On Friday 27th May 2005, 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 Chief Executive indicated that in his view the budget was good for hospitals. The Department of Health was not required to make administrative savings and therefore, PSA members would not be subjected to job cuts.

    The PSA expressed disappointment in both the primary health care and mental health budgets.  Mental health did receive a small increase to cover the costs of extending after hours care.  The PSA does not believe this will make any real difference to the numbers of mental health patients now in prison as a result of insufficient services and the lack of supported accommodation.  It is also unlikely to adequately address the needs of many in the community requiring mental health care.

2.    GENERATIONAL HEALTH REVIEW

    There are some initiatives about to be implemented arising from the Generational Health Review. Some will receive a substantial proportion of their funding from the Commonwealth.

        *           Primary Health Initiatives

        *           Transitional Care

        *           Hospital Avoidance programs - These will go beyond what is currently provided through domiciliary care programs.

3.    SHARED SERVICES

    Shared Services for Department of Health will take sometime to be established. Payroll Services is one area where there may be some initiatives introduced over the next few months. 

4.    COMMISSIONER'S STANDARDS

    The Chief Executive indicated that there would be no significant changes to  processes in the Department of Health as a result of delegations moving from the Commissioner for Public Employment to Chief Executives.  The Chief Executive will maintain the delegation in relation to the employment of Executives within Health, this delegation will not be delegated further.

5.    CODE OF CONDUCT

    The Chief Executive indicated that all staff have been provided with a copy of the revised Code of Conduct.  Staff are not required to sign the document.

6.    PAID MATERNITY LEAVE

    The PSA briefly discussed the introduction of 12 weeks paid maternity leave from the 5th May 2005.  The PSA will be consulted in relation to the development of a new policy to implement this paid leave.

7.    REVIEW OF PAYROLL IN HEALTH

    Sometime ago a review committee was established within health to review payroll services and put in place processes to ensure there were no delays in the payment of general wages increases.  The PSA received a draft ASO3 PID for consultation on the 26th May, as part of this review process.  It is anticipated that improved career structures within Payroll Services will assist in reducing staff turn over and maintaining skills in the area.


2 June 2005