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News Flash
MEETING
WITH HEALTH CHIEF EXECUTIVE.
PSA
officials met with the Chief Executive of Department of Health on
Friday 31st March 2006. The following issues were
discussed:-
1.
FEDERAL INDUSTRIAL RELATIONS CHANGES
All
Chief Executives maintaining employees' rights within the Health
portfolio are aware of the State Government's commitment. Consequently
there will be no alteration to the treatment of state
public sector workers despite the implementation of the Federal
Industrial Relations changes.
As
far as the State Government is concerned, employees in the Department
of Health will continue to have access to all conditions and
entitlements contained within the current Enterprise Agreements.
2.
COUNTRY REGIONS
Meetings
of the steering committee for the merging of country boards are
continuing. The most sensitive issue relates to the
likelihood
that some employees may be offered a change in their work
location.
The Chief Executive has assured the PSA that all relocations will be
on a voluntary basis. If staff do not wish to relocate there
position will be absorbed within their current location.
The
PSA is being consulted throughout this process. Principles
for
the transition of staff from one location to another are currently
being negotiated.
3.
MODBURY HOSPITAL
There
was an announcement by the State Government just prior to the recent
election that steps would be taken to bring Modbury Hospital back
into the public sector. Discussions have commenced with
Healthscope but no details have emerged at this time.
The
PSA indicated that it would be seeking a commitment from Government
that all services attached to the Modbury Hospital that were
outsourced at the time of the privatisation of Modbury would also be
re-established within the public sector.
Department
of Health intend to establish a specific Industrial Relations
Steering Committee to consult with unions and discuss issues arising
from the re-establishment of Modbury Hospital within the public
sector.
4.
ALLIED HEALTH
The
PSA have continued to raise concerns about the significant issues
facing Allied Health professionals in the public sector.
The
Chief Executive advised that the Department were well aware of the
issues and recognised that it would be important for workforce
research to be undertaken and strategies put in place to ensure South
Australia was able to provide quality Allied Health Professional
services.
5.
MENTAL HEALTH
There
are proposals for Allied Health staff to establish closer working
relationships with General Practitioners to ensure improved health
outcomes for mental health patients. This is part of a program for
improved co-ordination of mental health services.
6.
STAFF CAR PARK AT LYELL McEWIN HOSPITAL
The
PSA raised concerns that no progress was being made at the local
level in relation to security for the staff car park. The
Chief
Executive will look into the matter and ensure appropriate action is
taken, recognising the concern for staff if their vehicles were being
damaged whilst they were at work.
7. CHIEF
EXECUTIVE
The
Chief Executive confirmed that he has resigned. His
resignation
will take effect from the 14th July 2006.
If
you have any questions in relation to this information please contact
Gayle Peak, Assistant Chief Industrial Officer, on gp@cpsu.asn.au
CPSU/PSA
WORKING FOR YOU
7 April
2006
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