Forward icon
March 25, 2013  
Dear Member

This week we cover major issues currently impacting Nursing and Midwifery including the recent announcement of a Mental Health Review by the Minister for Health, urgent Government action to address the plight of nursing graduates in South Australia, and the State Government’s response to the McCann Review looking at the future of non-hospital based services.

Consultation continues in relation to the draft Public Sector claim, made available to members via last week’s e-Bulletin. The latest bulletin in the series (Bulletin #3) available below provides details of member feedback received to date. 

We encourage your comments on the draft claim - remember this is your claim, leading to your Agreement.  Be sure to contribute and comment as part of this very important process which culminates with a public sector country teleconference and central metropolitan members’ meeting on Wednesday 3 April 2013 to consider endorsement of the draft claim.

Regards,
 

Adj Assoc Professor Elizabeth Dabars
CEO/Secretary ANMF (SA Branch)

Mental Health Review welcomed

A review to address the ‘unintended consequences’ of Mental Health Care reforms in South Australia was announced by the Minister for Health on 20 March 2013.  ANMF (SA Branch) publicly welcomed the announcement – please click here for a copy of the associated ANMF (SA Branch) media release. 

Nurses have been raising serious concerns regarding the adequacy of mental health beds and resourcing across South Australia for some time.  

Members will be aware of the dispute at Flinders Medical Centre (FMC) in recent months where nurses actively opposed the closure of five mental health beds because mental health patients were not receiving appropriate or timely care, and were waiting long periods in the Emergency Department. We have also made the point that patients and nurses in other metropolitan hospitals have shared similar experiences due to the shortage of acute mental health beds, highlighting that these issues are not isolated to FMC, but are being felt across South Australia.

Serious concerns arising from mental health patients being held for a number of days in the FMC Emergency Department were discussed recently on Radio 891, including comment from Ms Belinda Moyes, CEO of the Southern Adelaide Local Health Network, Dr Duncan McFetridge, Shadow Minister for Mental Health, and Adj Assoc Professor Elizabeth Dabars.  You can listen to this interview here.   You can also view related media footage aired on ABC News by clicking here.

Urgent Government action sought to address underemployment of nursing graduates

ANMF (SA Branch) recently wrote to the SA Minister for Health calling for urgent action to avoid the loss of South Australian Nursing Graduates.  A copy of the correspondence is available here.  

In the letter, we refer to the current position where there is a small oversupply of nursing graduates in SA and around the country.  Many talented graduates have missed out on securing a place in graduate programs in our public health services or in the private system.  In addition, many of the nurses who completed their graduate programs at the end of last year have lost their jobs and are now reliant on casual or agency work. 

The letter also refers to the failure of both State and Federal Government’s to address this problem for the longer term given that, by 2015, Health Workforce Australia research demonstrates that we face a nursing shortage for a decade or more.  This shortage has serious implications for the provision of health services in the future and ANMF (SA Branch) is calling on the State and Federal Government to collaborate in order to find solutions to the current crisis.

The implications of the issues facing graduate nurses in South Australia was recently discussed by Adj Assoc Professor Elizabeth Dabars and Leon Byner on Radio 5AA - you can listen to the interview by clicking here. Footage of a related news item featured on Southern Cross GTS/BKN Broken Hill Regional News on 22 March 2013 can also be viewed here.

Public Sector Bargaining Claim 2013 - Draft Claim and Member Consultation

A copy of the draft claim document, as released through last week’s e-Bulletin, is available here.

Public Sector EB bulletin #3 is available here which provides an update on member comment received to date on the draft claim.  Members who are unable to pass comments directly to an ANMF (SA Branch) officer during the ongoing consultation meetings are encouraged to provide feedback via email (with Public Sector Bargaining in the subject line) or through the Duty Officer on Tel. 8334 1900.

