News Flash

On Friday 21 May 2010, PSA Senior Industrial Officer Dolly Costello attended the Department of Health Industrial Liaison Committee meeting. The following key agenda items were discussed.

SOUTH AUSTRALIAN HEALTH AND MEDICAL RESEARCH INSTITUTE

The new Research Institute is a public company employing people in it's own right.

The advertising for a Human Resource Manager is expected to commence shortly followed by the advertising of administration positions.

Discussion was held on the possibility of a Greenfields Enterprise Agreement.

PSA as the key stake holder with classification grouping will be consulted upon the commencement of the process.

MENTAL HEALTH REPORT

Intermediate Care
Construction on the 1st two intermediate care centres at Glenside and Noarlunga is continuing with an estimated completion date for July/August 2010.

The Queenstown site has commenced construction with an estimated completion date in January 2011. With a continuing search for an appropriate site in the North.

New Legislation
The new Mental Health Act commences on 1 July 2010. Training of staff has been undertaken with an additional session for authorised Health Professionals. Training is also being scheduled for Emergency Departments.

Modifications are taking place to information systems (CBIS). The Community Visitors scheme is also being established. Forms and statement of rights are currently under development to be trialled in early June. Work is also continuing on the establishment of the Office of the Chief Psychiatrist.

Forensic
The Government approved $19 million to upgrade James Nash House as well as providing an additional ten beds at that site. These 10 beds will come from the closure of ten beds at Glenside. The development will be completed in 2012.

Community Mental Health
The capital budget now is $34 million. It is expected that the 1st two centres, one at the GP Plus Centre at Marion and one in the East will be completed later this year. Marion GP Plus is up to the 3rd story of construction.

Support Accommodation
The Government approved funding of some $20.46 million. Approximately 64 houses in the community will be built and 20 units on Glenside site. Proposals for the 1st 20 houses are to be completed by September 2010 with most others to be completed through to March 2011.

Progress is being made on the Social Housing Project under the Commonwealth Government Economic Stimulus Package.

7 June 2010