The Lamp March 2015

lamp THE MAGAZINE OF THE NSW NURSES AND MIDWIVES’ ASSOCIATION

VOLUME 72 No.2 MARCH 2015

Vote to keep public hospitals out of private hands ELECTION ISSUES Print Post Approved: PP100007890

OUR JOURNEY INSURANCE STEPS UP

PENALTY RATES ATTACK

CONTENTS

CONTACTS NSW Nurses and Midwives’ Association For all membership enquiries and assistance, including Lamp subscriptions and change of address, contact our Sydney office.

Sydney Office 50 O’Dea Avenue, Waterloo NSW 2017 (all correspondence) T 8595 1234 (metro) 1300 367 962 (non-metro) F 9662 1414 E gensec@nswnma.asn.au W www.nswnma.asn.au

VOLUME 72 No.2 MARCH 2015

Hunter Office 8-14 Telford Street, Newcastle East NSW 2300 NSWNMA Communications Manager Janaki Chellam-Rajendra T 8595 1258

COVER STORY

12 | We have a responsibility to stand up for public health

NSWNMA members Adam Hyde EN and Tonya Wasley CNE PHOTOGRAPH: SHARON HICKEY

REGULARS

5 6 8 37 39 43 45 47 48 50

Editorial Your letters News in brief Ask Judith Social media Crossword Nursing research online Books Movies of the month Diary dates

RATIOS

20 | Ratios must be at heart of health debate

Our public health system is under attack and the state election on March 28 is a moment for nurses and midwives to stand up and defend it.

8 | Win a $750 travel voucher

Produced by Hester Communications T 9568 3148 Press Releases Send your press releases to: F 9662 1414 E gensec@nswnma.asn.au Editorial Committee • Brett Holmes, NSWNMA General Secretary • Judith Kiejda, NSWNMA Assistant General Secretary • Coral Levett, NSWNMA President • Peg Hibbert, Hornsby & Ku-Ring-Gai Hospital • Michelle Cashman, Long Jetty Continuing Care • Richard Noort, Justice Health

ADVERTISING

18 | New ad puts a price on health The NSWNMA’s new television ad featured Gosford RN Meg Pendrick speaking about the high cost of privatising our public health system.

WORKERS’ COMP

26 | Bowled by a bus – but our journey insurance steps up

The one bright spot in a time of pain and disruption for RN Sarah Burke was a decision to follow her mum’s advice and join the NSWNMA.

COMPETITION

For all editorial enquiries letters and diary dates T 8595 1234 E lamp@nswnma.asn.au M 50 O’Dea Avenue, Waterloo NSW 2017

PENALTY RATES

28 | Hands off our penalty rates!

Advertising Patricia Purcell T 8595 2139 or 0416 259 845 or F 9662 1414 E ppurcell@nswnma.asn.au Information and Records Management Centre To find archived articles from The Lamp, or to borrow from the NSWNMA nursing and health collection, contact: Jeannette Bromfield, Coordinator T 8595 2175 E gensec@nswnma.asn.au The Lamp ISSN: 0047-3936 General disclaimer The Lamp is the official magazine of the NSWNMA. Views expressed in articles are contributors’ own and not necessarily those of the NSWNMA. Statements of fact are believed to be true, but no legal responsibility is accepted for them. All material appearing in The Lamp is covered by copyright and may not be reproduced without prior written permission. The NSWNMA takes no responsibility for the advertising appearing herein and it does not necessarily endorse any products advertised.

Privacy Privacy statement: The NSWNMA collects personal information from members in order to perform our role of representing their industrial and professional interests. We place great emphasis on maintaining and enhancing the privacy and security of your personal information. Personal information is protected under law and can only be released to someone else where the law requires or where you give permission. If you have concerns about your personal information please contact the NSWNMA office.

If you are still not satisfied that your privacy is being maintained you can contact the Privacy Commission.

Subscriptions for 2015 Free to all Association members. Professional members can subscribe to the magazine at a reduced rate of $55.

Individuals $80, Institutions $135, Overseas $145.

National and state nursing unions have warned the federal government not to interfere with penalty rates.

THE LAMP MARCH 2015 | 3

A better way to care for patients with dementia in hospital Dementia causes progressive cognitive impairment, affecting memory, judgement, language and everyday tasks. Alzheimer’s disease is the most common type of dementia.

