Summary of Member Updates

MEMBER UPDATES

March

COVID-19 Update APA (NSW) were advised that NSWA call takers would be asking additional questions for potential COVID-19 cases. We highlighted the importance of following PPE instructions properly. Protecting our newest members APA (NSW) were made aware of instances where RPL Paramedic trainees were being given on-call duties in regional areas, going against education protocols set by NSWA. APA (NSW) demanded this practice cease immediately. Vehicle Movements

APA (NSW) stood against senseless requests for Paramedics to perform vehicle movements, as it impacted Paramedic and patient wellbeing and safety. APA (NSW) calls on the NSW Government to declare a State of Emergency We wrote to the NSW Government urging them to declare a State of Emergency for COVID-19 to better protect the health and safety of frontline health workers.

NSW Ambulance Wake Up! APA (NSW) are concerned about NSWA's proposal to introduce 250 Paramedic students into the workforce. It posed risks to Paramedics, students and patients. We raised our concerns repeatedly with NSWA.

April

Request to reschedule annual leave denied

APA (NSW) requested that NSWA allow Paramedics to reschedule annual leave to assist in bolstering the workforce to help our colleagues, and prevent us from sitting at home for weeks on end.

APA (NSW) calls for accommodation for all Paramedics

APA (NSW) pushed the NSW Government and Health Minister Hazzard to provide accommodation to Paramedics and our frontline colleagues if we have to isolate due to COVID-19.

Members win fight to keep allowance Our ACCO members successfully stopped NSWA from cutting an allowance they have been paid for over 30 years. Update on accommodation for frontline workers

After 3 weeks, we received information from the NSW Government on the accommodation. It is available to frontline health workers who have COVID-19 or are awaiting test results, those who live with vulnerable and high-risk family and those working extended hours with short shift changes. We have been told that access to accommodation should be sought through the NSWA public health team hotline on (02) 6118 7888

May

Major award case progress update APA (NSW) have been working hard to build a major award case by demonstrating how we have increased and improved service to our communities and added to the health system with expanded skills. Public Access Defibrillation (PAD) Program We were informed that NSWA had developed a PAD program without consultation. We are disappointed in the lack of transparency, and would like NSWA to provide more information to Paramedics

Protect your crib breaks We are being pushed to crib away for area coverage and crib on air, and we're still missing out on our breaks. We are urging members to claim our cribs on station as often as possible. Flu Vax for Paramedics

On 24 March, the NSW Government made a Public Health Order stating that all people entering or working at a Residential Aged Care Facility must be vaccinated with this year's flu shot. NSW Ambulance didn't inform staff that they had to be vaccinated by 1 May until 27 April.

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