

PROGRAM
Session 1 (This session is full)

8.15 registrations for 8:30 start, conclude at 12:00
Session 2
12:15 registrations for 12:30 start, conclude at 4:00

There will be a short morning or afternoon tea break.

There will be a maximum of 24 participants for each session. Register quickly to book into your session of choice.

Price:

Member Evening Session $50:

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Non Member Evening Session $100:

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INSIG Annual Membership

Membership for period 1 June 2013 – 31 May 2014

Personal information collected from members of INSIG Tas will only be used to carry out aims and objectives in representing the interesets of immunisation nurses and not for any other purpose.

As a member of INSIG Tas you agree to comply with the rules of ANF as registered under the Fair Work Act 2009 and the by-laws of the ANF Special Interest Groups.

For further details contact:

Jo Hopkins (President)	pjhopkins@bigpond.com	0407 680 908
Maree Farquhar (Vice President)	farquhar.clan@bigpond.com	0407 873 573
Kate Herbert (Secretary)	mail.kateherbert@gmail.com	0437 468 758
Sue Woods (Public Relations)	susanmwood@bigpond.com	0409 538 083

Price:

Initial Registration - $50.00:

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Renewal - $50.00:

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INSIG CPR Update 25th May 2013 Hobart

MANAGING IMMUNISATION EMERGENCIES
CPR and Anaphylaxis update
Premium Health

Date: Saturday 25th May 2013
Venue: Mornington Skills Centre
9 Takari Place, Mornington
Free Parking On Site

Cost: Members $50, Non Members $100

PROGRAM
Session 1 (This session is full)
8.15 registrations for 8:30 start, conclude at 12:00
Session 2(This session is full)
12:15 registrations for 12:30 start, conclude at 4:00

There will be a short morning or afternoon tea break.

There will be a maximum of 24 participants for each session. Register quickly to book into your session of choice.

Price: $0.00

The decision means that from December, all cigarette and tobacco products will be sold in plain packaging, with a graphic health warning on the pack.

ANF Federal Secretary, Lee Thomas, described the decision as “a great victory for the health of the Australian public”.

“We welcome the very sensible decision handed down by the High Court today given that smoking still continues to be the largest single cause of death in Australia,” she said.

“It’s nurses, midwives and assistants in nursing who see the tragic results of smoking-related diseases every day across the Australian health and aged care system.

“The fact is that every year, around 15,000 Australians die from smoking-related illnesses – that’s 40 preventable deaths each day.

“Smoking and related diseases cause a massive burden on the Australian health system, with hospital costs mounting to hundreds of millions of dollars each year.

“That’s why the ANF congratulates the Federal Government on its win over the big tobacco companies today.

“We will continue to support initiatives which aim to reduce the incidence of smoking across the community to save lives and improve the overall health of thousands of Australians every year.”

ANF has written to the DHHS Secretary requesting consideration of a promotable Grade 4 (Grade 4b) to ensure a safe skill mix in each ward/unit, this promotion to be concurrent with the continuation of the ability to apply based on personal competence.

Health Executive will undertake an audit in September to review the skill mix and re-consider their position.

Many nurses who have translated to Grade 4 are also working in dual roles, with an audit demonstrating that around 145 nurses/midwives are eligible for back pay to receive the Grade 4 salary for all hours worked in both roles.

The working party for community nurses has been slow to finalise the recommendations for direct entry points and career pathways. ANF has represented this group of nurses in the Tasmanian Industrial Commission (TIC) as ANF believes the DHHS is breaching a written agreement to maintain status quo until the working party finalises the position.  Arbitration is now listed for the first week of October. If you have been employed in Community Health, since the new Agreement,  and believe you are wrongly classified, please contact ANF for assistance as individual case management is being undertaken.

Pending Health Executive sign off, the listing for registration of the new detailed career structure in the TIC is on 20 August 2012.  An update will follow regarding the process for review of positions and the process from here.

Neroli Ellis
Branch Secretary
13 August 2012

ANF is now ranked as one of Australia’s biggest and fastest growing unions.

We have continued to attract new membership from a full-range of health settings across Australia, including private and public hospitals, aged care facilities, medical practices and community medical centres.

Our new members have joined us from right across our nursing family and include registered and enrolled nurses, midwives, care assistants and nursing students.

The ANF’s continued growth in membership is the result of the very successful campaigns we’ve run both nationally and by our state and territory branches, working on behalf of all of our existing and new members.

A new national campaign, called “Nurses and Midwives. You couldn’t be in better hands” will be officially launched by the ANF next week.

The campaign showcases the incredible and invaluable work that nurses and midwives do, day in and day out across Australia. A cinema ad will be supported by TV and radio commercials, posters and a new website.

Real life nurses and midwives feature in the ads, filmed at three different locations, at work, morning through until night.

Nurses, midwives and the general public will also have the opportunity to share the ads on social media and go to the ANF web page to show their support for nurses and midwives.

This group will take a lead role in shaping Tasmania’s Health Plan 2013 through the provision of clinical advice and evidence, consultation and communication and shaping planning and policy decisions.

Group members will need to demonstrate experience and skills in one or more of the following areas:

• Clinical service provision and currency of practice
• Clinical governance, quality and safety
• Health policy and planning, population health and operational management
• Leadership and engagement
• Clinical research and learning

The Group will meet regularly and be supported by a Secretariat within the Department.

Further details and an EOI form can be found at www.dhhs.tas.gov.au or by contacting Dr Craig White, Chief Medical Officer on (03) 6233 3297 or craig.white@dhhs.tas.gov.au

Applications close on Friday 24 August 2012. Applications must be accompanied by an EOI form.

The University of Adelaide will be running two focus groups in Tasmania seeking YOUR views including your experiences dealing with homeless persons, the frequency of such interactions, the effectiveness (or absence) of proscribed policies, and locally apparent solutions to the challenge of homelessness. View the factsheet here

HOBART – Shelter Tasmania Office, Suite 21a, Trafalgar Building, 108 Collins St.

Tuesday 31 July, 2-4pm

LAUNCESTON – Anglicare, 166 Elizabeth St

Tuesday 2 August, 2-4pm

To participate in one of the focus groups, please contact:

Emily Thwaites-Tregilgas

The University of Adelaide

Ph: 08 8313 1289

Mobile: 0430 392 611

emily.thwaites-tregilgas@adelaide.edu.au

A key outcome of this research is to develop a set of strategies to assist frontline services in their dealing with the homeless and empower them to assist clients avoid exiting into homelessness.

The research is funded by the Australian Government as part of the National Homelessness Research Agenda

If you are interested in a career in nursing or would like some information on joining ANF head down to see us, booth 3.

Today is also the launch of ANF Tas Branch’s new membership category, E-Student. If you would prefer to look at Infusion online instead of hard copy, and don’t mind not being posted the ANJ, join today at the RCNA Expo.

The main difference in the free membership will be in how members receive their copy of Infusion magazine.

E-students will be able to access their Infusion online, whereas the students opting for the existing $35 membership will receive a hard copy along with an Australian Nursing Journal in the mail each month.

The e-students will be given a membership number to allow them to access all the benefits of the paying students, but won’t receive an actual membership card.

The membership number will allow the e-student members to receive discounted education sessions, conferences, nursing merchandise and cinema tickets.

They will also have access to our ANF Information Centre hotline.

Students working as Care Workers while they are studying (and who currently hold a Certificate III or IV) are advised to contact the ANF Information Centre to ensure they have the correct level of coverage which may need to include Professional Indemnity Insurance.

RYDGES HOTEL, HOBART

Reach | Empower | Protect

Together we can make a difference

ANF thanks our sponsors:  (Gold)  (Silver).

Due to the limitation of the size of the venue where ADC is being held this year and the overwhelmiing response from Reps, we are unable to accept any more registrations.

Ms Thomas swapped the luxury of a warm bed to “rough sleep” outdoors in a sleeping bag, with only three pieces of cardboard to protect her from the elements.

She was among more than 200 business and community leaders across Australia who took part in the 2012 Vinnies CEO Sleepout, aimed at raising the awareness and all-important donations for the 105,000 homeless Australians.

“It was a challenging night for me, with the rain in the early hours of the morning giving me an added complication to deal with,” Ms Thomas said today.

“I managed to get around two hours of broken sleep after I picked up my cardboard and found shelter under a car park; but at least I only had to experience it for one night – I knew I was coming home to a shower, warm clothes and a hot cup of tea.

“You can only imagine how terrible it must be for the thousands of homeless men, women and children who are forced to sleep rough like this every night?”

Ms Thomas raised more than $3,515 in donations.

“I would like to thank everyone who donated so generously to the CEO Sleepout,” she added.

“The money goes directly to supporting Vinnies’ great work in providing ongoing services for the homeless all across the country.”

This campaign is seeking to engage with employers in an effort to convince them to reach enterprise bargaining agreements with their practice nurses that will:

• provide fair wages and reasonable conditions of employment
• introduce a new classification and career path that rewards increased responsibilities
• provide support for practice nurse education and professional development

Read more about the campaign here

“This funding will ultimately save lives in Tasmania by providing the means for more beds, more nurses and more elective surgery,” Mrs Ellis said.

“The ANF particularly applauds the injection of $31.2 million to fund an extra 2,600 elective surgeries, and $15.4 allocated to improving mental health services, a sector that has been hit by the budget cuts.

“The establishment of walk-in clinics in Hobart and Launceston will enable nurses to utilise their full scope of practice and relieve the pressures on our emergency departments.”

Mrs Ellis said the ANF would be seeking further clarification on further cuts outlined in the Forward Estimates of the State Health Budget.

“In the event that the State Budget stands, inclusive of the Forward Estimates, we still have concerns that the State Government will continue to cut money from the health budget over the next three years,” she said.

“Many of these initiatives are areas which have been cut by the State Government but are common in other States to provide appropriate primary health care.”

Mrs Ellis congratulated the Tasmanian nurses who had tirelessly spoken to patients, clients’ families and community members about the state of health system during the ANF’s Protect Frontline Health campaign.

“This is a huge win for the ANF and for all of our members who worked tirelessly during our campaign to bring the plight of our health system to the attention of the Federal Government,” Mrs Ellis said.

“The power of 6500 nurses involving the Tasmanian community has enabled this resurrection of our health care system.”

The ANF has worked closely with Andrew Wilkie MP, Independent Member for Denison, and lobbied Minister Plibersek to achieve these much needed changes. The initiatives also reflect the strategies proposed by ANF Representatives at recent meetings with the Minister.

“We will continue to fight to protect frontline health, and strive for a return to high quality patient care for all Tasmanians,” Mrs Ellis said.

Our virtual ‘aged care training room’ is available for nurses, assistants in nursing, and personal carers working in aged care.

Take a look at the aged care training room here and make sure you share it with your co-workers.

ANF Representatives from frontline services at RHH, Mental Health, LGH and NWRH admirably voiced the concerns of nurses across Tasmania at yesterday’s meetings.

The key critical pressure points are:

• Closed beds and bed block causing Emergency Department pressures
• Community Mental Health services
• Family and Child Health service reductions

ANF Tas Branch has previously met with the Federal Minister and has also lobbied her through our ANF Federal Office representatives and a Federal Executive resolution calling on immediate intervention. In addition, ANF Tas Branch continues to support Andrew Wilkie in his endeavours to secure additional funding to relieve the current crisis in health.

ANF will keep members updated when an announcement is made.

If you have any queries please do not hesitate to contact the ANF Information Centre on 6223 6777, 1800 001 241 (outside Hobart area) or info@anftas.org.

• Career Structure Finalisation
• Heads of Agreement Implementation Update
• State Health Budget

ANF looks forward to meeting members. Membership forms will be available for those wishing to join the ANF.

If you have any queries please do not hesitate to contact the ANF Information Centre on 6223 6777, 1800 001 241 (outside Hobart area) or email info@anftas.org.

Register now and get ready to enhance your career!

Featuring keynote speaker Robert Phillips, principal of Phillips Taglieri Barristers and Solicitors.

