On Wednesday 25 June 2008, PSA Assistant Chief Industrial Officer Gayle Peak, together with Industrial Officer Dolly Costello met with Dr Tony Sherbon Chief Executive Officer Department of Health .

At that meeting Dr Sherbon advised the PSA that the Department of Health(DH) was required to find efficiencies and as such there may be a reduction of 10 to 20 positions.

Dr Sherbon said he would advise the PSA of the final figures as soon as possible.

The following information as now been provided from the Department of Health.

While the 2007-08 Savings Review was a comprehensive financial analysis of Divisional budgets it was not specifically targeted at staffing reductions to generate savings.

The majority of savings were identified in areas of reduced goods and services expenditure.

As part of the review it was identified that within some divisions there were consistently a number of vacancies,these vacancies tending to relate to the difficulty in recruiting and maintaining a full complement of staff.

Part of the savings allocated to these divisions related to a vacancy related factor, recognising the recurrent savings generated through carrying vacant positions.

The only savings identified as part of the review that specifically targeted positions related to the Director Clinical Systems position that was effectively absorbed within the newly created position of Chief Medical Officer, but this did not alter the total FTE.

In addition it was identified that as part of the redevelopment of the SA Cervix Screening back up record system there would be a potential savings of one position (ASO1) from 2009-10.

However, offsetting this is the fact that all savings identified through this review were redirected within the Department of Health and will be funding around an additional 25 positions, including the continuation of the Financial Management Improvement team, additional support within the Mental Health Unit and the creation of the Health Performance Council.

For enquiries contact PSA Industrial Officer Ms Dolly Costello on 8205 3244 or email: dlc@cpsu.asn.au

PSA/CPSU WORKING FOR MEMBERS IN HEALTH