The Public Service Association (PSA) attends the Southern Adelaide Mental Health Workplace Consultative Committee as a key stake holder.

The purpose of the this committee is to provide a consultation mechanism between the Southern Adelaide Mental Health Service  management and the recognised Health Care Unions to address industrial matters pertaining to mental health issues, within Southern Adelaide Health Service.

On Thursday 18 September 2008 the following key agenda items were discussed:

NOARLUNGA EMERGENCY MENTAL HEALTH SERVICE (NEMHS) - Management advised that meetings have been held with staff in relation to implementing a series of strategies in place whilst discussions to occur in relation to the implementation of the Model of Service for Adult Community Mental Health Service. The proposals are:
To backfill the Team Leader to be able to fulfil the non-clinical component of the position from the existing establishment from Southern Assertive Crisis Intervention Service (SACIS).
A .5fte vacant Social Worker position now being advertised as a NEMHS resource instead of the Noarlunga Emergency Department.

The PSA is concerned about time lines for the recommendations out of the Community Mental Health Review being implemented.  NEMHS and SACIS require an increase in resources urgently to match activity levels.  Clearly working within existing regional budgets has not been achieved and there are concerns that mental health will not this financial year be exempt this financial year from the expected budget savings targets for SAHS.

INTERMEDIATE CARE UNIT - The planning stage has commenced for Noarlunga and Glenside.  At the Noarlunga Site this will be a purpose built 'stand alone' unit.  Occupancy is expected to be by late 2009.

SUPPORTED ACCOMMODATION – Two double units are being developed for the Southern Region.  This is being funded by the 'Returning Home' project and will be staffed by a non government organisation (NGO), with support from the Community Teams.

SOCIAL WORK CLASSIFICATION – This process has now been completed. The final assessments have been sent to SA Health for final approval.  Management have agreed to meet with the PSA shortly to discuss developing a process for the future for all base grade Allied Health Professional Officers, not just Social Workers, working in Southern Adelaide Mental Health.

COMMUNITY REHABILIATION CENTRES (CRC) – Trevor Parry CRC is now working to full capacity.  All positions are fully established except for the Clinical Psychologist position, which is being re-advertised.  At present psychology services are being partly covered by the existing regional Senior Clinical Psychologist one day per week.

Discussions have commenced in relation to meal breaks after hours and rosters.  (After hours staff are unable to leave the area, so these should be a 'crib break'*)  The PSA have raised concerns with both Central Adelaide Health Service (CNAHS) and SAHS in relation to the creation of a Flexible Workplace Agreement to cover rostered hours and meal breaks.  PSA are concerned that there may be under payments happening in relation to the terms and conditions set out in the SA Public Sector Salaried Employees Interim Award 1994 (SAPSEI Award).  If PSA members have concerns please contact Industrial Officer Sue Cummins via email on sc@cpsu.asn.au

*Definitions of a crib break and meal break:
'Crib Break' – is a 30 minute period during which the employee is able to consume a meal, sustenance and/or refreshments.  During a Crib Break the employee will be available for duty as and when required and if necessary will interrupt the Crib Break and re-engage in active duty.

'Meal Break – is a period of time during which employees are free, not only to eat a meal, but to leave their immediate workplace, or even leave the employer's premises altogether on business of their own.

REGIONAL MENTAL HEALTH NEWS – Refurbishing of Noarlunga's Morier Ward will commence in February 2009 and will be a staged process, involving the closing of beds temporarily.

REPATRIATION GENERAL HOSPITAL (RGH) MENTAL HEALTH SERVICE – The PSA asked what is happening with the Southern Adelaide Mental Health Structure now that RGH is part of the region. Management advised discussions were in the very early stages of planning.  Discussions in relation to Allied Health and Nursing are about to commence. PSA, ANF and SASMOA will be advised if any changes to structure or reporting lines proposed.

TRAINING AND DEVELOPMENT.- The Performance Development Framework is about to be rolled out, this will include training.