Dementia is a national health priority

50%

20% 20% of patients in hospital aged over 70 have dementia

>50% of patients in hospital aged over 90 have dementia

311,000+

550,000+

Australians have dementia

Australians will have dementia by 2030

Patients with dementia are at greater risk of harm

RIP Patients with Dementia are 2x more likely to experience falls, pressure injuries or infections in hospital...

6x more likely to develop delirium...

50%

2x more likely to die in hospital, and...

50% of dementia episodes go undetected in hospital

2x more likely to be readmitted to hospital

Not recognising dementia is a safety and quality issue

We can improve hospital care of patients with dementia

Be alert to delirium and the risk of harm to patients with dementia

Recognise and respond to patients with dementia

Provide safe and high-quality care tailored to the needs of patients with dementia

www.safetyandquality.gov.au/abetterwaytocare #BetterWayToCare

EDITORIAL

BY BRETT HOLMES GENERAL SECRETARY

The public are justifiably concerned about privatisation Two successive Queensland governments of different political persuasions have been given the same emphatic message by voters: we don’t want a bar of your privatisation agenda. Voters in New South Wales can exercise their choice to send the same message.

“We accept the private sector’s role as an alternative choice for consumers of health care.

However, we do not accept privatisation at the expense of public services.”

NSW Premier Mike Baird has made it clear in every announcement of new expenditure that every new piece of infrastructure, whether it be road, rail or upgrades to hospitals, will be contingent on the 99-year lease of 49 per cent of electricity distribution and wholesale, better known as the ‘poles and wires’.

When it comes to new hospitals the Premier is very clear that by ‘more and better’ hospitals and health services he means via the private sector.

Over the past year both the Abbott and Baird governments have launched startling attacks on our public health system, with the proposed introduction of ‘user pays’ measures to Medicare and the privatisation of public hospitals and health services.

These changes were never put to the electorate before an election and are deeply unpopular.

Economist John Quiggin has eloquently explained why this is so: “Public opposition to privatisation isn’t the result of fear of the unknown or misunderstanding of the arguments. Rather it is the product of decades of experience. Far from producing lean, innovative and customer-focused organisations, privatisation and corporatisation have given us bloated and overpaid management, higher prices and customer service that ranges from limited to appalling.”

NSWNMA research confirms this analysis. The public shares the Association’s grave concerns about the roll back of Medicare and the privatisation of public hospitals.

The NSWNMA intends to vigorously defend our public health system. We have never backed down from a fight when we think safe patient care is at risk. We accept the private sector’s role as an alternative choice for consumers of health care. However, we do not accept privatisation at the expense of public services.

We recently produced a TV commercial highlighting our concerns about the broad privatisation agenda we are seeing in health and the inflationary impact this will have on overall costs in the system. We are concerned about the incremental and ongoing erosion of public health services in a

wide range of areas in NSW, and nationally, that has been occurring for many years and has been accelerating recently.

Publicly-funded universal healthcare insurance contains overall costs in the system. We believe that every possible taxpayer dollar devoted to health care should be for the delivery of health, not the benefit of corporate shareholders. We make no apology for seeking to make the general public aware of this, particularly in the run up to an election occurring in the context of a high level of interest in the issue of privatisation.

Our use of the example of the United States, the most heavily privatised, least equitable and most expensive healthcare system in the OECD, to illustrate our concerns, is perfectly legitimate. We need to look beyond the short-term political horizon to point out what is at risk.

We are deeply committed to maintaining the public hospital system because we believe that access to high quality care is a fundamental right for every Australian, that the system should be organised in the most efficient manner and that, in a mixed public/private system, it is crucial that the size and strength of the public system is maintained in order to contain inflation of costs.

Australia’s public health system is at a crossroads. The dismantling of Medicare and the handing over of our public hospitals and services to profit-seeking corporations is well under way.

Members can make up their own minds as to whose interest is best served by privatisation.

Your vote counts in the federal Australian Nursing and Midwifery Federation election As members of the NSWNMA you are also members of the Australian Nursing and Midwifery Federation and will have received a ballot for the positions of Federal Secretary and Federal President.

These are important positions, giving our members a voice at a national level. In these particularly difficult times for unions my vote will be cast in favour of the experienced leadership of Lee Thomas for Federal Secretary and Sally-Anne Jones to take the role of Federal President.