Click here for the full program

To register, print a copy of the Registration Form or follow the links below.

Proudly sponsored by:

ANF has formally advised the DHHS and Public Sector Management Office this morning that ANF will sign the draft Caseload Midwifery Agreement and is currently awaiting the final draft for signature. This can then be lodged in the Tasmanian Industrial Commission for registration by the DHHS. 

ANF will continue to pursue at regional levels the provision of safe and efficient technology to support you in these roles.

ANF fully supports the introduction of caseload midwifery and wishes all involved much success and a wonderful experience  for both midwives and mothers and babies.

Regards, Neroli

ANF is involved in a working party to develop the appropriate entry points and career structure for nurses working in the community. The DHHS agreed as an interim position to continue employment as per the current Award classification. Unfortunately, the DHHS is not honouring this structure and therefore ANF is currently in dispute and is referring this to the Commission.

ANF recommends members who are Grade 3 Year 8 or have eight years of completed service to apply for progression which will enable back pay. Classification reviews will still be available upon registration of new EBA.

To apply for a Grade 4 classification you should first speak with your NUM to discuss your application and the Formal Capability Assessment criteria. Education tools and further information can be found on the DHHS intranet.

To be eligible for back pay you must apply before Friday 1 June 2012. Back pay is available from the FFPP 28 April 2011. The point at which you reached your 8 years of service will be the point at which you are entitled to back pay. For example, if you reached your 8 years of service in January 2012 you will receive back pay to this point.

If you have any queries please do not hesitate to contact the ANF Information Centre on 6223 6777, 1800 001 241 (outside Hobart area) or info@anftas.org.

Nurses and midwives MUST have appropriate PII to practice, and ANF membership will give you the peace of mind that comes with being covered.

Having your own insurance guarantees your protection in the event of a negligence claim.

Litigation can be directed against both employers and employees, resulting in a potential conflict of interest if you rely on cover from your employer.

Don’t rely on your employer for PII cover

ANF PII protects you against claims for loss, injury or damage to a third party arising from an act, error or omission in the performance of professional services. Conditions apply to those in independent practice.

Your own personal PII also covers you in the event that you provide medical assistance outside the workplace.

JOIN ANF NOW

If you have any queries please do not hesitate to contact the ANF Information Centre on 6223 6777, 1800 001 241 (outside Hobart area) or info@anftas.org.

1. Did you translate to Grade 3 Year 7 on 1 December 2010? 

2. Have you completed 12 months of service at Grade 3 Year 8?   

3. Have you completed 8 years of service since your initial qualification? 

4. Can you meet the assessment criteria in the Grade 4 Formal Capability Assessment Handbook?

If you want to apply for a Grade 4 classification you should speak with your NUM to discuss your application. Education tools and further information can be found on the DHHS intranet.

To be eligible for back pay you must apply before Friday 1 June 2012.Back pay is available from the FFPP 28 April 2011. The point at which you reached your 8 years of service will be the point at which you are entitled to back pay. For example, if you reached your 8 years of service in January 2012 you will receive back pay to this point.

If you have any queries please do not hesitate to contact the ANF Information Centre on 6223 6777, 1800 001 241 (outside Hobart area) or info@anftas.org. 

31 May 2012

Expiry date for renewal of registration

1 July 2012

Removed from nurses and/or midwives register if registration not renewed*

Check your registration details and renew online

http://www.nursingmidwiferyboard.gov.au/

Student Awards 2012

These awards close next Wednesday 30 April 2012, so time is running out to take advantage for your chance to win up to $750.

Fill in the entry form below to enter.

2012/13 Entertainment Book

If you enjoy spending time with friends, heading out for a meal and saving money. Entertainment Book is for you.

Filled with over $15,000 worth of value vouchers, you can save money on restaurants, take away, coffees, tourist adventures and more.

At just $60 these are a great investment or gift for someone who enjoys having fun in Tasmania! Available now from the ANF Office.

Most nurses are now completing their registration renewals for 2012. An annual subscription to the ANF Aged Care Training Room will provide aged and community care nurses with their required CPD hours plus a number of other online essential resources to fulfill the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia national registration CPD requirements.

The ANF has partnered with aged care online learning experts, Moving ON Training (MOT), to create the ANF Aged Care Training Room.

“Inequity exists not just in wages but in CPD opportunities for aged and community care nurses especially those working in rural and remote areas. In developing the Aged Care Training Room were looking for a partner who shared our commitment to the ongoing education and development of the aged and community care workforce and had the experience and track record in developing and delivering aged care online education,” ANF Federal Education Officer, Jodie Davis, said.

Deb Shearman, MOT Director, said: “We commenced in 2004 and have developed over 50 aged care specific online education modules, delivered 180,000 module enrolments and to date our results from over 10,000 anonymous module evaluations consistently return a 95% plus satisfaction rating.

“Our education modules and other resources are developed by nurses for nurses and our focus is always on respecting the rights and individual needs of older Australians.”

The ANF Aged Care Training Room will provide aged and community care nurses with the depth and breadth of CPD activity and other essential resources to ensure they have the ongoing knowledge and skill base to deliver the best possible care to older Australians.

This initiative by the ANF is yet another tangible example of support for the valuable work of nursing staff in aged and community care.

For further information contact:

Jodie Davis

02 6232 6533

Federal Education Officer

New research, new technology, peoples’ expectations of health care, and a greater focus on their right to be more involved in deciding what care they receive means all nurses and midwives in all areas of health care, need to keep learning and expanding their knowledge and nursing and midwifery skills.

“The requirement for continuing professional development is a really positive initiative by the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia however it can be difficult for some nurses and midwives to achieve, especially in the aged care sector,” ANF Federal Education Officer, Jodie Davis, said today.

Nurses working in the aged and community care sectors often do not have the same opportunities as nurses working in the public sector to get access to ongoing education.

This challenge is even greater for those nurses working in rural and remote areas. As one nurse from the country told us recently “I work part time and if I have to pay for travel, conference attendance fees, accommodation and meals to get my CPD hours then I will quit nursing. Many of my workmates feel the same”.

“Aged care nurses need access to CPD that is effective, affordable and can be done at their own pace and when it suits them. Aged care nurses cope on a daily basis with staff shortages, and lower wages; getting their CPD hours should not be another burden for this dedicated group of nurses,” Ms Davis said.

The Australian Nursing Federation www.anf.org.au has launched the Aged Care Training Room (ACTR) to address these issues. The ACTR provides all aged and community care nurses working with older people access to aged care specific continuing professional development.

All the nurse requires is a computer with internet access. The ACTR contains over 50 CPD activities for the nurse to choose from as well as other resources to ensure that all of their registration requirements are met.

Every older person living in Australia has the right to get quality aged care and every aged care nurse must be supported to provide quality care. With a shortage of aged care nurses across the country we can’t take the risk of more nurses leaving because they can’t meet their registration requirements.

For further information contact:

Jodie Davis

02 6232 6533

ANF Federal Education Officer

Branch Secretary, Neroli Ellis, says that the State Government’s budget sounds like it offers a lot but delivers little, and the positive impacts on health are negligible.

”This budget doesn’t offer the opportunity for beds to reopen, waiting lists to be reduced or improved medical care for the Tasmanian community”, said Mrs Ellis.

Premier Lara Giddings has announced that the Department of Health and Human Services has been exempted from the need to find further health savings, delivering a budget savings relief of $120m over four years.

The Premier is selling this budget as one that will relieve the pressure on frontline services. The Minister for Health has also stated that ‘increasing the savings requirement would have unduly affected our critical health services, something this Government is not prepared to do’.

Mrs Ellis challenges this statement, suggesting that frontline health services will continue to be pressured by the significant budget cuts that have already taken place.

“The 2012/13 budget will do little to relieve current pressures on staff, services and access for the Tasmanian public due to the fact that funding for our health system is still grossly inadequate compared to what is required to meet the needs and current demands of Tasmania,” said Mrs Ellis.

“The Minister for Health reports that savings achieved in the health budget to date have been made by restructuring rosters, reducing agency staff and not filling leave. The savings to date have included many one off savings which are not recurrent so to continue to find $100 m savings annually and more as projected for forward years, will further affect and compromise frontline services and safe patient care.”

The ANF will continue to fight to protect frontline health, and strive for a return of high level patient care for all Tasmanians.

Media enquiries: Neroli Ellis, 0408 037 589

ANF Tasmanian Branch Secretary Neroli Ellis said she welcomed the support of the ANF Federal Executive, particularly in light of the threat to further budget cuts despite the reduction in services already having a major impact on people’s access to the Tasmanian public health sector.

“The ANF Federal Executive has rightly called on the Federal Government to take immediate steps to ensure Tasmanians receive equitable access to the healthcare that is available to all other Australians,” Mrs Ellis said.

“This is further recognition from the Federal and other State ANF Secretaries that the Tasmanian public health sector is not equitably accessible and the budget cuts have severely impacted on the rights of Tasmanians to access a safe health system.

“This national support is encouraging news for Tasmanians who are currently suffering denied access to healthcare, particularly those waiting for elective surgery requiring admission to beds.

“I am heartened to see the rest of Australia condemning the inequitable conditions that Tasmanians seeking health care are enduring.

“As well as providing some small comfort and hope to those awaiting treatment, I hope this announcement offers a timely morale boost for ANF members here in Tasmania.”

The ANF Federal Executive has also requested the ANF Federal Secretary to formally advise the Federal Health Minister of their “extreme concerns of the reduced rights to quality timely accessible universal public health services for Tasmanians”.

Media enquiries: Neroli Ellis, 0408 037 589

Lee Thomas, ANF Federal Secretary 0419576590

VIDEOCONFERENCE VENUES

LGH L2 Library Meeting Room

St Helens Consulting Room 2

Scottsdale Hospital Meeting Room

George Town Hospital

St marys CHC Interview Room 1

Beaconsfield DHS Training Room

Phone number for Reps who wish to phoen in: 6210 5623

Password: #288

Remaining Dates for 2012:

LGH Reps please note the change in venue for these meetings to the L2 Library Meeting Room rather than the previously used Department of Medicine Seminar Room.

If you have any queries please contact ANF Organiser Louise Phillips on 6334 1411 or organisernorth@anftas.org.

MONDAY 21 MAY 2012

1600 – 1700 HOURS

The videoconference sites listed below have been tentatively booked for this meeting. If you would like to attend the conference from any of the below sites, please let us know by contacting ANF at least one hour prior to the conference commencing.

If you would like an additional worksite included (that has videoconference facilities) please contact ANF and we will check the availability of the videoconference facilities for this purpose.

Grant Ransley, HR Manager, has confirmed that this meeting can be attended in paid time.

Audio dial-in details for members attending by phone:

Phone No: 6210 5623 Pin No: 254#

If you have any queries please do not hesitate to contact the ANF Information Centre on 6223 6777, 1800 001 241 (outside Hobart area) or email info@anftas.org.

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Federal Secretary Lee Thomas said the funding boost, including $1.2 billion for the low-paid aged care workforce, was the culmination of the ANF’s national Because We Care campaign and was a “real morale boost for aged care workers.”

“For the past three years, the ANF has been advocating for urgently needed funding and workforce improvements in aged care to ensure that quality care can be provided to vulnerable, older Australians,” Ms Thomas said.

“The Budget announcement of additional workforce funding finally gives nurses, assistants in nursing (AINs) and carers, a reason to celebrate.

“This is the largest aged care workforce injection to date which is aimed at putting money directly into the pockets of underpaid aged care nurses, assistants in nursing and carers.”

The ANF will now begin the process of negotiating the Workforce Compact, specifically developed by an independent Advisory Group in consultation with the sector to ensure the reforms lead to much-needed improvements in terms of wages, and terms and conditions for aged care workers, which we hope will include improved staffing levels and more nurses in nursing homes.

“We have assured aged care workers that these much-needed improvements will be delivered directly to them through enterprise bargaining and that the ANF and branches will be involved in the negotiations,” Ms Thomas explained.