As previously advised, there will be a teleconference for country-based members and a central meeting for metro-based members on Wednesday 3 April 2013 to consider endorsement of the draft claim at the following times:

  • Country members’ teleconference: 1400 hours
  • Central members’ meeting: 1700 hours, ANMF (SA Branch) office 191 Torrens Road, Ridleyton

Countr-based worksite reps and contacts will shortly receive an email invitation to book in their worksite for the country teleconference on 3 April.  Country-based members are encouraged to contact their worksite representatives later this week for details of the agreed meeting venue for your worksite.

State Government softens approach to the McCann Review

The Minister for Health released a statement on 22 March 2013 to announce the Government’s response to the recommendations of the Review of Non-Hospital Based Services report.  

The Review, led by Warren McCann from the Office of Public Employment and Review, focused on the efficiency and effectiveness of metropolitan non-hospital based services and included a nine week public consultation period.  A copy of the Minister for Health’s media statement is available here.

In response, we advised that, whilst ANMF (SA Branch) remained disappointed with the adoption of some of the recommendations, it was clear that there has been a softening of approach with many of the recommendations being accepted only ‘in part’ and several of the most crucial services preserved.

The preservation of the ‘Community Foodies’ program and face-to-face Breast Feeding services were particularly welcomed.  Please click here to access the media response issued by ANMF (SA Branch).   Media footage aired on Channel 10 News relating to the McCann Review recommendations, including the ‘Community Foodies program’, can be accessed here.

“Revive on 5” survives at the RAH

In November 2012, following a Central Adelaide Local Health Network Industrial Liaison Forum, the ANMF (SA Branch) reported that the RAH cafe “Revive on 5” was facing closure.  At the time, we reiterated that the cafe provides a break for families who are supporting their loved ones during their treatment at the RAH.   Additionally, "Revive on 5" also provides meaningful support for nurses and other health professionals.

Recently, ANMF (SA Branch) has received correspondence from CALHN stating that “Following a tender process, a private operator has been selected to take over the operations of the cafe......A smooth transition to the new operator is expected with very little disruption to Cafe services.   The area will continue to be maintained as a place for staff to gather during breaks.”

A copy of the correspondence from CALHN can be found here.

Reminder: Applications invited for a Professional Liaison Officer position with ANMF (SA Branch) – closing COB 27 March 2013

A position exists to work within the ANMF (SA Branch) staff team as a Professional Liaison Officer to support and represent members in relation to practice and employment issues, particularly at workplace level.  Successful applicants will meet the following criteria:

  • Be a Registered or Enrolled Nurse, Midwife or Personal Care Assistant with demonstrated activism in ANMF (SA Branch);
  • Demonstrated knowledge of and commitment to Nursing and Midwifery and the principles of Trade Unionism;
  • Capacity to provide advice and undertake project activity in relation to a specific area(s) of Nursing and Midwifery Practice and Policy;
  • Developing knowledge of and/or experience in providing representation and advice;
  • Demonstrated skills in problem solving of simple to complex issues and good communication skills (both verbal and written);
  • Demonstrated leadership qualities;
  • Demonstrated ability to work within a team and be self-directed within that environment; and
  • Hold a current driver’s license.

The position is classified in the range of RN2-3 depending on experience and skills. ANMF (SA Branch) is often able to negotiate a secondment, if required. Appointment will be for an initial period of 12 months with ongoing employment subject to successfully meeting performance criteria.

A job description can be obtained from the Employment section on our website, under the ‘About Us’ tab or on request by email.  

Written applications, with the names and addresses of two work referees, should be sent to:   Adj Assoc Prof Elizabeth Dabars, CEO / Secretary, ANMF (SA Branch), 191 Torrens Road, Ridleyton SA 5008, or can be emailed: employment@anmfsa.org.au by no later than 1700 hours on Wednesday 27 March 2013.

Deadline for abstracts extended to Thursday 4 April 2013 - Professional Day / Annual Delegates Conference 2013

As previously advised, this year’s 2013 Professional Day and Annual Conference, to be held on 1-2 August 2013, will have the theme “Health at the Crossroads - leadership and direction for the way forward.”

