On Monday 29th November, Jan McMahon, General Secretary and Gayle Peak, Assistant Chief Industrial Officer met with Jim Birch, Chief Executive and Rod Bishop, Director Corporate Services.  The following issues were discussed:-

  1. HEALTH BUDGET

The Government continues to make commitments to the community that Health Services are a Government priority.  The Department of Health is hoping to achieve improvements in the budget that acknowledge the growth in demand for health services.

Ageing bio-medical equipment needs to be replaced and new equipment purchased.  This would improve the quality of services provided and in some instances may be cost effective in reducing needs for ongoing treatment.

The PSA stressed that it was clear more resources were required to address the crisis in Mental Health Services.

Hospital avoidance programs and primary health are priority projects for health.  In the long term, success in these areas should result in better health outcomes for South Australians with reduced demand for crital services.

  2.     PAYMENT OF THE 1ST OCTOBER WAGE INCREASE

Department of Health hope to have the increase paid to all Department of Health staff before Christmas.  As there are a number of significant payroll activities currently being worked through, it seems unlikely that the back-pay and penalty rate increases will be paid in December.

The PSA indicated concern that appropriate strategies to reduce staff turnover and increase the staffing in payroll areas had not been implemented successfully.  These measures would have ensured that there would not be delays in the payment of increases.

The PSA believe a payroll traineeship with a commitment to ongoing employment could provide part of the staffing solution for payroll areas in health.

  3.     GLENSIDE SECURITY

The final submission has not been received by the Chief Executive. However, some changes have already been implemented which address some of the concerns of staff.  Department of Health hopes to secure sufficient funding to implement all recommendations of the Review.

  4.     ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICERS ACCESS TO TRAINING AND DEVELOPMENT

The newly established Regional Industrial Relations Forums will discuss Training and Development initiatives.  The PSA has concerns that, despite commitments by management for training and development opportunities to be made available for administrative officers, in many areas they are refused access to training directly related to the performance of their duties.

The PSA expects to meet with the new Regional Chief Executives shortly to discuss outstanding issues.

  5.     WARD CLERKS

In many areas Ward Clerks are not provided with sufficient space to carry out their duties.

The PSA raised this issue and the Chief Executive indicated that this matter had been raised with him previously.  He indicated a willingness to establish a small group of Ward Clerks to provide some initial advice to project designers for the coming redevelopment at QEH.

This matter will also be taken up at the local level to determine if some local redesign work is possible.