“The ANF will be heavily involved in these enterprise bargaining negotiations to ensure that aged care workers achieve significant wage increases that are fair and competitive with the public sector, given that nurses in aged care currently are paid between $168 and $300 less than nurses in public hospitals.”

Ms Thomas said the ANF also welcomed other health injections including extra funding for public dental care, e-health initiatives and the expansion of the national bowel screening program as well as the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS).

“We particularly welcome the Government’s injection of funding into improved dental health. Nurses are well aware that good dental hygiene is the gateway to whole body wellness, especially for those who can rarely afford to see a dental professional,” she said.

“Whilst we commend the Government for focusing on preventative health measures in the Budget, it must address the critical shortage of nurses that is predicted to hit 109,000 by 2025. Its next challenge will be to ensure that there is sufficient funding for nurse training, skill development, increased undergraduate places for nurses and midwives and clinical placement.”

The Mercury

Letter to Editor

mercuryedletter@dbl.newsltd.com.au

Recent letters to the Editor have suggested that nurse training excludes people because of the cost of living whilst gaining qualifications. This is a concern for any student undertaking study, and nursing is no exception. There is however, a common misnomer that ALL nurse education is located in Launceston, and this is incorrect. Nurse education is offered across the State, creating options for students wishing to become a nurse.

Likewise, recent letters have focused on hospital versus university training. University training for nurses has and continues to attract attention. This debate is one that must be laid to rest. Undergraduate nursing students are on placement from their first semester at University, something which not only provides them with the hands on skills they need but which also allows them to witness firsthand the ‘realities’ of nursing. These clinical placements are an obvious necessity for students in this profession, just as much as the critical theoretical and clinical knowledge that students gain whilst undertaking their Bachelor of Nursing.

Tasmanian nurses are held in very high regard across Australia, and this is due to the education they receive. Both university and VET sector training are available to individuals, depending on their preferred career path of Registered or Enrolled Nursing and both options contain clinical placements.

The ANF has been representing this group of members before the Tasmanian Industrial Commission. The DHHS has continued to refuse to honour the Agreement and agreed conditions as summarised in the Joint Fact Sheet.

The ANF has recently made submissions to the Commission and strongly argued that the DHHS position was inconsistent with the intent of the Heads of Agreement. The ANF is now awaiting the decision of the Commission and will alert members when it is handed down.

If you have any queries please do not hesitate to ANF Information Centre on 6223 6777, 1800 001 241 (outside Hobart area) or info@anftas.org.

The Life Education Tasmania Inc. Gala will be held on 23 May at the Albert Hall: 6:30 to midnight.

This is going to be a great night with some very special people who have committed their time and resources to support Tasmanian kids.  That number has grown by one, with the addition of Brendan Fevola, who is also supporting Life Education as his chosen charity in Dancing with the Stars. Brendan will be accompanying his wife, Alex to the event.

Could you please consider forming a table with your friends, colleagues, clients or workmates?  Causes don’t get much better than this.

To register your attendance or for more information, please see the registration form.

ANF Assistant Federal Secretary Yvonne Chaperon said both State and Federal Governments must act to provide better wages, training and education and career pathways to ensure the recruitment and then retention of Australia’s nursing and midwifery workforce.

Ms Chaperon said the report, Health Workforce 2025, was “a dire prediction about the massive nursing shortage Australia faces in the future.”

“Currently, we are experiencing a critical shortfall of nursing and midwifery staff across public and private hospitals, nursing homes and mental health facilities right across the country, particularly in rural and region areas,” Ms Chaperon said today.

“In aged care alone 20,000 nurses are urgently required to meet the challenges of delivering quality care to Australia’s ageing population.

“As a matter of urgency, Australia has to now start rebuilding a future nursing workforce to replace current nursing staff who will be retiring over the next 15 to 20 years.

“We need more funded places for undergraduate nursing and midwifery courses and ensure there are more clinical placements throughout their undergraduate courses.

“Governments must also create new solutions to encourage qualified, trained nurses and midwives to return to the workforce.”

The ANF recently achieved a victory in its Because We Care campaign which resulted in the Gillard Government investing $1.2 billion into Australia’s under-resourced aged care workforce.

Ms Chaperon said the ANF will be heavily involved in negotiations through a Workforce Compact, developed by an independently chaired Advisory Group in consultation with the aged care sector, to ensure reforms lead to improvements in terms and conditions for nurses and assistants in nursing.

If you commenced night duty on Saturday 31 March, you will receive Saturday shift penalties until midnight. From midnight until the end of your shift you are entitled to Sunday penalties for the actual hours you have worked. This will include the extra hour worked as a result of the clocks being turned backwards. 

Please check your payslip to ensure you received the correct entitlements to ensure that you were paid for the actual hours you worked. 

If you have any queries please do not hesitate to contact the ANF Information Centre on 6223 6777, 1800 001 241 (outside Hobart area) or info@anftas.org. 

This reform package is a victory for hard working nurses and care staff across the country

The key elements of the funding are:

• Higher wages
• Improved career structures
• Enhanced training and education
• Improved career and development
• Better work practices

This is a significant win for ANF’s Nurses and Care Workers and is consistent with the ANF budget submission

This is the largest investment in Australia’s aged care workforce and is a significant victory for Aged Care’s underpaid Nursing and Care Workers.

Australia’s growing aged population will now receive the support they deserve to enable them to remain in their own homes for as long as possible and continue to receive quality care in aged care facilities.

The ANF is confident this extra funding will now assist in closing the wages gap for aged care workers and should result in attracting and retaining staff in the aged care sector. Our Tasmanian Nurses and Care Workers in aged care are dedicated, hardworking and most deserving of this increased funding.

For the past three years, the ANF’s Because We Care campaign has focused on the delivery of quality care for older Australians, through better wages, staffing levels and skills mix.

These announcements are a victory for the hard work of ANF members

ANF Branch Secretary Neroli Ellis says this reform package is a victory for hard working nurses and care staff across the country.

Mrs Ellis said “Thousands of nurses and care workers will be relieved that the extra funding will go toward higher wages, improved career structures, better training, education and workforce planning.”

“This is the largest investment in Australia’s aged care workforce and is a significant victory for the sector’s underpaid nursing and care staff,” she said.

“Australia’s growing aged population will now receive the support they deserve to enable them to remain in their own homes for as long as possible and continue to receive quality care in aged care facilities.”

The ANF is confident this extra funding will now assist in closing the wages gap for aged care workers and should result in attracting and retaining staff in the aged care sector. Our Tasmanian nurses and care workers in aged care are dedicated, hardworking and most deserving of this increased funding.

For the past three years, the ANF’s Because We Care campaign has focused on the delivery of quality care for older Australians, through better wages, staffing levels and skills mix. These announcements are a victory for the hard work of ANF’s members.

Doctors and Nurses are concerned about cuts to your health service and NEED YOUR HELP NOW.

If you are concerned about budget cuts to our health system ADD YOUR VOICE TO OURS.

TASMANIA’S HEALTH IS IN CRISIS …and this is just the beginning…

The $100m budget cuts to health will have an impact for future years and a further $127 million is proposed to be cut in 2012-13!

Don’t let this poor strategic planning and mismanagement by the Government continue. Fill in the form below to tell Premier Lara Giddings, Health Minister Michelle O’Byrne and Human Services Minister Cassy O’Connor to make Health a priority in the next State Budget.

The Australian Nursing Federation (ANF) Tasmanian Branch and the Australian Medical Association (AMA) Tasmania are collaborating to help save Tasmania’s health by holding community health forums across the State.

“On a daily basis I am hearing heartbreaking stories from Tasmanians, both nurses and patients, who have lost faith in our health system, and it needs to stop,” said Neroli Ellis, ANF Branch Secretary.

“We are holding statewide community health forums to enable the community to be involved in honest and open discussions about the crisis in our health system,” said Mrs Ellis.

“Doctors and nurses want to take this opportunity to inform the public about the serious effects on patient care due to the budget cuts. We urge the community to be more active and contact their politicians to ensure the new budget handed down in May will protect health services next year.”

MEDIA DOORSTOP

Neroli Ellis, ANF Tasmanian Branch Secretary and John Davis, AMA Tasmania President call for the community to help stop the Health budget cuts.

Where: ANF Office, 182 Macquarie Street, Hobart

When: 1230 hours, Tuesday 17 April 2012

COMMUNITY HEALTH FORUMS

All members of the media are welcome to attend the community health forums and hear from a panel of Tasmanian doctors and nurses speaking about the real effects of the budget cuts.

HOBART 6:30pm – 8:00pm Wednesday 18 April, Hobart Town Hall, 50 Macquarie St Hobart

LAUNCESTON 6:30pm – 8:00pm Thursday 19 April, The Tramsheds, 4 Invermay Rd Inveresk

DEVONPORT 6:30pm – 8:00pm Monday 23 April, DECC, 145-151 Rooke St Devonport

Media Enquiries:

Neroli Ellis, ANF 0408 037 589

Dr John Davis, AMA 0488 142 033

Tell us in 250 words: Nursing – your chosen career. What does nursing mean to you and how will you achieve your career goals?

Open to ANF Student Members, win up to $750.

Join the ANF to be eligible

ANF Federal Secretary Lee Thomas said there was currently a shortage of 20,000 nurses urgently needed to meet the challenge of delivering quality care that older, vulnerable Australians and their families deserve.

But nurses in aged care continue to be paid significantly less than their nursing colleagues in public hospitals – decreasing the chance of not only recruiting but then retaining nurses.

“Aged care is in crisis,” Ms Thomas said today.

“At nursing homes across Australia, it’s not uncommon to have just one Registered Nurse (RN), with perhaps two personal care assistants, looking after up 60 residents, or sometimes even more.

“Nursing and care staff are looking after residents with increasingly complex medical needs, the dementia epidemic is growing and Baby Boomers will flood nursing homes over the next 20 years.

“Unless the Federal Government acts – by delivering an injection of urgent funding in Budget 2012 – the already stretched aged care system may collapse.”

Ms Thomas will address the National Press Club in Canberra today as part of the Age Well Campaign – an alliance of 28 peak industry organisations, including the ANF, pleading with our politicians to reform aged care.

“Unions, consumer groups and providers all agree that reform is imperative, right now, starting in Budget 2012. Aged care can’t wait.

“If the Federal Government fails to act, the consequences will hurt those people who need our assistance the most – vulnerable, older Australians.

“We were promised aged care reform by Prime Minister Gillard during the 2010 Federal election campaign – we are all still waiting for her to deliver.”

If you are a Community or Out-Reach Nurse and have a uniform supplied by DHHS, you are entitled to a warm, windproof jacket as per the Heads of Agreement 2010 (5.4.5).

The new tender process for uniforms has not yet been finalised. However, to allow nurses to obtain these jackets prior to winter a temporary process has now commenced.

If you are eligible please contact your NUM/Manager and place an order. See order form overleaf. Fittings are available with Leigh Kelly Agencies.

Career Structure

Grade 3 to Grade 4 Applications – Eligible Grade 3 nurses may now apply to proceed to a Formal Capability Assessment and if successful, personal progression to Grade 4. For those who translated to Grade 3 Year 7 in 2010, backpay to FFPP 28 April 2011 shall be paid. Education tools and further information is available on the DHHS intranet.

Community Nursing Entry Point - It has been agreed to reconvene the working party to work though the entry points and career pathway for all nurses working in the community. A preliminary meeting to discuss process has been held. Any final outcome will be brought back to members for consideration.

Grade 7-9 Consultation - Thank you to all members who provided feedback on the draft criteria. ANF and DHHS are currently meeting to review feedback and the Joint Consultative Meeting before the TIC is meeting again on 20 April.

Progression Grade 3 Year 4-6 - ANF is awaiting a draft document for Council’s consideration next Friday.

Community Uniforms

DHHS must supply a warm windproof jacket to all community and outreach nurses. The uniform tender process is continuing however, due to the delayed process, the jackets will be provided out of the tender process.