I urge you to cast your vote in this election.

THE LAMP MARCH 2015 | 5

YOUR LETTERS

L ET T ER OF T H E M ONT H

Civilised society does not profit from the ill The very nature of healthcare makes it unprofitable in a civilised society, as the most seriously ill are also the most vulnerable and desperate, needing expensive care and yet unable to earn money while being so ill.

I have worked for the past 25 years in neonatal intensive care, an area where the patients themselves are babies, unable to earn money at all. No private hospital offers the high acuity neonatal care we have in the big public hospitals, as it is too expensive and unprofitable.

So what happens to this area of care if the system is privatised? Will we deny these babies a chance of life?

Will their parents be paying the bill for the rest of their lives? Or will their chance of life depend on how wealthy their parents are?

This is not a society I wish to live in.

Suzette Riva RN, Berowra

ANMF ELECTION IMPORTANT VOTING INFORMATION Members of the Australian Nursing and Midwifery Federation are voting to choose their Federal Secretary and Federal President.

HAVE YOUR SAY ON THE FUTURE OF YOUR UNION. Ballot papers are mailed to your home.

Voting starts on 27 February and finishes on 13 March.

Letterr of the month The letter judged j g the b best each month will win a $50 $ Coles Grou up & Myer gift card!

unionshopper pp r.com.au .

1300 368 117

6 | THE LAMP MARCH 2015

Alcohol restrictions must stay Below are excerpts from a letter I sent to my local MP, regarding the Baird government’s early review of the alcohol restrictions we fought so hard to have put in place. I urge other nurses to write to their local MP before the election.

I am extremely concerned about the significant harm caused by alcohol in my community. Each day in NSW 66 people are assaulted, 142 are hospitalised and three die because of alcohol. We have two nurses and two police officers in our family and we see this firsthand. My daughter-in-law, an expolice officer, was assaulted while on duty, by a person fuelled by alcohol. This left her with a permanent disability and she was forced to medically retire from a profession she loved and was good at. This preventable human toll is unacceptable, antisocial and frankly disgusting.

During the 2015 NSW election I am asking you as my local member to make sure preventing alcohol harm is a priority.

We know the current alcohol restrictions are working. The police, paramedics, doctors and nurses, who are faced with the terrors of alcohol-fuelled assaults every day, say they’ve seen a marked decrease in violent assaults. We also know we can’t afford to have the measures reversed. In fact, what we need to see is an increase in their coverage, so that other areas impacted by the scourge of alcohol-related violence get the protection they deserve.

The Premier Mike Baird stated in a letter to the Last Drinks Coalition that he would “take convincing that the lockout measures should be changed but will examine all evidence.�

I would urge him to work alongside an ED nurse or doctor, paramedic or police officer one night when he is examining that evidence.

The high use of alcohol and its consequential antisocial behaviour is embarrassing and harmful. I cannot think of one reason there is any need for society to go out drinking to excess and get so fuelled up that they become violent, selfish, antisocial and irresponsible. Is this how we want the world to see us, as a violent drinking nation who can’t control themselves? If individuals are unable to put in place their own restrictions, then it is up to the government of the day to do this.

There is no better example than the introduction of Random Breath Testing. Prior to this we thought nothing of getting tanked up and operating a lethal weapon on the road. This was part of our culture in the 60s and 70s, as are ridiculously long opening hours and alcohol-fuelled violence today.

One more harm from alcohol in my community is one too many.

I urge your government to expand and extend the restrictions already in place.

Angela Pridham RN mental health, Kiama

YOUR LETTERS

Heritage precinct compromised I work part time in the private hospital sector and volunteer for a number of community groups. On behalf of the North Parramatta Residents Action Group I would like to draw attention to a proposal currently before the Department of Planning and Environment for the “largest residential infill of a heritage precinct” in New South Wales.

The site is Crown Land, out of sight and generally off limits to the public, being leased primarily by the Department of Health – currently home to Cumberland Hospital.

