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Winter 2002

HACSU seeks Commission intervention in Nurse Staffing Discussions

HACSU has requested the intervention of the Australian Industrial Relations Commission in the ongoing discussions over nurse staffing levels in the Tasmanian public health system.

This follows agreement over the introduction of a Nursing Hours Per Patient Day (NHPPD) system but disagreements on how the model will be developed.

The NHPPD model - which will be based on a similar Western Australian model but adapted for Tasmanian needs - will establish the number of hours required to deliver nursing care according to patient needs on any given day.
There is general recognition the W.A model falls short in addressing staffing issues outside of the acute sector.
Mr. Allan Jones, who was involved in the development of the W.A model, has been engaged by the Department as a consultant to develop the Tasmanian model.

The acute sector, including rural and districts hospitals, mental health and palliative care will be included in the model.

HACSU met with Health Department representatives Tuesday 25 June to resume discussions about nurse staffing levels.
During the two subsequent meetings HACSU repeatedly requested clear information about the methodology Mr. Jones would be using to advise the Department on the development of the NHPPD model.

HACSU was advised Mr. Jones will collate current statistical information and forward this on to the Department but what would happen after that remained uncertain.

HACSU Nursing Industrial Officer Leanne was very concerned about the Department's hostile and dictatorial attitude displayed during these meetings.

"It appears the Department has no real idea of what the next step will be after Mr. Jones has collated all the information," Leanne said.

"Our members need to be assured nurses will have input into the development of this model to be satisfied that it does address Tasmania's needs and that it is workable."

"We are not confident the current process is as open and transparent as the Department had previously advised." "In order to prevent a possible dispute at a later stage, we have requested the AIRC to intervene."

Members wishing to participate or voice an opinion on this issue should contact one of the HACSU member representatives listed below or Nursing Organisers, Leanne McDougall & Deb Carnes (6231 2253), Irena Allen (6331 2237), Louise Leslie (6424 6885).

Mental Health
Rachael Smith - C/- 62 312253, Cecily Pollard - 6222 8995

Acute Sector
Sherryl Macri - 6348 7111, Barb Johnson - 6222 8668

FCYHS
Jan Jordan 6244 0420
Mary Parsissons 6233 2700

Community Health
Sue Gofton - 6376 1625
Sue Schwabe - 6337 0253

Aged and Rural
Helen White - 6383 1104
Miriam Deacon - 6376 5222

HACSU Nurses Sub Branch Members (Public Sector)
Deidre Green 6337 0253
Royan Coutts 6430 6572
Cheryl Gillam 6429 8425
LynTaylor 6375 1541
Sue Burke 6233 2700
Roman Tomaszewski 6434 6427