Fixed Term Contract Update

In late January a process of conciliation was undertaken between the ANF and the DHHS within the Tasmanian Industrial Commission (TIC) to resolve the issue of members on fixed term contracts seeking industrial permanency. ANF proceeded to formal arbitration of this dispute on behalf of two members.

On Monday the DHHS agreed, based on the evidence that had been provided by ANF, that the two members were industrially permanent. That is they had continuous employment for the minimum period and, secondly, they had an expectation of ongoing employment. As a remedy, the members have each been offered a further 12 month fixed term contract with the commitment that if a permanent position becomes available on the ward they had worked on, then they would be transferred to permanent employee status in that area. If no position is available then they would be offered a severance as per the DHHS Fixed Term Employment document. In light of this outcome, the DHHS has also committed to reviewing the remaining 12 member cases we have lodged on this issue which remain outstanding at the TIC. This result is a positive outcome for nurses on ongoing fixed term contracts who meet the criteria.

“The entire industry has been involved in discussions for the past seven months following the release of the Productivity Commission (PC) report into aged care and now is the time for action”, said Mrs Ellis.

“The time for talk is over; no more debate is needed. The Government must deliver reforms to aged care. The Prime Minister herself committed to reforming aged care in the Government’s second term, but we are still waiting.”

“Aged care nurses and extended care assistants in Tasmania are overworked and undervalued and this is dramatically affecting the ability of providers to attract and retain staff in the sector. Coupled with appallingly low wages and no minimum mandated staffing levels, this is a recipe for disaster”, Mrs Ellis said.

Mrs Ellis said aged care stakeholders have co-operated in an unprecedented way to recommend meaningful reform of the aged care sector, but we are still waiting for the Government to respond.

The ANF is a member of the Age Well campaign (www.agewellcampaign.com.au) in which 28 major national consumer, union, provider and professional organisations have joined together to present a united blueprint for comprehensive aged care reform.

“We’ve engaged with the Minister for Ageing Mark Butler and heard him talk about reform. Industry, providers, consumer groups and unions are all committed to Federal Budget 2012 being the Aged Care Budget, the time to act is now”, said Mrs Ellis.

“The Government must start delivering on aged care we can’t afford to wait any longer.”

It is estimated the value of these subsidies to the mining industry could be worth almost $8.5 billion over the next three years, according to GetUp!, which has launched a new ad campaign today, calling for an end to the subsidies.

A nurse is among a range of workers who feature in the new ad, highlighting how Australia’s heath system and the quality of care for patients in hospitals and residents in nursing homes could benefit with more funding, at a time of huge profits for the mining industry.

“The ANF supports calls that Australian workers, including nurses, midwives and assistants in nursing, share in the resources boom and be funded properly to deliver quality care,” ANF Federal Secretary, Lee Thomas, said today.

“We believe the Government must wisely use the billions of dollars in savings it is predicted to make from revenue reform by investing it back into Australia’s under resourced health system, for the benefit of all of us.

“For example, the nation is currently suffering a critical shortage of nurses and midwives, right across public and private hospitals, aged care and mental health facilities. In aged care alone, an extra 20,000 nurses are urgently required to cope with Australia’s rapidly ageing population.

“Accordingly, the Government can use some of these massive savings from mining concessions by delivering extra funding, training and skills development into Australia’s declining nursing and midwifery workforce.

“The Government has to ensure there are sufficient numbers of suitably trained and suitably paid nursing staff to cope with the increased demand for health services and also assist in building a future workforce to replace the current staff retiring over the next 15-20 years.

“We need the Government to increase the number of funded places for undergraduate nursing and midwifery courses, so Australia can meet the immediate and future needs of the health workforce, particularly in regional areas.”

This has just been announced in the most recent NMBA circular: http://www.nursingmidwiferyboard.gov.au/News/Newsletters/March-2012.aspx#your2012.  This fee increase has also been agreed by the majority of Health Ministers of each State and Territory. ANF has consistently opposed this increase both at a state level and nationally.

ANF is very disappointed with this unjustified increase and had recently met with the Tasmanian Health Minister Michelle O’Byrne seeking support to not agree to this. It now appears that the Tasmanian Minister has supported this increase in registration fees at a time when Tasmanian nurses face job insecurity and a lack of employment.

Whilst we continue to support self-regulation (which means being self-funded) and we continue to oppose any cross subsidisation between professions, we do not believe this increase is justifiable. We believe that any increase should not exceed the growth in Consumer Price Index (CPI) or wages growth.

One of the alleged benefits of moving to National Registration was the increased efficiencies and economies of scale that could be achieved by a national model. We have seen no evidence of such economies or efficiencies being implemented by the NMBA or their secretariat, the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA).

In addition, the Australian Nursing and Midwifery Accreditation Council (ANMAC) receives direct payment from training organisations who are seeking accreditation for nursing and midwifery programs of study. The cost implications of accreditation and monitoring should be factored into that payment to ANMAC.

We encourage all members to send your message of opposition to the NMBA Chair, NMBA Tasmanian Representative and the Minister for Health.

Anne Copeland, CEO NMBA: Anne.Copeland@ahpra.gov.au

Denise Fassett, National Board Member for Tasmania, NMBA: D.Fassett@utas.edu.au

Hon Michelle O’Byrne, Minister for Health: Michelle.O’Byrne@parliament.tas.gov.au

Australian Nursing Federation (ANF) Tasmanian Branch Secretary, Neroli Ellis says ANF has been opposed to this fee increase and has lobbied against it on members’ behalf.

“ANF is very disappointed with this unjustified increase and had recently met with the Tasmanian Health Minister Michelle O’Byrne seeking support to not agree to this. It now appears that the Tasmanian Minister has supported this increase in registration fees at a time when Tasmanian nurses face job insecurity and lack of employment”.

“This will have significant workforce implications as many nurses and midwives who cannot find work currently may decide this is the last straw and let their registration lapse.”

“ANF believes that any increase should not exceed the growth in Consumer Price Index (CPI) or wages growth”, said Mrs Ellis.

“We support self-regulation and continue to oppose any cross subsidisation between professions; but we do not believe this increase is justifiable.”

“One of the purported benefits of moving to National Registration was the increased efficiencies and economies of scale that could be achieved by a national model. ANF has seen no evidence of such economies or efficiencies being implemented by the NMBA or their secretariat, the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA).”

In addition, the Australian Nursing and Midwifery Accreditation Council (ANMAC) receives direct payment from training organisations who are seeking accreditation for nursing and midwifery programs of study. The cost implications of accreditation and monitoring should be factored into that payment to ANMAC.

Tasmanian nurses and midwives are understandably outraged that National Registration costs are higher than the previous system.

Media enquiries: Neroli Ellis, 0408 037 589

Please note that the closing date for feedback on Grades 7-9 of the DHHS Career Structure is COB Tuesday 27 March 2012.  You are encouraged to submit your comments to ensure broad consultation.

Tuesday 3 April 2012

1600 – 1700 hours

Audio dial-in details for members attending by phone:

Phone Number: 6210 5621   Pin No: 805#

If you have any queries please do not hesitate to contact teh ANF Information Centre on 6223 6777, 1800 001 241 (outside Hobart area) or email info@anftas.org.

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Friday 23 March 2012

1200 – 1300 hours

Carruthers Training Room

Level 2 Carruthers Building

St Johns Park, Hobart

ANF encourages Southern Mental Health Services NUMs to attend this meeting to enable ANF to consult members in relation to classification issues.

RSVP essential

Please contact ANF if you will be attending: 6223 6777, 1800 001 241 (outside Hobart area) or email anf@anftas.org.

Tuesday 27 March 2012

1530 – 1630 Hours

Burnie NWRH Spencer Clinic

Burnie Parkside L4 Telecare Studio

Oldaker Street Devonport

Should you be unable to attend any of the above videoconference sites you may dial in to the conference and attend via telephone.

Dial in Number: 6210 5621   Password: 162#

ANF looks forward to meeting members. Application forms will be available for those wishing to join.

All nurses are welcome

If you have any queries please do not hesitate to contact the AFN Information Centre on 6223 6777, 1800 001 241 (outside Hobart area) or email info@anftas.org.

Jane Holden indicates that ANF has either misrepresented or misunderstood double shift data which had been provided to us at a meeting with Management. ANF has done neither.

The data provided to ANF indicates that approximately 120 double shifts were worked in January 2012 and 125 in February 2012.

These figures are indeed half of the figures which were recorded at the same time last year and until January of this year; there certainly was a downward trend in double shifts.

However, since this time the RHH has lost 96 nurses. Fixed term contracts have come to an end with nurses not having these renewed, many of last year’s graduates have not been reemployed and an alteration to how leave is replaced on the wards is leaving fewer nurses available to replace unplanned leave.

There now appears to be an upward trend as of January 2012. It is unclear at this point if next month will see this figure return to its downward trend or continue to increase.

Double Shifts are NOT acceptable. Within the Public Sector, double shifts are treated as a ‘serious clinical incident’ and as such are recorded on the Electronic Incident Monitoring System (EIMS).

Double Shifts should NOT be worked. Tired nurses are a risk to safe patient care and this should be the final option when looking for replacement staff.

There is NO ‘manageable level’ of double shifts.

If you have any queries please do not hesitate to contact the ANF Information Centre on 6223 6777, 1800 001 241 (outside Hobart area) or email info@anftas.org.

For the fourth year in a row the recipient of the Australian Nursing Federation (Tasmania Branch) prize for the UTAS Most Outstanding Graduand Award has received a Graduate Placement in the North West, with Smithton Hospital nurse Charlotte Lory being named Tasmania’s top nursing graduate for 2011. Charlotte completed a Bachelor of Nursing degree at the University of Tasmania’s Launceston campus last year

The Outstanding Graduand award is given to the UTAS Bachelor of Nursing student who receives the highest overall marks during their degree.  This includes performance during clinical placements.

For her efforts, Ms Lory received a certificate and a cheque for $500 from the Australian Nursing Federation.

“ANF is proud to support nursing students in Tasmania with the UTAS Awards,” said Tasmanian Branch Secretary Neroli Ellis.

“In the current climate of budget cuts and slashes to services, it is inspiring to see the commitment from our students and graduates – particularly those working in rural areas such as the North West.”

An afternoon tea will be held on Monday 19 March at 2.00pm at the Smithton Hospital where ANF representative Sue Robertson will present Charlotte with her certificate and prize.

Top Student Award Presentation

• What:            Presentation of Outstanding Nursing Graduand Award
• Where:          Nurses’ Office, Smithton Hospital
• When:           Monday 19 March, 2.00pm

Media enquiries: Sue Robertson, 0400 621 288

TUESDAY 20 MARCH 2012

1330 – 1430 HOURS

Videoconference sites are as follows:

LGH Level 2 Pathology Room

Beaconsfield DHS

Flinders Island MPC

George Town Hospital

St Marys CHC

Ausio dial-in number for NUMs attending by phone: 6210 5624 Conference Password: 674#

ANF encourages NUMs to attend this videoconference to enable ANF to consult members in relation to classification issues. If you wish to attend but the above time is not convenient, ANF is also hosting a NWAHS NUM videoconference at 1430 – 1530 hours on the same day. It may be possible for you to attend the NWAHS videoconference but you must contact ANF so we can arrange for you to be linked up to this alternate meeting.

RSVP ESSENTIAL

Please contact ANF if you will be attending:

6223 6777 or 1800 001 241 (outside Hobart area) or email anf@anftas.org.

