News Flash

MENTAL HEALTH CRISIS MEETING WITH DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH

On Monday 16 July 2007 PSA Representatives Peter O'Connell, Michael Bailie, Jan Montana and Juta Zeiher, with PSA Industrial Officers Sue Cummins and Ian Peak, met with Chief Executive Dr Tony Sherbon, and Executive Director of Operations Mr David Swan of the Department of Health (DH).

Initially this meeting was arranged to discuss members' concerns in relation to the provision of mental health services in the current environment. These concerns arose out of recent industrial action by psychiatrists, and industrial bans that were in place in relation to the nurses' pay dispute. Matters discussed were as follows:

• It became even more apparent that there is no clear organisational structure in place for Mental Health areas within CNAHS, in particular positions have not been permanently filled and reporting lines are unclear. Dr Sherbon agreed to take this matter on board and get back to the PSA with a response. PSA has asked for an up-to-date organisational chart.

• OHW&S risks that may have arisen in the absence of a resolution to the psychiatrist's industrial dispute.

• Dr Sherbon advised that an Operational Review of 'Models of Care' is about to commence. A component of this review will be to look at interstate/overseas models including identifying which professions are the most appropriate to make detention orders. The draft Terms of Reference are being developed and DH will consult the PSA shortly. The PSA will seek membership involvement and will call for nominations from members.

• Dr Serbon advised that the 'Stepping Up' Report was the 'driver' for the model of service.

• PSA raised concerns about the proposal that 'James Nash House' may be relocated to Mobilong within four years. Dr Sherbon re-affirmed that the PSA and its members would be fully consulted once any announcement occurs.

• The Social Worker PO-1 to PO-2 Assessment Process, using the agreed-upon PIDs, are too complex and time consuming, and need to have a common implementation date. Dr Sherbon agreed that further discussions be held with DH to determine a more user friendly, simplified process with a common implementation date.

• PSA contended that all Allied Health Professional Officers across Health should be assessed against the new Professional Officers Work Level Descriptions, which came into effect from 1 October 2006. The PSA previously raised this matter in correspondence with DH earlier this year.

• PSA strongly made the point that the provision of Mental Health Services is mainly undertaken by Allied Health Professionals, who are the 'troops on the ground'. PSA reiterated that it considers that PSA members are classified inadequately against the classification criteria (the new Work Level Definitions in the 2006 Enterprise Agreement) and should be reviewed.

23 July 2007