No other site in Australia to my knowledge has seen nearly 200 years of continuous institutional use that reflects our changing attitudes to welfare, incarceration, mental health, social and moral values. In particular the site contains: — Francis Greenway-designed sandstone buildings of the Parramatta Female Factory Precinct (1818) — Australia’s first dedicated children’s hospital, Bethel House (1862) — Parramatta Mental Asylum (1855) The North Parramatta Residents Action Group calls on the Minister for Planning, Pru Goward, to put the brakes on this project to allow more time for independent expert assessment and broader genuine consultation.

Inara Molinari RN, Granville

Rights for second-hand smoke sufferers Here’s a reminder to Justice Health nurses and their families that they can claim workers compensation for exposure to second hand-smoke causing cancer, death and other health effects.

We have an election coming up so it’s timely to remind members who work in the prisons system to contact the Association’s solicitors, New Law, if they are exposed to second hand smoke and develop health issues. There are already legal cases established where non-smoking staff have won in court.

I refer to October 2001, when the legal case of Marlene Sharp v Port Kembla Hotel and Port Kembla RSL Club emphasised the danger of prolonged exposure to second-hand smoke in the workplace. This case marked the first time a court of law concluded that cancer of the larynx was associated with passive smoking in the workplace (NSW Cancer Council).

Since leaving Justice Health I have conducted a great deal of research into the prison smoking issue and the news is not good. Documents obtained under Freedom of Information legislation prove that Corrective Services was aware in 2004 that their staff and nurses were exposed to high levels of second hand smoke causing cancer.

In 2013/14 Corrective Services made $6.6 million on-selling tobacco products to inmates. The current Liberal-National government has been informed by me and is aware of the failure of Corrective Services to obey the law. To date they refuse to direct Corrective Services NSW to advise members of the risks and work health and safety (WHS) options.

However my lobbying has paid off and the NSW prison system will be going smoke-free in 2015.

There are a lot of questions that still need to be asked, as to why a government department failed in their duty of care and sold products to inmates that contributed to health issues and deaths of inmates, staff and visitors.

I hope you can inform the membership of their rights under WHS laws.

Anthony G Craig RN, Lithgow

What ratio paperwork-to-nursing?

While it is great there is so much focus on staff-to-patient ratios, has it ever been considered to look at nursing paperwork to help with this?

Look at the increase in paperwork. Some bright sparks have come up with a six-page care plan and a six-page wound care chart.Has anyone stopped to think how much time is involved in attending to these charts on a daily basis?

To complete these charts effectively, attend to basic activities of daily living, attend to admissions and discharges, not to mention any other incidents during an eight-hour shift, the time spent on these charts has interrupted many valuable nursing hours and hands-on care. There is no longer any one-to-one contact, as it appears all time is utilised on paper instead.

Surely simplifying the amount of paper pushing will help with ratios and staffing levels, which appear to be an agenda every month in The Lamp?

If a question was to be asked: simple, straightforward paperwork versus nursing care, I wonder which would come out on top?

Amanda Feld RN, Ballina DVD prize surprise I would like to say thank you for my prize (a DVD of Begin Again, rural member giveaway The Lamp December/January).

The day the DVD arrived had been a very stressful, busy shift at work, caring for eight medical patients, three bedbound, and a first year student RN on placement with me.

So what a good surprise to come home to this arrival in the mail. That made my day.

Thank you very much.

Janelle Ussher RN/RM, Macksville Books are a winner Wow! What a surprise to receive a bundle of books from your competition (Holiday Reading Christmas giveway The Lamp December/January).

Thank you very much. I am enjoying the stories and have left a couple of the books in the medical unit’s staff room for others to enjoy.

Kerry Greyling RN, Coffs Harbour

THE LAMP MARCH 2015 | 7

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Cooking the country The CSIRO and the Bureau of Meteorology have warned Australian hospitals to prepare for a future of higher temperatures.

The two organisations released a joint report showing that Australia is on track for a projected temperature rise of more than 5°C by the end of the century. The projection – based on 40 global climate models – gives the most robust picture yet of how Australia’s climate will change.

The report states there is “very high confidence” that temperatures will rise across Australia throughout the century, with the average annual temperature set to be up to 1.3°C warmer in 2030, compared with the average experienced between 1986 and 2005.

Temperature projections for the end of the century depend on how deeply greenhouse gas emissions are cut.

The world is tracking at the higher emissions scenario, meaning a temperature increase of between 2.8°C and 5.1°C in Australia by 2090.