Videoconference sites with no RSVPs may have the link-up cancelled due to non attendance

• The Career Structure review is being monitored by the Tasmanian Industrial Commission (TIC)
• Despite months of negotiations, ANF is still not in agreement with DHHS regarding Grades 7a, 7b, 8 and 9 Classifications Standards
• This week ANF is holding membership meetings via videoconference with senior nurses regarding their relevant career structure framework
• The career structure framework proposed by DHHS is available on the DHHS intranet using the following URL – http://intra.dhhs.tasgov.au/dh-online/page.php?id=39293. Consultation ends at close of business on Tuesday 27 March 2012
  • ANF encourages comments from all members regarding the career structure framework. Feedback can be provided via the ANF website
  • ANF requests that members include ANF in any comments provided to the DHHS
• ANF has developed a draft alternative framework, which ensures no current Award position is downgraded and more accurately reflects members’ feedback to date. Comments are strongly encouraged on the ANF draft

If you have any queries please do not hesitate to contact the ANF Information Office on 6223 6777, 1800 001 241 (outside Hobart area) or email anf@anftas.org.

Visit the RCNA website at www.rcna.org.au for more information on the scholarships available, and to apply.

Australian Nursing Federation (ANF) Federal Secretary, Lee Thomas, said 15 nurses would be among the 140-strong delegation of older people, carers, unions and consumer group representatives, sitting in the public Gallery at Parliament House, Canberra.

“Aged care workers are highly valued by older people and their families yet they continue to attract some of the lowest wages in the country – they are paid between $168 and $300 a week less than nurses working in public hospitals,” Ms Thomas said today.

“Unless the Gillard Government acts and injects $500 million to close the wages gap, there is little chance of recruiting and then retaining the nursing workforce urgently required to meet the challenges of Australia’s ageing population.

“Aged care can’t wait – the Gillard Government can’t walk away from it.

“Reform of the aged care sector must start now.

“We are calling on the Government to ensure that older Australians receive the quality care they deserve by making Budget 2012 the Aged Care Budget.”

The visit of the aged care delegation to Canberra coincides with the release of a poll by Essential Media showing that 80 per cent of respondents believe Australia is not prepared to meet the huge challenges of an ageing population with over two thirds would forgo a budget surplus to pay for aged care reform in 2012.

Another recent survey, carried out by Monash University, revealed that 15 per cent of nurses were likely to leave the profession within the next 12 months – because they were “overstretched and undervalued.”

According to the survey, titled Aged Care Reform What Our Members Think, addressing workforce shortages in aged care and improving the quality of life for aged care residents were key recommendations given by respondents, as part of the reform of the sector.

Other priorities outlined by National Seniors Australia members included:

• Investing in the recruiting, training and support of those who will be providing services for older people.
• Addressing the low wages for aged care workers to emphasise the importance of attracting and retaining a quality workforce.
• Increasing the number of aged care nurses that can be employed to provide quality care for the aged in their own homes.
• Regulating the number of staff and fixing a ratio of nurses and carers to patients in nursing homes and hostels.

“The survey has allowed seniors to provide vital feedback on the reform process urgently required for aged care,” ANF Federal Secretary, Lee Thomas, said today.

“It is crucial that the process surrounding the much-needed reform of the sector involves the people at the very heart of aged care now and into the future – older Australians.

“What is significant is that their concerns reflect the issues identified by the ANF and our members in relation to the wage disparity experienced by aged care nurses compared to nurses in other health settings, greater investment for the recruitment of nursing staff and nationally mandated minimum staffing levels.

“The Gillard Government must act to acknowledge the concerns raised by National Seniors Australia members and fix aged care as a priority – by making Budget 2012 the Aged Care Budget.

“Aged care can’t wait.”

People from lower socioeconomic groups are the most disadvantaged by the underfunding of public dental services – they are likely to have fewer teeth, more decay and suffer greater social impacts on their quality of life as a result of oral conditions.

The waiting list currently stands at 500,000 and this can be eliminated through a real commitment to dental health.

Australia has one of the lowest standards of oral health among OECD countries. Dental health is not inferior to general health and the Australian Government needs to act now.

The cost of poor oral health to the economy is between $1.3 billion and $2 billion annually – the Australian Government cannot afford to not act.

Click on the link below to sign the petition and help Save Australia’s Teeth.

http://www.avaaz.org/en/petition/Save_Australias_Teeth_make_universal_dental_care_a_reality/?wOnZTcb

Classifications

Grades 1 – 6: have been agreed on by ANF and the DHHS.

Implementation

Grade 4: DHHS are currently conducting education/information sessions statewide for senior nursing staff (on how to progress an application) and Grade 3 nurses interested in applying for progression to Grade 4.   

As the Grade 4 is a personal classification there will be no advertisements.

Applications can be submitted from the 2 April 2012.  Applications submitted prior to 30 June 2012, if successful will be back paid to 28 April 2011.

• Grade 4 FCA – Handbook
• Attachment 1-Grade 4 FCA Policy
• Attachment 2-Grade 4 FCA Guidelines

Excessive workloads due to lack of funded positions for nursing staff and the feeling they lack the recognition they deserve as health care professionals, were among the main reasons nurses want to leave the profession, according to “What Nurses Want,” the first national survey on nurses’ attitudes to work and work conditions in Australia.

The survey, carried out by the Monash University Department of Management, found a very overstretched and undervalued workforce:

• 38% of nurses reported high to very high levels of stress and burnout.
• Half did not trust their employer to keep promises.
• Only 40% were content with their pay and conditions (compared to 75% from the broader working population).

“The results of the survey are extremely concerning to the ANF and are being exacerbated by decreased funding for nursing positions across the Australian healthcare system,” ANF Federal Secretary, Lee Thomas, said today.

“State and Federal Governments are failing the community if they sit back and allow an exodus of nurses to occur, as well not providing enough funding to employ new nurses and midwives graduating.

“Whilst nurses were generally satisfied with their primary role in delivering care to patients, they responded to being overstretched in terms of their workloads and as a result, were suffering high levels of stress and burnout.

“Alarmingly, 15% intend not only to leave their jobs, but leave the profession altogether in the next 12 months.

“If this figure were to be applied across Australia’s current nursing workforce, then up to 45,000 highly-skilled nurses would be walking away from the profession.

“The results of the survey are a real warning that excessive workloads due to critical funding shortages, no nationally mandated nurse to patient ratios, the lack of professional recognition and the ongoing attacks on working conditions from Governments across the country, particularly in Victoria, NSW and Tasmania, are clearly taking their toll on nurses – they are fed up.

“Unless the Federal and State Governments act now and fix these problems and the growing nurse discontent across the workforce, we will see more and more nurses leaving the profession – with no one coming through to replace them.”

“The lives of nurses, and their families, are being significantly impacted by insecure working arrangements. For the first time nurses as a professional group face uncertainty in relation to the capacity to find secure ongoing employment in Tasmania,” said Mrs Ellis.

“Nursing work is now largely characterised by informal, short term contracts and other forms of insecure employment. Contracts are not being renewed, despite individuals being delegated ongoing rostered work. Casual employees are being rostered work up to four weeks in advance, and fixed term employees are working for up to three years without an opportunity to convert their respective employment status to permanent. Concurrently with the impetus to remove nurses, the remaining nurses are now required to work double shifts on a daily basis.”

“Nurses who once had permanent, secure employment are now struggling to make ends meet. There has been a significant change in the employment opportunities for newly graduated nurses. Many nurses resident in Tasmania now travel interstate in order to secure employment while their families remain in Tasmania.”

“Despite a predicted national nursing shortage due to the ageing workforce and growing health care demands, Tasmania is doing everything possible to turn nurses away. This will have serious ramifications within the next five years as the bulk of our profession will retire. The current rate of loss will make it hard to rebuild capacity especially in the specialty areas of Theatre, Intensive Care and Mental health.”

Independent Inquiry into Insecure Work

Media enquiries: Neroli Ellis, 0408 037 589

Career Structure Implementation

• The nursing classifications (Grade 1 – 6) have been agreed upon. Classifications 7a, 7b, 8 and 9 are still undergoing review, and the drafts will be available for consultation via the ANF and DHHS websites from 5 March for a two week period.
• An education program for nurses is planned for March prior to applications for advancement to Grade 4 opening on 2 April 2012.
• Orientation has commenced for the AIN Trial (Grade 1) at the RHH on Ward 1BN and Acute Older Persons Unit.
• It has been agreed that the Committee to review the community entry points will reconvene. There is now a disagreement between DHHS and ANF in terms of how to manage the interim appointment process, which was an agreement to abide by the current Award structure.

Work Value Review

• There is currently no agreement by the DHHS as to the definition of ‘work value’. ANF’s position is that there was a clear intent to do a ‘work value’ against HASA to ensure equity of classifications above Grade 5. It was decided at the TIC that ‘work value’ would be revisited once the career structure and classifications were finalised.
• Individuals will still be able to apply for a review of their new individual classifications once descriptors are finalised.

NHpPD

• There are currently inconsistencies across the State regarding the implementation and use of NHpPD. ANF is seeking a Statewide overview of this process. The Statewide NHpPD Steering Committee will be re-established.

Flexible Shifts

• It is agreed to have a Statewide framework to ensure consistency across the State regarding shifts, especially relating to 10 and 12 hour shifts and Caseload Midwifery. These framework templates will be included in the new EBA as a schedule.

Uniform Allowances

• There has been a delay in the tender process for the provision of new uniforms.  ANF has asked the DHHS to externally source warm windproof jackets and outdoor weather protective clothing.

Public Holidays

• The public holiday dispute for rotating day workers is set for arbitration at the TIC on 13 March 2012.

Leave Management

• The Leave Management Policy has not been developed. ANF seeks the development of this policy with set timeframes in place to ensure there is adequate relief factor to enable nurses to take their accrued annual leave.
• SSALS: nurses who sign to access SSALS have experienced difficulties with date of leave.  This must be negotiated with NUM prior to signing the form. Flexible arrangements have been granted to date. Please contact ANF with any issues.

Sabbatical

• The Sabbatical Policy has not been developed. ANF seeks the development of this policy with set timeframes in place to enable senior nurses to access this entitlement. ANF is meeting with the DHHS on 15 March 2012 to review progress.

 Managing Fatigue

• The agreed Leave Management Policy is yet to be created by the DHHS, and ANF is asking for this to be made a priority to ensure sufficient leave relief to enable nurses to take leave. ANF is meeting with the DHHS on 15 March 2012 to review progress.
• A new draft clause will clarify conditions to ensure a reasonable break after a ‘call back’ and around ‘call outs’ to ensure greater clarity on this issue.

 Rural and Remote

• ANF is asking for better promotion of the entitlements for employees working in rural and remote areas.
• A subcommittee will be convened to oversee the implementation of the additional Clinical Nurse Educators, supported graduate program and other benefits outlined

Workplace safety and wellbeing

• Although a Statewide committee has been established by the DHHS, ANF has raised that workplace safety and wellbeing issues relating to nurses, as outlined in the HOA, not being addressed in a timely manner.
• There is a commitment to establish this committee to address specific needs of nurses as outlined in the HOA.

If you have any queries please do not hesitate to contact the ANF Information Office on 6223 6777, 1800 001 241 (outside Hobart area) or email info@anftas.org.

ANF Tasmanian Branch Secretary Mrs Neroli Ellis has met with Federal Minister for Health Tanya Plibersek MP to outline the dire situation of the Tasmanian public health system. ANF reiterated the need for the Federal Government to take over the Tasmanian public health system.

“The Federal Minister confirmed that the Federal Government will not take over the Tasmanian health system and expressed her concern with the deterioration of access to health services due to budget cuts.”

Minister Plibersek also indicated Tasmania was at risk of losing further Federal funding.

Mrs Ellis said, “The Tasmanian health system is going from bad to worse and needs urgent intervention to stem the crisis. The frontline health services have been crippled with unacceptable delays or cancellation of services happening on a daily basis.”

“It is soul destroying for all those working to provide safe patient care, while they lose colleagues from their teams.”

ANF will provide regular briefings to the Federal Minister, who has reported a close interest in monitoring Tasmania’s health system.

https://www.facebook.com/pages/Save-the-Child-Health-Nurses/335594749812462

Child Health Nurses need your support to retain this vital service for all Tasmanian parents, regardless of vulnerability or socio economic status.

