On Wednesday, 27 August 2008 PSA Industrial Officer Dolly Costello together with Senior Industrial Officer Ian Peak attended the SA Health Unions consultative forum.

The following key agenda items were discussed.

WORKFORCE REFORM
A presentation on workforce reform initiatives was provided. National registration of health professionals and the changing workforce numbers were highlighted.

Local activities were discussed such as Workforce Reform Groups and the Workforce Innovation Fund, and the need for role redesign to re-organise work to better utilise staff and avoid duplication.

There will be a coordinated process for implementation of a role redesign process including evaluation.

SHARED SERVICES
PSA raised the transition of payroll, accounts payable and accounts receivable staff to Shared Services SA Department of Treasury and Finance. PSA members are extremely concerned at the loss of salary sacrifice and other conditions. Member are currently endorsing Industrial action which includes refusing to cooperate in relation to Shared Services Office requests. Until the Government responds positively to the PSA's demands, PSA remains in a dispute situation.

COUNTRY HEALTH CARE PLAN
The Premier and the Minister for Health have acknowledged that further work is required to be undertaken on the proposed Country Health Care Plan. A task force appointed by the Minister focusing on the key principles of the plan, and working with the CEO Country Health SA and Statewide Service Strategy, Department of Health was appointed to provide advice.

RESEARCH REFORM
On 1 May 2008 the Minister for Health announced the Government research strategy. A strategic consultative body consisting of researchers will have their initial meeting on 19 September 2008. There will be a three person research reform office for a two year period to establish research infrastructure, including the formation of the SA Health and Medical Research Institute which will be responsible for establishing governance and financial strategies for the Health and Medical Research Fund.

PSA/CPSU WORKING WITH MEMBERS ACROSS THE HEALTH PORTFOLIO