The deadline for receipt of submission has been extended to Thursday 4 April.  I encourage you to consider what you can contribute. To access the on-line abstract form please click here.

What are some of the key drivers for change/reform in the next 1-5 years for your organisation / practice setting?  Drivers / challenges could include issues such as:

  • Workforce - numbers and mix, health and safety, challenges in attraction and retention;
  • Leadership - on professional practice, models of care, advocacy for the professions and consumers;
  • Education - professional development for how can we deliver effective and efficient education and professional development in the workplace, and how education can assist in achieving optimum standards of clinical care;
  • Research - how can the take up of evidence based practice be improved, and how nurses / midwives can engage in direct action and formal research.

What are the implications of these changes for nursing / midwifery in terms of:

  • Leadership;
  • Education;
  • Practice;
  • Research.

How are you / your organisation working / proposing to work towards meeting these challenges?  What issues will arise from these challenges for the wider professions / ANMF (SA Branch)?  Abstracts should be a maximum of 250 words.

If you have any queries regarding submitting an abstract please email us with the word “Abstract” in the subject heading.

Reminder: Two Augusta Zadow Scholarships available of up to $10,000 each – part of Safe Work Awards 2013

Have you identified a particular OHS issue for working women and need funding to conduct or continue your research?  

Do you have an idea that can make a difference to workplace health and safety for the benefit of women in South Australia?

In 1895, Augusta Zadow became the first female Inspector of Factories in South Australia.  She played a crucial role in securing better conditions for employees in factories, particularly for women and children. 

Many of the working conditions we now take for granted are due to Augusta's efforts. The annual Zadow Awards were introduced in 1994 (Centenary of the Factories Act and Women's Suffrage in South Australia) in recognition of the work carried out by Zadow.

In 2005, the Augusta Zadow Scholarships (the Scholarships) were initiated. Two scholarships of up to $10,000 each are awarded each year to assist with OHS improvements undertaken by, or for the benefit of, women in South Australia.

Applications for one of the two Augusta Zadow Scholarships must be submitted by 27 August 2013. Background information including an on-line entry form can be accessed here.

Continuing Professional Development Program

Click here for the complete CPD program for 2013.

Remember to check out the topics on offer for April.

  • Thursday 4 April – Understanding the Importance of relationships in early childhood (CPD 3 hours) 1800-2100
  • Tuesday 9 April – Developing a Professional Portfolio (CPD 2 hours) -0930-1130
  • Tuesday 9 April – Financial Planning for Your Future (CPD 4 hours) 1300-1700
  • Monday 22 April – Massage in Nursing (CPD 6 hours) 0910-1600
  • Monday 29 April - Manual Handling (CPD 3 hours) 0900-1200
  • Monday 29 April - Basic Life Support (CPD 3 hours) 1300-1600

Refreshments:   Tea and coffee will be available.

If you are interested in attending any of the above courses please visit our website and complete the online payment and registration form five working days prior to the commencement of the course.

A $10 discount voucher is available for those who book more than three courses, with the discount available on the fourth course.

Upcoming CPD session: Understanding the important of relationships in early childhood

Thursday, 4 April (CPD 3 hours) 1800 - 2100

How much do our early relationships impact our adult lives?  This session provides an opportunity for health professionals to gain a greater understanding of the impact of these early relationships on our clients, their behaviours and how this has the potential to influence their health outcomes.

All health professionals would benefit from attending this session as it will provide an insight into our clients/patients behaviours that will enable a greater understanding of them that will in turn enhance our nursing care.

Upcoming CPD session: Financial Planning for your Future

Tuesday, 9 April (CPD 4 hours) 1300 - 1700

Do you have a financial plan for your future?

Come to the session on Tuesday 9 April and hear from a panel of experts from the Australian Tax Office, HESTA, Prescott Securities Limited and Duncan, Basheer and Hannon.  The presenters will speak on the current global climate, superannuation, buying and owning rental properties and wills and estates.