“All Australians must have access to the very best healthcare, whether they have private health insurance or are patients seeking treatment in the public hospital system – there must be health equity for all,” ANF Federal Secretary Lee Thomas said today.

“Whilst the removal of the private health insurance rebate is undoubtedly a blow for mid to high income earners, we are calling on the Gillard Government to ensure the substantial savings flowing from the rebate change are directed back into areas such as health promotion, primary health care, a reduction in elective surgery waiting lists, emergency waiting times and the private and public aged care system.

“The Government has committed $165 million to improve public dental services, a very welcome addition as oral health is so imperative to the overall general health of all Australians.

“The Government also said it was committed to strengthening Australia’s health system, making sure it provides the best possible health care to Australians, where they need it, when they need it.

“The ANF agrees and now calls on the Government to re-invest in health services for all Australians.”

The Australian Nursing Federation (ANF) Tasmanian Branch Secretary Mrs Neroli Ellis said, “To slash $100m from an essential service with no lead time or consultation on priorities, was always an impossible task and would have compromised safe patient care. The direction showed a lack of understanding of health requirements and a completely unrealistic expectation from Treasury.”

“With Tasmania sitting only above the ACT in elective surgery waiting times prior to the closure of over 100 acute hospital beds and five theatre suites, Tasmanians will not be able to expect any relief with this budget deficit carried forward to next financial year,” said Mrs Ellis.

“Nurses are fearful that any further cuts to the health frontline services will result in unacceptable risks to safe patient care.”

“Health will not be able to tolerate a further $57m cut next financial year. It is impossible, and nurses are already choosing to leave the State as they refuse to be compromised in their duty of care to patients and clients due to the unsafe environment being forced upon them.”

ANF is meeting with the Minister in two weeks to further discuss the sustainability of a safe health system.

Media enquiries: Neroli Ellis, 0408 037 589

 Bruny Island CHC Meeting Room, Esperance MPHC Community Room, Huonville CHC Meeting Room 2, New Norfold Hospital Large Group Room, Central Highlands CHC ‘Dell’ Room, St Helens Consulting Room 2, Beaconsfield DHS Training Room, Campbell Town MPS ‘Vision Link’ Room, George Town Hospital Handover Room, King Island Hospital Telecare Studio, Smithton District Hospital, Ulverstone CHC, Queenstown WCDH Day Centre, Strahan CHC, Rosebery CHC Day Room, St Marys CHC, Flinders Island MPC, Scottsdale Hospital Meeting Room, Zeehan CHC.

ANF looks forward to meeting members. Membership forms will be available for those wishing to join the ANF.

If you have any queries please do not hesitate to contact the ANF Information Office on 6223 6777, 1800 001 241 (outside Hobart area) or email info@anftas.org.

A copy of the full submission can be found here.

PII refers to protection against claims for loss, injury or damage to a third party arising from an act, error or omission in the performance of a nurse or midwife’s professional services.

The NMBA has recently released two new documents:

(i)    Professional indemnity insurance arrangements registration standard and;

(ii)    Guidelines for professional indemnity insurance arrangements for midwives.

Both are effective from 10 January 2012.

The registration standard recommends that the following types of PII cover be considered

(a)    Civil Liability Cover – Protection against claims for loss, injury or damage arising from an act, error or omission in the professional conduct of a nurse and/or midwife.

(b)    Retroactive Cover – PII for claims arising out of or as a consequence of conduct undertaken by a nurse and/or midwife in their professional practice.

(c)     Run-Off Cover – PII for those practitioners who have ceased the professional practice of nursing and/or midwifery for claims that may arise as a result of the activities undertaken by them when they were practising.

It is the responsibility of the nurse and/or midwife to ensure that they have adequate PII cover and that they understand the nature of the cover under which they are practising.

Due to the discretionary nature of the provision of indemnity under Ministerial Direction Number 8, ANF does not believe that public sector nurses in Tasmania have the appropriate level of insurance cover from their employer (DHHS).

The ANF (Tas Branch) has taken legal advice in relation to the suitability of MD8 for the purposes of indemnification and has been advised that, despite the assurances of the Minister, this policy is not insurance and falls short of the necessary requirements.

All ANF members have full PII arrangements which meet the new standards included in your membership. A certificate confirming your PII arrangements can be obtained from the ANF Information Line.

If you have any queries please do not hesitate to contact the ANF Information Office on 6223 6777, 1800 001 241 (outside Hobart area) or email info@anftas.org.

Come to the meeting scheduled below and HAVE YOUR SAY on your conditions of employment for the next three years.

Date: Thursday 9 February 2012

Time: 0810 Hours

Venue: St Luke’s Theatre

Application forms will be available for those wishing to join the ANF.

IT IS IMPORTANT THAT ALL MEMBERS ATTEND

This is YOUR opportunity to have input into YOUR next Enterprise Agreement

IF you have any queries please contact ANF Organisers Sonia Mackenzie or Louise Phillips on 6334 1411 or by email to Sonia: northern@anftas.org or Louise: organisernorth@anftas.org.

Come to the meeting scheduled below to HAVE YOUR SAY on your conditions of employment for the next three years.

Date: Thursday 9 February 2012

Time: 1230 – 1330 Hours

Venue: St Vincent’s Theatre Tearoom (For Theatre and Endoscopy Staff)

Application forms will be available for those wishing to join the ANF.

IT IS IMPORTANT THAT ALL MEMBERS ATTEND

This is YOUR opportunity to have input into YOUR next Enterprise Agreement

If you have any queries please contact ANF Organisers Sonia Mackenzie or Louise Phillips on 6334 1411 or by email to Sonia: northern@anftas.org or Louise: organisernorth@anftas.org.

About the Nursing and Midwifery Graduate Jobs Information Portal

In consultation with an Expert Reference Group, HWA is developing a web-based Nursing and Midwifery Graduate Jobs Information Portal to support these graduates, as well as those employers with unfilled vacancies suitable for graduates. The portal is designed to complement employers’ usual recruitment processes by offering a site to post information about vacancies suitable for graduates and application processes. The portal also offers nursing and midwifery graduates a one-stop shop for linking with employers and identifying where vacancies may exist in the public and private health sectors across Australia.

The portal will be available at http://nmgj.org.au/.

Who the portal will support

The portal is aimed at the 2011 domestic and international nursing and midwifery graduate cohort of Australian universities. It is limited to registered nurses and midwives, but has potential to be expanded to support enrolled nurses in the future.

All Australian public and private sector employers of nursing and midwifery graduates are eligible to register with the portal and as from 30 January 2012, employers will be able to upload information about any unfilled positions suitable for graduates, application processes and graduate program outlines into the portal.

How the portal will work

In order to best complement existing graduate recruitment processes, the portal will provide:

• key messages for nursing and midwifery graduates about finding a suitable position;
• an electronic notice board for employers to advertise nursing and midwifery positions
• suitable for graduates and / or intake rounds as they become available; and
• links to key employer websites and recruitment pages.

Key dates

The portal will open for employers to upload their information from 30 January 2012.

The portal will open for nursing and midwifery graduates to register from 13 February 2012.

If you have any further questions, please contact Jane Austin, Program Manager, Health Workforce Australia at Jane.Austin@hwa.gov.au or (08) 8409 4555.

All Nursing Staff are urged to attend an ANF meeting to endorse YOUR Log of Claims for the new Enterprise Agreement (EA) which aims to address specific needs of Nurses in your workplace.

Come to the meetings scheduled below and HAVE YOUR SAY on your conditions of employment for the next three years.

Date: Tuesday 31 January 2012

Time: 1230-1330 Hours

Venue: Operating Theatre Tea Room

Date: Wednesday 1 February 2012

Time: 1500-1600 Hours

Venue: Calvary Education Centre

Application forms will be available for those wishing to join the ANF.

IT IS IMPORTANT THAT ALL MEMBERS ATTEND

This is YOUR opportunity to have input into YOUR next Enterprise Agreement

If you have any queries please contact ANF Organiser Erin Smallbon on 6223 6777 or southern@anftas.org.

1.    PUBLIC SECTOR BUDGET CUTS

ANF is finalising a brochure for distribution to the public to encourage the community to contact their politicians and to reveal the real effects of the budget cuts. ANF is appearing before the Upper House Inquiry into the Cost Reduction Strategies of the DHHS on Wednesday 1 February 2012 and appearing before the ACTU Inquiry into Insecure Work in Australia in February. ANF is also preparing a budget submission for the Tasmanian State Government.

2.    MEMBERS ON FIXED TERM CONTRACTS

ANF continues to refer all members on ongoing fixed term contracts who we believe meet the criteria for ‘Industrial Permanency’ to the Tasmanian Industrial Commission (TIC). Disputes were lodged prior to Christmas and ANF has been attending the Commission on a weekly basis. Good outcomes have been achieved for members to date, with examples being agreement to additional permanent hours, ongoing extension of fixed term contracts and employment, severance pay and completion of shifts as rostered.  Arbitration may be required for some cases in the near future.

3.    PUBLIC HOLIDAY PAYMENT

Day working nurses on non-fixed and rotating rosters have not received payment for public holidays in accordance with the Heads of Agreement and the Joint Fact Sheet. ANF has been representing this group of members in the TIC and the DHHS continues to refuse to honour the Agreement and agreed conditions as summarised in the Joint Fact Sheet.  ANF has this week requested the matter be referred to arbitration in February.

4.    CAREER STRUCTURE IMPLEMENTATION

ANF has now sought the assistance of the TIC to ensure the Career Structure and other outstanding matters arising from the Heads of Agreement are implemented as a matter of urgency.  It has been an incredibly frustrating process and disputes remain in relation to the Grade 3-4 translation, with the DHHS insisting on an eight page application with a CV and interview.  This is not acceptable for a non-promotable position.  Back-pay to April 2011 has been agreed for those successful in their application to advance to Grade 4. Additionally ANF has not received draft criteria for Grade 7a and b – despite agreement in November to forward same to ANF – and Grade 9 criteria to take to members for consultation.  ANF is meeting with DHHS early next week prior to proceeding to the Commission for conciliation.

5.    NHpPD

An additional dispute has arisen with the RHH regarding calculation of the wards’ FTE and the DHHS proposed removal of the permanent FTE component for relief staff, once benchmarked. ANF has now received all proposed benchmarking and occupancy and has concerns that the DHHS is removing half the FTE of relief factors for shift workers from permanent staffing, resulting in rosters with less nurses per shift and a reliance on casuals and pool staff. This is in breach of the previously agreed process and is also pending referral to the Commission.

If you have any queries please do not hesitate to contact the ANF Information Office on 6223 6777, 1800 001 241 (outside Hobart area) or email info@anftas.org.

Come to the meeting scheduled below and HAVE YOUR SAY on your conditions of employment for the next three years.

Date: Wednesday 1 February

Time: 1330 – 1430 Hours

Venue: Barclay Room

Application forms will be available for those wishing to join the ANF.

IT IS IMPORTANT THAT ALL MEMBERS ATTEND

This is YOUR opportunity to have input into YOUR next Enterprise Agreement

If you have any queries please contact ANF Organisers Sonia Mackenzie or Louise Phillips on 6334 1411 or by email to Sonia: northern@anftas.org or Louise: organisernorth@anftas.org.

Come to the meetings scheduled below and HAVE YOUR SAY on your conditions of employment for the next three years.

Date: Thursday 2 February 2012

Time: 1330 – 1430 Hours

Venue: St Gabriel’s Room

Application forms will be available for those wishing to join the ANF.

IT IS IMPORTANT THAT ALL MEMBERS ATTEND

This is YOUR opportunity to ahve input into YOUR next Enterprise Agreement

If you have any queries please contact ANF Organisers Sonia Mackenzie or Louise Phillips on 6334 1411 or by email to Sonia: northern@anftas.org or Louise: organisernorth@anftas.org.

Come to the meetings scheduled below and HAVE YOUR SAY on your conditions of employment for the next three years.

