News Flash

The Public Service Association (PSA) has received advice and updates in relation to a number of matters happening within Country Health SA.

ALLIED HEALTH CLINICAL GOVERNANCE PROPOSED FRAMEWORK

PSA recently received the proposed CHSA Allied Health Clinical Governance Structure which is in addition to the continued updates being received at the bi-monthly Industrial Liaison Committee.

The PSA has received a number of concerns in relation to the proposed structure and as a consequence the PSA will be meeting with the Acting Principal Allied Health Advisor and Human Resources to discuss the issues on Thursday 9 September 2010.

ACATS IN CHSA PROPOSED AMALGAMATION OF DELEGATION AREAS

The PSA has been advised that the Department of Health and Ageing (DOHA) has approved the proposal to amalgamate a number of country delegation areas / Aged Care Assessment Teams (ACATS). The rationale for this is to allow greater flexibility for delegation in times of staff shortages and to improve multi-disciplinary mix on teams in order to complete assessments in line with best practice.

The PSA understands that no staff will be displaced in the process and the restructuring will be more about how the teams function on a day to day basis. There will be negotiation regarding the coordinator role for each of the teams. A Steering Group is being established to work through the practical issues, which will have representation from ACATS team management and CHSA Aged Care Directorate.

PROPOSED PAY CYCLE CHANGES - “CHRIS” DATA BASE PROJECT

CHSA have commenced consultation on the proposal to introduce two separate pay cycles for Nursing and Non-Nursing. The PSA understands that currently there are seven different pay cycles over two weeks for over 9,100 employees. The pay cycles are processed by Shared Services SA (SSSA) in 41 different pay run processes.

The PSA is concerned that irrespective of which pay cycle method is selected as the preferred option for CHSA, members should not be be disadvantaged. The PSA is currently discussing options for members to manage financially whilst these changes occur. No date of commencement has as yet been set. PSA will update members on this project as information becomes available.

MENTAL HEALTH ADMINISTRATION REVIEW

CHSA has advised the PSA of a review of administrative services that occurred within country mental health services. The PSA were also informed that this review was completed in July 2010 and that the recommendations are now with the Mental Health Executive for consideration. It is a concern to the PSA that the consultation process has not been adhered to, as the PSA were not advised of the commencement of the review or the terms of reference.

PSA WORKING FOR MEMBERS HEALTH