News Flash

Public Service Association (PSA) Assistant Chief Industrial Officer Gayle Peak and Senior Industrial Officer Sue Cummins met with SA Health Chief Executive Mr David Swan and Mr Joe Busuttil Director Workforce Relations, on Tuesday 9th August 2011.

NEW ROYAL ADELAIDE HOSPITAL (NRAH)

Mr Swan advised that the planning stage for the internal designs has now commenced with the setting up of 80 Focus Groups, that include staff representatives from the applicable areas.  A joint Union Consultative Group will commence on 29 August 2011 and continue to meet on a monthly basis. (The PSA will be involved in the consultative process).

WAGES PARITY ENTERPRISE AGREEMENT – ALLIED HEALTH

The PSA raised a number of concerns in relation to the new Allied Health Career Structure and as a result agreed to meet separately to discuss these with Workforce Relations and the Allied & Scientific Lead for SA Health.  These were in relation to the second stage of the translation of Orthotists & Prosthetists that has not occurred;  the need for Allied Health continuing to be represented on the LHN Executive Structures and central offices resources, especially in relation to the implementation of the provisions of the EA;  and the Peer Assessment Process.

The PSA believes that it is important that Allied Health members continue to be represented by Allied Health Executives at the highest levels of any executive structures.

DENTAL HYGENISTS & THERAPISTS CLASSIFICATIONPSA MEETS WITH HEALTH CHIEF EXECUTIVE MR DAVID SWAN

The PSA was seeking an update on the progress being made for Dental Hygienists & Therapists translating into the Professional Stream.  It was agreed to place this matter on the agenda for further discussions at a meeting with Workforce Relations and the Allied & Scientific Lead for SA Health. 

The PSA also raised the need for an agreed process for any future qualification changes or any other newly developed disciplines.

SA PHARMACY REVIEW REPORT RECOMMENDATION ON CYTOTOXIC MANUFACTURING AND THE POTENTIAL RISKS

The PSA sought further information as to whether there are any immediate risks to current staff who are involved in cytotoxic manufacturing.  Mr Swan advised that SA Health were in the process of developing a Directive, as this manufacturing occurs in a number of sites.  PSA will be making sure that this matter is raised when the  SA Pharmacy Consolidation Industrial Forum re-commences.

HR MANUAL

The PSA raised a concern about the SA Health (Health Care Act) Human Resources Manual being immediately updated to reflect changes to the Long Service Leave Entitlements.  The PSA raised concerns that when changes occur that benefit members that this is not done so speedily (eg 15 days Special Leave, Higher/Additional Duties Allowance).  Mr Swan advised that a number of policies were being looked at and a meeting is being arranged to discuss these changes with all unions shortly.  (PSA is meeting with SA Health on Monday 25 August 2011).

MENTAL HEALTH RESOURCES

The PSA raised a number of issues around the first stage in establishing the six (6) Community Mental Health Sectors, the movement of the current staffing establishments into the integrated teams, workloads and the shortfalls.  It was agreed to further discuss these matters in a separate meeting with the Mental Health Unit.

NEXT MEETING

The next meeting between the Chief Executive SA Health and the PSA is scheduled for Wednesday 9th November 2011.