According to the report the “business-as-usual” approach to burning fossil fuels is set to heat Australia more than the rest of the world, which will average a temperature increase of 2.6°C to 4.8°C by 2090.

Kevin Hennessy, a principal research scientist at the CSIRO, told Guardian Australia the CSIRO and the Bureau of Meteorology had greater confidence than ever in their forecasts of Australia’s climate.

“Warming of 4°C to 5°C would have a very significant effect,” he said. “There would be increases in extremely high temperatures, much less snow, more intense rainfall, more fires and rapid sea level rises.

“The situation is looking grim for the Great Barrier Reef unless we can significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions.”

Hennessy says Australia should prepare for this altered climate by ensuring hospitals, transport infrastructure, construction codes and fire planning all consider the impact of rising temperatures.

NEWS IN BRIEF

Britain

Arms manufacturers target NHS contracts Analysis by the NHS Support Federation, an independent campaign group, reveals that companies such as Bupa, Virgin Care and Care UK have so far won a total of 131 contracts worth a combined £2.6bn to provide NHS services, since the Health and Social Care Act came into force in April 2013. The act dramatically extends the compulsory tendering of NHS services.

Researchers tracking the awarding of NHS contracts say that if the private sector continues its 50 per cent win rate, it will earn a potential £6.6bn more of the £13bn worth of other contracts that are yet to be awarded.

That would result in private firms earning £9.2bn as a direct result of legislative changes.

Privatisation of the British public health sector is so lucrative that even security firm G4S and arms manufacturer Lockheed Martin are bidding for a £1bn, 10-year NHS England contract to provide support services to local GP-led clinical commissioning groups.

Australia

Newman pays price for gutting health

QNU election campaign TV ads

The electoral tsunami that pulverised Queensland’s LNP government has been widely attributed to its attack on public sector jobs and the privatisation of public assets.

Late last year Queensland Health advised the Queensland Nurses Union (QNU) that they had cut 4820 Full Time Equivalent (FTE) hospital and health service jobs, including 1800 FTE nursing and midwifery positions, since 2012.

Departments that were affected included child and adolescent mental health services, emergency, intensive care, oncology, neonatal intensive care for premature babies, Indigenous health, surgery and transplant services.

Axed services included formerly state-run aged care facilities, the downgrading of the formerly state-wide Tuberculosis Control Centre, the removal of school health nurses in at-risk areas, the downgrading of community midwifery services for at-risk mothers, palliative health services, community cardiac care services and Indigenous health services throughout the state.

During the election campaign the QNU ran TV ads that highlighted the negative impacts understaffing has had on patients, nurses and midwives throughout the state.

QNU secretary Beth Mohle said the ads provided nurses with a muchneeded and safe forum to voice their concerns.

“In late 2014, Queensland Health told us that close to 5000 hospital and health jobs had been cut statewide,’’ she said. “The nurses and midwives that remained experienced anxiety and burn out due to fears for patient safety and an inability to have their opinions heard or acted on by the Newman administration.”

THE LAMP MARCH 2015 | 9

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NEWS IN BRIEF

World

What's On ;O`QV #

>`OQbWQOZ >]aWbWdS EOga W\ ;O\OUW\U Ab`Saa O\R 0c`\]cb â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 1 Day 30 March, Parramatta Members $85

Non-members $170

>`OQbWQOZ >]aWbWdS :SORS`aVW^ AS`WSa â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 4 Days 13 April, 11 May, 10 June, 6 July NSWNMA, Waterloo A 4 day workshop speciďŹ cally designed to meet the leadership needs of nurses and midwives.

Members $340

Non-members $600

>`OQbWQOZ >]aWbWdS :SORS`aVW^ T]` bVS /USR 1O`S BSO[ AS`WSa â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 4 Days 29 April, 27 May, 24 June, 22 July NSWNMA, Waterloo A 4 day workshop speciďŹ cally designed to meet the leadership needs of nurses working in aged care.

Members $320

Non-members $540

:SUOZ O\R >`]TSaaW]\OZ 7aacSa T]` <c`aSa O\R ;WReWdSa â&#x20AC;&#x201C; ½ Day 30 April, Gymea 4 June, Armidale Topics covered include the Health Practitioner Regulation National Law, potential liability, importance of documentation, role of disciplinary tribunals and writing statements.

