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DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH INDUSTRIAL ARRANGEMENTS HUMAN INFLUENZA PANDEMIC PLANNING

On Friday 31 August 2007, PSA Acting Chief Industrial Officer Ian Peak together with Industrial Officer Dolly Costello, met with Patrick Smith, Manager Human Resources and Scott Christie, Senior HR Consultant, Department of Health to discuss the development of a draft policy for State Government health services on the key workforce issues that may arise in the event of an influenza pandemic in South Australia.

To avoid unnecessary concerns for health employees it will be important to have the industrial arrangements for an emergency situation negotiated and processes and entitlements clarified. For instance:

• The impact on sick leave should an employee be required to leave the workplace even though they may not be sick but have had contact with someone who is ill.

• Provisions for extended carer's leave.

• Employees unable to take required preventative medications or vaccinations.

• Working extended periods of overtime.

• Unable to attend work because of the fear of infection.

• Required to perform duties outside of normal requirements/job and person specification.

• Required to work outside of the normal place of work.

• Impact of the loss of other services which could affect an employee's capacity to attend work.

A further planning meeting is scheduled for Monday 24 September 2007.

For enquiries please contact Industrial Officer Dolly Costello on 8205 3244 or email: dlc@cpsu.asn.au.

PSA WORKING FOR MEMBERS ACROSS THE HEALTH PORTFOLIO

 
10 September 2007