News Flash

The PSA was formally advised by Department of Education and Children's Services (DECS) of the proposal to develop a Statewide Paediatric Speech Pathology Service. The PSA had requested information, advice and consultation with Department of Health (DH) for Health members.

DH has now advised that in April 2009, the Inter Ministerial Council-Child Development agreed on the introduction of a single service system for Paediatric Speech Pathology Services for South Australia.

The decision was made in response to a speech pathology review conducted during 2007/2009.

The stated primary objectives are to ensure better access to services for children and a sustainable speech pathology workforce for the future.

Children Youth and Women's Health Service (CYWHS) has been charged with the task of managing the change process, which is to include the transfer of Department of Education and Children's Services(DECS)Speech Pathologists to SA Health.

A Project Management Group, comprising senior representatives from(DECS)
and all four Health Regions, has been working to draft a project plan to guide the transition.

A communication and consultation strategy is currently being developed to provide all affected staff with the opportunity to provide input into the development of a new service and staffing arrangements.

The PSA has advised the Department of Health, that it is concerned at the lack of consultation to date. The PSA will consult with members and raise any concerns on their behalf. The PSA does not accept that it is a “done deal” and there may be many issues that need to be clarified.

The report from the Inter Agency Speech Pathology Review is in the process of being finalised and is expected to be distributed shortly.

The structure of the new service and governance arrangements will be resolved as part of the analysis and design phases of the Project Plan.
The PSA was briefed by DECS senior staff on 16 September 2009. The PSA then attended a meeting on 21 September 2009 at which DECS Officials explained progress to date to DECS Speech Pathologist employees. A PSA meeting for DECS Speech Pathologist members was held at the PSA on Thursday 24 September 2009 at 4pm. Should Health members require a meeting of members or wish to be involved in future meetings with DECS members, please contact Dolly Costello.

The PSA as the union representing members in both Health SA and Department of Education and Children's Services will continue to be consulted throughout the project process.

25 September 2009