News Flash

The PSA met with CYWHS Management representatives on Monday 30th August, 2010, regarding outsourcing of the Staff Counselling Service.  Management representatives advised that the outsourcing was a  result of the Department of Health Workforce Integration Project.  The Counselling Service currently provides counselling and organisational development (OD) services to staff. The OD component will go to Department of Health from 4th October, 2010, this will leave only 1 FTE to provide counselling services to staff.  They believe the current level of service can not be provided by 1 FTE.  The outside provider would provide a 24/7 service both on site if an appointment was made, and over the phone.  A team will be set up to look at the service needed by the hospital and which organisation would provide the most appropriate service.  The outsourced service will commence on the 4th October, 2010.

The PSA provided feedback from members including:

• No consultation.
• Provision of counselling by outside organisations is not working well in other hospitals.
• The need for a counselling service on site, that understands the culture of the organisation.
• The preventative work currently provided would not continue with an outside provider, which may escalate issues in the workplace.  Timely counselling has been shown to reduce workcover claims.
• If staff do not have on site access to counselling, or have to make an appointment they may not seek counselling when needed.
• Some incidents that occur are so serious staff require ongoing counselling. An outsourced service would only provide 4 sessions and then staff would have to pay for any further counselling.

The PSA asked if Management have or would consider other ways of providing the service in house for example an extra position to maintain the service or a mixed service, retaining the 1 FTE and the  the outside provider to fill in the gaps.  Management said that they only had 1 FTE funding and had to work within existing budgets. The Unions advised Management that the consultation period was not adequate and further information was required to enable proper  consultation with members.

 The PSA is concerned that Management are cutting positions. They have said it is not a savings exercise yet they are cutting an existing position. 
WCH Management are determined to outsource the counselling service. It is important that they are aware of the needs and concerns of the staff who utilise the service.  Members are encouraged to continue to advise the PSA of the effect this decision will have on them and to talk to other staff about letting us know what this means to them.  Please post your feedback and stories on the PSA's campaign site: www.doesntaddup.com.au This site has been established as part of the PSA's campaign to fight against cuts to public sector jobs and services.  Names and work locations will be kept confidential.

1 September 2010