Members $40

Non-members $85

/`S g]c [SSbW\U g]c` 1>2 `S_cW`S[S\ba- â&#x20AC;&#x201C; ½ Day 6 May, NSWNMA, Waterloo 3 June, Armidale Seminar is suitable for all nurses and midwives to learn about CPD requirements and whatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s involved in the process.

Members $40

Non-members $85

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Public more efficient than private Funding universal public healthcare systems through general taxation is more efficient, creates better health outcomes and is more equitable than the private alternatives, according to research by Public Services International (PSI).

Comparisons of health spending at the national level show that those countries with higher private spending on health, spend more money and achieve worse results in key national health indicators.

Countries such as the UK and Sweden spend less than 10 per cent of GDP on health care, of which more than 80 per cent is public expenditure. By comparison the USA spends almost 18 per cent of GDP on health care, of which less than 50 per cent is public expenditure, but has lower life expectancy and higher infant mortality rates.

PSI says the reasons for the efficiency and effectiveness of public health are simple: administrative costs of public insurers are routinely and dramatically lower than private insurers.

Public systems, with a single payer system in the form of a government or state-run agency, produce efficiencies of scale and are better able to control costs.

Public systems better control over-servicing and ensure the most appropriate form of treatment.

Several studies show that the incentive structure in private systems distorts the types of treatments provided towards those that are more profitable for the provider, even where they are less appropriate and more costly.

Studies of US healthcare provision show that most of the $750 billion spent annually in inefficiencies come from unnecessary services ($210 billion), excessive administrative costs ($190 billion) and inefficient delivery of care ($130 billion).

Private providers also pay more to borrow, exploding the myth that they bring more and cheaper financing to health care.

NEWS IN BRIEF

Britain

Labour vows to reverse NHS attacks The British Labour Party has staked its ground on health in an election year, with a promise to hire 36,000 more staff, repeal privatisation laws and recruit an extra 5000 care workers.

Labour leader Ed Miliband (right) said: “One of the country’s most precious institutions faces its most perilous moments in a generation.

The future of our NHS is at stake in this general election.

“There is no country that runs a world-class national healthcare service with public spending as low as a proportion of GDP as proposed in 2019-20 by the (Conservative) government.”

Labour has already announced an extra £2.5bn each year in health funding in its health policy.

In a pledge made outside the first NHS hospital in Trafford, Manchester, Miliband promised to invest in 20,000 more nurses, 8000 more GPs, 3000 more midwives and 5000 new care workers working within the NHS, reported the Guardian.

Australia

United States

No truth to high wages/low productivity

Patients resort to crowdfunding to pay

A new report by the Fair Work Commission shows there is no evidence to support the need for a Productivity Commission inquiry into workplace relations says the ACTU. The Australian Workplace Relations Study was one of the most significant studies of Australian workplace relations in 20 years, involving 3000 businesses and 8000 employees.

ACTU President Ged Kearney said the study provided hard evidence that claims by the Abbott government and employers about high wages and low productivity were not true.

“Wages account for only a minor part of sales and services revenue for 90 per cent of businesses,” she said.

“It’s simply not true for employers to claim they can’t afford to open on weekends or public holidays because of penalty rates.”

Ged Kearney says labour productivity has also remained steady or improved for 85 per cent of Australian businesses.

“Australians are productive and working hard yet employers and the Abbott government are obsessed with driving down wages and are trying to use the Productivity Commission inquiry to do so.

“This study shows quite clearly that the Productivity Commission inquiry and the Abbott government’s four industrial relations bills are part of an ideological agenda, not based on fact.”

The exorbitant cost of healthcare has seen many Americans turn to crowdfunding sites to help pay their unexpected out-of-pocket health care costs.

The New York Times reported that “crowdfunding powerhouse” Indiegogo had stepped into the personal crowdfunding arena with its introduction of Indiegogo Life, which included medical fund-raising.

Sites like GiveForward, GoFundMe and Fundly have devoted sections to health expenses, including for specific diseases like cancer. On these sites people are posting requests for donations to pay for funerals, out-of-pocket medical expenses and nursing home care.

The Chicago-based GiveForward has helped raise $149 million for crowdfunding campaigns since 2008, Ethan Austin, the organisation’s president and co-founder told the NYT. Most of the money goes to meet unexpected medical expenses, he said.