Date: Thursday 2 February 2012

Times: 1230 – 1300 hours; and 1500 – 1530 hours

Venue: Training Room

Application forms will be available for those wishing to join the ANF.

IT IS IMPORTANT THAT ALL MEMBERS ATTEND

This is YOUR opportunity to have input into YOUR next Enterprise Agreement

If you have any queries please contact ANF Organiser Erin Smallbon on 6223 6777 or southern@anftas.org.

Come to the meetings scheduled below and HAVE YOUR SAY on your conditions of employment for the next three years.

Date: Tuesday 31 January 2012

Times: 1230 – 1330 hours; and 1500 – 1600 hours

Venue: Marian House Meeting Room and Boardroom

Application forms will be available for those wishing to join the ANF.

IT IS IMPORTANT THAT ALL MEMBERS ATTEND

This is YOUR opportunity to have input into YOUR next Enterprise Agreement

If you have any queries please contact ANF Organiser Erin Smallbon on 6223 6777 or southern@anftas.org.

• Burnie Parkside L4 Telecare Studio
• Smithton District Hospital
• King Island Hospital Telecare Studio
• Latrobe Hospital Studio
• Devonport CHSC
• Queenstown WCDH Day Centre (Nurses Room 16/8/2012 only)
• Rosebery CHC
• Strahan CHC
• Ulverstone CHC
• Burnie NWRH Admin Meeting Room

If you have any queries please do not hesitate to contact the ANF Information Centre on 6223 6777, 1800 001 241 (outside Hobart area) or email info@anftas.org.

This survey is your opportunity to let the Australian Nursing Federation (ANF) Tas Branch know what your concerns are in your area of work, which will help us develop them into a claim to improve your working conditions as part of negotiations for a new agreement.

Your suggestions will aid the ANF in developing your Log of Claims to improve the wages and employment conditions for Nursing Staff under a new Enterprise Agreement.

Your Enterprise Agreement affects:

• Your Career
• Wages and Conditions
• The Patients You Care For
• The Health Care System

In order to identify the most important issues ANF requires your suggestions by Thursday 19 January 2012.

If you are a Calvary Health Care Tasmania staff member, please take the time to complete the online survey via the link below:

https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/3BGH5BV

Your participation is voluntary but invaluable. Thank you to members who complete the survey and contact ANF with suggestions/comments.

$80k package including super (pro-rata)

We are seeking an Information Officer (full or part time) in our Hobart Office, providing information, advice and support to our members on a wide range of professional and industrial issues.

The successful applicant will have:

• highly developed written and oral communication skills
• a logical and problem solving approach
• an ability to research and develop resources
• the ability to undertake simple case management
• highly developed organisational skills and the ability to prioritise workloads

A nursing qualification is desirable, however not essential. Comprehensive training is provided.

More details are available in the position description. For further information please contact Lisa Grosser, Senior Information Officer: lgrosser@anftas.org or 6223 6777.

Applications including a statement addressing the selection criteria and a current resume marked ‘Confidential’ should be addressed to Office Manager, 182 Macquarie Street, Hobart TAS 7000 or via email manager@anftas.org by COB 25 January 2012.

Some important things for you to consider

• If you are currently on a fixed term contract and have not yet contacted us, please do so as soon as possible so that we can review your individual situation in terms of seeking entitlements
• All members will have their individual circumstances reviewed but there may be some who do not meet the criteria eg less than 12 months of contracted hours
• We advise members not to sign any documentation in relation to their employment status until seeking advice from the ANF

Successful outcomes from the Tasmanian Industrial Commission (TIC)

ANF on behalf of members lodged a dispute within the Tasmanian Industrial Commission on Thursday 22 December and appeared in the Commission on Friday 23 December.

• Eight individual member cases were lodged in the Commission
• Positive outcomes were found in favour of the two members whose matter was considered
• The Commission has set a further hearing date for 11 January 2012 to finalise the remaining cases

Importantly for our members, the DHHS has requested the Commission to oversight the process to ensure no employee is disadvantaged where agreement cannot be reached between the ANF and the DHHS.

ANF is willing to continue working for acceptable outcomes for members on Fixed Term Contracts, and will refer cases to the TIC if and when needed.

IF YOU HAVE ANY QUERIES OR ARE YET TO TALK TO US REGARDING YOUR FIXED TERM EMPLOYMENT, PLEASE CONTACT THE ANF INFORMATION LINE.

6223 6777 | 1800 001 241 (outside Hobart area) | info@anftas.org

Occupational health and safety is the issue of complete physical, mental and social well-being within a workplace.

Ensuring safe and healthy workplaces has always been one of the fundamental roles of unions. Unions believe that when people come together, great results can be achieved.

Please read the media release from ACTU, Speak Up for health and safety: new campaign begins to inform workers of their rights, for more information about this new campaign.

Nurses, whose rostered day off falls on a public holiday will be paid a 100% penalty in recognition of the disadvantage of not benefitting from the day off. Alternatively, they may elect to accrue 7.6 hours (pro rata) which will be paid at flat rate.

Casuals will receive the Award rate of 170% on the ‘20% loaded rate’.

ANF attended the Tasmanian Industrial Commission this morning and remains in dispute with the DHHS regarding day working nurses on a rotating/non fixed roster. It was agreed in a joint position, authorised by the ANF and DHHS in April 2011, that these nurses when not rostered on a public holiday would receive 7.6 hours at flat rate OR accrual of hours (pro rata).

An agreement has been made to enter into discussions as to the industrial arrangements which apply to day working nurses on non fixed, rotating rosters and day working nurses on non fixed rosters which extend beyond Monday to Friday day working hours.

ANF will be attending the Commission on 19 January 2012 to provide a report back on these discussions.

If you have any queries please do not hesitate to contact the ANF Information Office on 6223 6777, 1800 001 241 (outside Hobart area) or info@anftas.org.

Dear Premier,

Ministerial Direction Number 8 (MD8):

Granting of Indemnity against Legal Process

Further to our letter dated 6 December 2011 the Australian Nursing Federation is seeking a written assurance on behalf of nurses working in the public sector that they will be exempt from the Ministerial Direction Number 8 and will be guaranteed full indemnity in the event of an adverse outcome that occurs for patients within the system or due to cuts to health services for persons who are unable to access services.

You have provided public assurances that all nurses will be granted indemnity against legal process stating on ABC News 8 December 2011; “That’s just a political furphy, really. Of course all doctors and nurses who work within the public health system have appropriate indemnity.”

The provisions of MD8 clearly states:

• This indemnity is subject to the discretion of the Inter-Agency Committee and will only apply to those awards made and costs incurred after an application for indemnity has been received by the relevant Agency.

The ANF maintains that the provisions of MD8 does not guarantee that indemnity will be granted to all nurses affected by legal processes arising from their work.

We therefore seek on behalf of nurses in the public system an exemption from the discretionary review listed in MD8 and a guarantee that all nurses will be provided with indemnity as you have publically announced.

If a guarantee is not able to be supplied we request that a public retraction be made as you have misrepresented the MD8 process and potentially misled all nursing and midwifery employees.

A response to this letter is requested no later than close of business Friday 23 December 2011. If you require any further clarification, please contact me on 0408037589.

Yours sincerely

Neroli Ellis

Branch Secretary

An agreement has been reached on the framework that will be used to assess those employed on fixed term contracts.    

We have agreed that there are six different categories of fixed term employment arrangements and each will be examined on a case by case basis. However, if there is no agreement on the decision, individual cases may be disputed and can be lodged with the State Service Commission (SSC) or the Tasmanian Industrial Commission (TIC) for a decision.

The framework summarises how employees within each category will be assessed. The outcome from an assessment may be that an individual ceases to be an employee of the Department when their contract expires. Alternatively where no ongoing employment is available they may be offered a severance payment and the opportunity to be listed with priority on an employment register.

Priority to reviewing employment status will be given to fixed term employees whose contracts expire prior to 2012 and from then on as they become due to expire. 

The DHHS has acknowledged that arrangements surrounding fixed term employment will need to be reviewed to ensure the situation we are currently experiencing does not occur again.

If you have any queries or are yet to talk to us regarding your fixed term employment, please contact the ANF Information Office on 6223 6777, 1800 001 241 (outside Hobart area) or info@anftas.org.

DHHS Fixed Term Employment Document

ANF will continue to be a voice for you now and throughout your nursing careers. We wish you luck for the future.

The ban on overtime and double shifts will end at 1430 hours today (Friday 16 December 2011). 

The work bans have helped to highlight the reliance the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) has on nurses to work additional hours and extra shifts, often at short notice. The Department is reliant on nurses working unreasonably long hours in order to meet patient needs. 

It has now been proven that the contingency plan used by Management to call in extra nurses and support staff during this 48 hour period did reduce overtime and double shifts. This demonstrates that we need more nurses not less to cope with current demand, and we cannot afford not to continue the employment of many of our nurses on fixed term contracts. Despite this ban, some specialty areas such as Paeds and NPICU had no choice but to work overtime/double shifts as safe patient care was the priority. 

Nurses continue to make patient care a priority 

In consultation with Workplace Standards, ANF has been advised that affected employees should have a reasonable expectation that:

• Proper protocol/policy was followed
• All staff were aware of the protocol/policy
• Any employee treated as a result of the incident should have been provided with advice in relation to workers’ compensation
• RHH Management should have notified Workplace Standards of the critical incident. ANF has been advised there was no notification to Workplace Standards
• RHH Management should commence an investigation into the critical incident
• Any corrective action should be identified
• RHH Management should undertake an immediate assessment of the evacuation plan
• Information should be provided to staff in relation to what chemical or agents were involved, where such agents came from and any long term health effects of agents or chemicals
• Information should be provided to affected staff in relation to the Employee Assistance Program

On behalf of members, ANF will ensure all required actions are undertaken to protect staff and patients. Ongoing building works at the RHH will require the RHH Management Team to undertake a thorough internal investigation to ensure staff and patient safety is not compromised in the future.

If you have any queries please do not hesitate to contact the ANF Information Office on 6223 6777, 1800 001 241 (outside Hobart area) or email info@anftas.org.

• The reason ANF members across the State voted unanimously to proceed with Industrial Action, including a 48 hour ban on overtime and double shifts, is to expose that there are insufficient nurses rostered, resulting in double shifts and overtime which again relies on the good will of nurses.
• This is at a time when many nurses are on fixed term contracts with threatened ongoing employment, there are nursing vacancies and Human Resource controls results in this mismanagement.
• Staffing with double shifts places patient care at risk by expecting nurses to work excessive hours, which is unsustainable. In the face of so many nursing job losses this does not make sense and is not cost effective.
• The Government expect front line services to be maintained at high standards while they continue to remove front line health professionals.

ANF members, as always, will continue to put patient needs as a priority. This overtime ban would not be required if safe staffing was managed.

If you have any queries please do not hesitate to contact the ANF Information Office on 6223 6777, 1800 001 241 (outside Hobart area) or email info@anftas.org.

• All members have the right to participate in the industrial action
• There should be no victimisation against members who participate in the action
• There should be no coercion from Management to stop you participating in the action
• No one has the right to ask if you are a member of a union

If any ANF member experiences any perceived victimisation or harassment during the period of industrial action they are advised to contact the ANF Information Office immediately.

During industrial action:

• Patient care is our priority
• It is not business as usual
• The aim is to ensure that the bans highlight the goodwill nurses extend in order to support normal services
• Management has a duty to implement contingency plans during this period of action. Nurses do not have to try and fix any problems arising. Please inform your manager to ensure the situation is addressed.

If you have any queries please do not hesitate to contact the ANF Information Office on 6223 6777, 1800 001 241 (outside Hobart area) or info@anftas.org.

ANF Submission to the Parliamentary Inquiry

Appendix A – CENA Submission

Appendix B – ANF Member Comments Regarding the Parliamentary Inquiry

Appendix C – ANF Website Comments

Appendix D – Tasmanian Public Sector Cost Saving Initiatives 2011 – ANF Submission

Further information on the Parliamentary Inquiry 

Patient care remains the nursing priority .

