Albury Wodonga Health chief executive Leigh McJames said changes in the organisation had improved staff satisfaction. Unacceptable levels of bullying and an unsustainable financial position have been a major focus of Albury Wodonga Health over the past year. The issues were revealed in the organisation’s 2016-17 annual report, released this week. It was reported in 2013 that 40 per cent of AWH staff experienced bullying, sparking an investigation into workplace culture. But three years later, in 2016, the situation had not changed enough. A report from chief executive Leigh McJames and board chair Nicola Melville said it was refreshing the 2016 “people matter survey” found staff were strongly committed to patient care. “However, it also indicated that a proportion of staff lacked confidence in senior management and some governance processes, such as recruitment,” they said. “It indicated that there was an unacceptable level of bullying in some areas. Management implemented a range of actions to address these issues focused on improving staff engagement and communication and strengthening leadership.” Over the next year, AWH restructured its People, Culture and Development Department with extra investment. The results of the 2017 people matter survey showed improvements of 2 to 10 per cent. The annual report also revealed the hospital recorded a loss of $2.5 million in 2016-17, but was on track for a break-even result next year. Hospitals were required to release the number of “occupational violence incidents” towards staff. AWH had the higher number with 305 incidents for the year across its locations, followed by Northeast Health Wangaratta with 62, Alpine Health with 36 and Beechworth Health with 35. AWH admitted occupational violence was under reported because staff faced barriers such as not having access to computers at the end of their shifts. “Occupational violence is an issue whereby a zero tolerance approach should be taken, yet Albury Wodonga Health employees report that there is a perceived failure by management to take responsive action when responding to such instances,” the report stated.
October 20, 2017
Swing Shift Nurses is facing a s.394 (Application for unfair dismissal remedy) before Commissioner Bissett in Court 5 & Conference Room D – level 6 in Melbourne (Tysoe).
October 20, 2017
An application by Australian Nursing and Midwifery Federation (s.459 – Application to extend the 30 day period in which industrial action is authorised by protected action ballot) will be heard by Deputy President Hamilton in Court 3 – level 6 in Melbourne at 10.15am.
October 20, 2017
St John of God Hawkesbury District Health Campus Ltd has had its St John of God Health Care Hawkesbury District Health Service and New South Wales Nurses and Midwives’ Association/ANMF NSW Branch Nursing and Midwifery Enterprise Agreement 2017 approved.
October 20, 2017
Nick Loudon and David Panter have been appointed to the LASA board.
October 20, 2017
An application for approval of the St Vincent’s Care Services (Victoria/Tasmania) ANMF Enterprise Agreement 2017 (s.185 – Application for approval of a single-enterprise agreement) will be determined by deputy president Kovacic in his Canberra chambers.
October 20, 2017
A nursing home embroiled in a police investigation into the alleged assault of an elderly resident has confirmed a male nurse has been stood down over the bashing claims. The northern-suburbs aged-care facility in Adelaide contacted police on October 1 after 70-year-old Lynette Lee accused a male nurse of allegedly attacking her with a cup of Milo. Ms Lee claims injuries to her hand and face, including a black eye, were sustained during the incident.
October 20, 2017
A s.185 (Enterprise agreement) application by Alliance Care Management as trustee for the Heritage Manor Aged Care Unit Trust T/A Trustee for the Heritage Manor Aged Care Unit Trust for its Alliance Care Management as trustee for the Heritage Manor Aged Care Unit Trust Health and Alliance Enterprise Agreement 2017 has been approved by Commissioner Harper-Greenwell in Melbourne on 19 October 2017.