Bans will commence from 0700 Wednesday 14 December 2011. Work to rule and claim ALL entitlements. Nurses will claim:

• Missed meal breaks
• All hours worked and less than 8 hour break between shifts
• Meal allowances

OVERTIME & DOUBLE SHIFTS

Nurses will commence a statewide 48 hour ban on overtime and double shifts:

• From Wednesday 14 December 1430 hours to Friday 16 December 1430 hours

Members WILL NOT undertake non-nursing duties which may include, but not limited to:

• Any input of PAS or OARS data including admission or discharge information
• Clerical duties, including answering of phones and doors
• Faxing of documents (including receipt of faxed documents) or photocopying
• Collection of discharge scripts or any drugs from pharmacy
• Courier of blood specimens, pathology, pharmacy scripts and non-urgent patient care items
• After hours bed census data
• Non clinical documentation appropriate to area including Medicare claims, CMBS coding
• Updating private patient information
• Recording of inpatient consumables other than where clinically required
• Calling in replacement staff

Unless clinically required NO documentation including:

• Collection of statistics
• Participation in accreditation activities
• RCS documentation

Unless a patient is directly affected nurses WILL NOT undertake cleaning duties

• Emptying rubbish or linen bags
• Clean beds or utility rooms
• Empty dishwashers

ANF members will engage in freedom of speech and speak to the media and public about the effects of budget cuts. Patient confidentiality will be maintained.

Nurses will hand out fact sheets, postcards, and media contacts to patients and the wider public.

All other action is continued: Nurses will wear campaign T-shirts and stickers

Key Campaign Messages

1. Compromised Patient Care: reduced skill mix, a loss of specialised skills/qualifications and experience.

2. Wrong decisions: closure of Hospital in the Home (LGH), closed beds, effect on DEM/ED

3. Less nurses: more overtime and greater cost, immediate effect, fixed term contracts not continued, Transition to Practice, graduates may not be employed

4. Public need to be protected from Tasmanian State Government

5. State Government accountable for its decisions: not hospital administrators

6. Speak out: let the public hear your stories, encourage patients to speak outTASMANIA & TASMANIANS DESERVE BETTER

STAND UP FOR THE HEALTH and WELLBEING of

Our Patients

Our Families

Our Community

If you have any queries please do not hesitate to contact the ANF Information Office on 6223 6777, 1800 001 241 (outside Hobart area) or info@anftas.org.

• How are the cuts affecting you and your family situation?
• How are the cuts impacting on morale in your team?
• What are the consequences for your career?
• What is the effect of the cuts on patients?

If you have any queries please do not hesitate to contact the ANF Information Office on 6223 6777, 1800 001 241 (outside Hobart area) or info@anftas.org.

Thank you for your ongoing support for this important campaign.

Nurses are concerned that the cuts to health services may have adverse outcomes for patients within the system or for persons who are unable to access services.  

While you have assured the public of Tasmania that they are not at risk because of the health cuts, your Victorian counterparts argued that bed closures by nurses in that State do pose a risk to the public.  

In light of this, nurses seek an assurance that they will be granted full indemnity in the event of an adverse outcome that occurs due to the foreseeable risk.  

I note that the most recent application ANF made on behalf of a member seeking indemnification (sent late October 2011) is yet to receive a response.  

An early assurance that nurses working within the public service will be eligible for indemnity is sought as a matter of urgency.  

A response to this letter is requested by no later than close of business Friday 9 December 2011. Thank you for considering this request.  

Yours sincerely  

Neroli Ellis  

Branch Secretary  

Leave a comment below and tell us how you are being affected by the Government’s cuts to frontline health care.

“Today we have had a glimpse of what our health system will be like once the government has finished slashing the budget” said Neroli Ellis, Branch Secretary, Australian Nursing Federation (Tasmanian Branch). 

“We have multiple wards operating at maximum capacity and beyond, major works being carried out throughout the hospital, patients having their surgery cancelled and patients just sitting and waiting because there aren’t enough beds”. 

Nurses are also struggling to cope with their Christmas rosters which were released on Friday. These rosters show many of their colleagues on fixed term contracts ending. 

Also today: 

• Nine cases of elective surgery were cancelled due to no beds being available within the hospital
• NPICU nurses have been advised that no fixed term contracts will be renewed despite the fact that nurses are working double shifts daily
• A dedicated stroke patient arrived in the Emergency Department on Monday night and was still waiting for a bed on Tuesday afternoon
• One ward has ten nurses finishing up after Christmas

“When wards are running at capacity we need all the nurses we can get. How will they cope with ten less nurses – and this is only one ward!” 

“Will it take a death in the Emergency Department waiting area for the Government to admit they are wrong?” asks Mrs Ellis. 

In a breath-taking back flip Premier Lara Giddings has walked away from talks with Public Sector unions aimed at resolving issues around employment practices relating to fixed term employees and she has decided to terminate their employment at the end of their current contracts.

Last month DHHS asked unions to a meeting where it reported that of the 2100 fixed term employees in DHHS as many as 1000 had legitimate arguments for conversion to permanent employment and many of the remaining 1100 may have a strong argument for industrial permanency.

Unions were also made aware the fixed term instruments being used by DHHS were inconsistent with those used across the Public Sector thereby strengthening arguments for industrial permanency.

At this meeting DHHS revealed it had approximately 700 fixed term workers who’d been employed in excess of 36 months, around 700 employed between 12 and 36 months and some 700 less than 12 months.

In a proposal sent to unions on 17 October DHHS indicated it would recommend conversion to permanency for existing staff who’d been employed for more than 24 months and who could demonstrate an expectation of ongoing employment.

It also agreed to consider supporting conversion on a case by case basis for any employee who’s had multiple employment arrangements.

Today, on the direct instruction of the Premier, DHHS has abandoned this process and its new policy is that when a fixed term contract expires and the role is no longer required the employee working in that role will be terminated regardless of their employment history.

Also, where a fixed term contract expires and the work is ongoing the employee working in that role will be terminated and the role advertised.

Effectively the government intends to ignore the fact it has created legitimate claims for ongoing employment by systematically ignoring the law regarding to fixed term employment and it will make individual employees pay the price.

At a meeting today a senior government representative acknowledged:

‘This whole situation has been seriously mismanaged. An administrative oversight has caused this problem.’

Despite this the Premier has decided not to take responsibility for her government’s failing and instead will treat these workers unfairly.

 WHERE TO FROM HERE?

Unions will apply to the Tasmanian Industrial Commission for an urgent hearing and will seek a stay order to stop the government terminating the employment of fixed term workers until after the matter has been heard and an outcome determined.

Fixed term Members who’ve been employed for more than 24 months should immediately complete the attached ‘Form 6 – Application For Change of Employment Status By An Employee’.

Please send completed forms to the State Service Commissioner and forward a copy to your union.

If you have difficulties with any questions on the form seek advice from your union.

If you’ve worked on fixed term contracts for more than 12 months you should contact your union to discuss industrial permanency options available to you.

This is a directive from the Premier, after a meeting with the PSMO Director Frank Ogle, to breach Commissioner’s Direction No. 1 and not respect nurse’s right to convert to permanency.

900 Tasmanian nurses are on fixed term contracts and it is very important to support your nursing colleagues.

Please come to the  ANF membership meetings being held around the state this week to determine the future direction of our Protect Frontline Health Campaign!

Regards,

Neroli

Help them kick start their RN, EN or Care Worker studies

2 grants of $1000 to be won

Open to ANF Members

6223 6777 | 1800 001 241 | anf@anftas.org

Entries must be received by 5:00pm Wednesday 29 February 2012

 [contact-form]

• Entry is open to ANF Tas Branch members who have a next generation relative/relative who is currently studying or will be commencing study during the 6 months after the grant closing date
• The ‘entrant’ is defined as the ANF member and the ‘nominee’ is defined as the next generation relative
• The nominee must be studying/planning to study in Tasmania
• The nominee can be a child, niece, nephew, sibling or ward of the entrant
• Entry is via joint submission of the nomination form (found on the ANF website)
• Study is defined as enrolment and attendance at a recognised training facility in an approved course for Registered Nurse, Enrolled Nurse or Cert III Care Worker
• Submission must be received by closing date
• Submissions become the property of ANF and MyState
• Prize money is to be utilised for educational resources (eg. study materials, nursing equipment or materials, training/conferences)
• Winners to be selected from a panel of representatives from ANF and MyState
• Winners are defined as both the entrant and the nominee
• Prizes will be awarded to the top two entries received by the closing date, regardless of course of study
• Winners to provide an  interview  to ANF and MyState within three months of receiving the award, for use in professional publications, providing comment on winning the award, how studies are progressing and goals/aims for their future nursing career
• Winners to provide advice to MyState and ANF on how the award funds were utilised and how this supported their academic needs  within 12 months of receiving the scholarship funds 

• Risks associated with proposed changes
• Examples of continuing waste/inefficiency
• Workforce planning, retention and skill sets
• Better solutions
• Consultation and change management processes
• Potential effects on National Health Reform agenda
• Flow on effects, such as aged care and GPs

More information is available at http://www.parliament.tas.gov.au/ctee/Council/GovAdminA_Health.htm

Please forward any comments to ANF by 5:00pm, Wednesday 23 November 2011. Comment on the ANF website; facebook; or email anf@anftas.org.

If you have any queries please do not hesitate to contact the ANF Information Office on 6223 6777, 1800 001 241 (outside Hobart area) or info@anftas.org.

The petition was tabled at Parliament by the Tasmanian Liberals on Wednesday 16 November 2011.

Thanks again to everyone who contributed to the success of this petition.

The Australian Nursing Federation (ANF) launched the on-line survey of aged care workers last week as part of its national “Because We Care” campaign aimed at fixing Australia’s under-resourced aged care sector.

Hundreds of aged care nursing and care staff are continuing to respond to the survey, which poses the question “Will you leave the aged care workforce if the Gillard Government does not close the wages gap?”

So far, results are showing:

• A majority 77 per cent of aged care workers responded they would leave.
• 12 per cent were unsure if they would leave.
• 10 per cent said wouldn’t leave.

“Although, the survey commenced only last week, there’s an emerging pattern showing that low paid nursing and care staff in aged care are extremely concerned about the wages gap they’re experiencing and are prepared to leave the workforce unless the Gillard Government steps-in and rectifies it,” ANF Federal Secretary, Lee Thomas, said today.

“How can the sector possibly expect to recruit the 20,000 extra nursing staff needed to meet the growing demand of Australia’s ageing population if aged care nursing and care staff are being paid significantly less than what they would earn in other health settings?

“The ANF and its growing membership are now seriously concerned that unless the Gillard Government acts, we will simply have no workforce left to deliver quality care for the elderly Australians living in nursing homes.”

The ANF is calling on the Government to inject $500 million to close the wages gap in aged care by making Budget 2012 the “aged care Budget”.

Ms Thomas said the ANF survey of aged care nursing and care staff will run for a month and the results will be sent directly to Prime Minister Gillard and Minister for Mental Health and Ageing Mark Butler.

The ANF is now one of Australia’s fastest-growing unions, with more than 214,000 members, including nurses, midwives, assistants in nursing and students.

For more information about the ANF’s “Because We Care” campaign aimed at fixing Australia’s under-resourced aged care sector, go to www.becausewecare.org.au

Consultation Document

If you have worked as an employee for more than twelve months on fixed term contracts without an extended break during this period, then you may meet the eligibility criteria.

Each fixed term employee will be assessed case by case on merit for “industrial” permanency. ANF encourages members to initially discuss your employment with your Nurse Unit Manager.

IF YOUR CONTRACT EXPIRES BY THE END OF DECEMBER 2011, PLEASE CONTACT THE ANF

The ANF are collating a list of members who may meet this criteria to discuss with DHHS.

If you have any queries please do not hesitate to contact the ANF Information Office on 6223 6777, 1800 001 241 (outside Hobart area) or info@anftas.org.