“No one should have to go through a difficult illness alone,” he said. “Five years ago, no one would have crowdfunded expenses … But there’s a tidal shift coming as health care expenses rise.”

One patient told the NYT of her discomfort at asking for money.

“You’re laying out your dirt online,” said 76-year-old Marguerite Pataki. “And it’s humiliating.”

Britain

Not happy nurses Nurses are among the unhappiest of British workers when it comes to pay, according to a new survey by online jobs site Adzuna.

Adzuna found that Britain’s unhappiest workers were in the public sector, alongside workers in hospitality and retail. These sectors have had minimal wage growth under the Conservative government and are beset by zero hour contracts.

More than half (51%) of those surveyed who worked in healthcare and nursing expressed dissatisfaction with their pay. There has been a zero per cent increase in pay in healthcare and nursing in the past 12 months.

THE LAMP MARCH 2015 | 11

COVER STORY

STATE ELECTION 2015

PUBLIC HEALTH UNDER ATTACK — ELECTION 2015

We have a responsibility to stand up for public health Our public health system is under attack and the state election on March 28 is a moment for nurses and midwives to stand up and defend it.

“We have never backed down from a fight particularly where the delivery of safe patient care is concerned.”

“If nurses and midwives don’t stand up for Medicare and public hospitals, who will?”

— Judith Kiejda

— Judith Kiejda

THE PAST 12 MONTHS HAVE NOT BEEN kind to our public health system and nurses and midwives can’t sit on their hands and allow it to be taken apart, says NSWNMA Assistant General Secretary Judith Kiejda.

“The attacks on Medicare since last year’s horror federal budget, plus the Baird government’s agenda of privatisating public hospitals and health services have been a shock.

“The introduction of co-payments, massive cuts in the federal government’s share of health funding, cuts to preventative health and the abolition of important health bodies represent an aggressive assault by the Abbott government on Medicare,” she said.

12 | THE LAMP MARCH 2015

But, dismantling Medicare is only part of the puzzle Judith says.

“The entry of private insurers into primary care and the privatisation of public hospitals is the straw that will break the camel’s back.

“In New South Wales the Baird government has clearly flagged its intention to give over new public hospitals to the private sector.

“The NSWNMA has no doubt this dismantling of Medicare and the privatisation of public hospitals is taking us down the road to an Americanised health system in which patients will inevitably pay more and nurses and midwives will struggle to give the care they want.”

WE HAVE A RESPONSIBILITY Judith says it is easy to be overwhelmed by the size of the task in stopping these political attacks, but we should take inspiration from our colleagues in Queensland.

“The Queensland Nurses Union fought hard against the vicious attacks of the Newman government over many years and their perseverance paid off.

“Privatisation became a dirty word in Queensland and the government finally paid the ultimate price for its commitment to selling off public assets including public hospitals.

“In New South Wales we have never backed down from a fight, particularly where the delivery of safe patient care is concerned.

“We don’t intend to stand by and allow this government to privatise public hospitals and services. We don’t want to end up with a public health system in New South Wales where patients pay more and corporate shareholders make profits from taxpayer-funded services.

“This state election we want you to get involved in this fight for the interests of our patients and to defend our public hospitals “If nurses and midwives don’t stand up for Medicare and public hospitals, who will?”

Let’s make this election all about health NSWNMA General Secretary Brett Holmes says there is nothing like an election to focus the minds of politicians.

“Research conducted by the NSWNMA shows that the community shares our concerns about the future of our public health system.

“The public recognises that Medicare and public hospitals and health services are an important part of the fabric of Australian society that not only give the community world class health outcomes, but protect them from the high costs of a user pays health system like America’s.

“In the past two Queensland elections privatisation has been the defining issue that saw first a Labor government and then a Liberal-National Party government turfed from office because of their agendas of privatising public assets, including public hospitals. Our colleagues in the Queensland Nurses Union played an important role in mobilising the public against these attacks.

“We can make a difference in New South Wales too.”

During this election campaign the NSWNMA will be working hard to ensure issues of critical importance to our public health and aged care sectors are put to the public for consideration when they exercise their democratic choice.

Visit our campaign website The NSWNMA has set up a campaign website for members and the public called Patients Before Profits (http://patientsbeforeprofits.org.au) where you can: Register support for the campaign and share your thoughts on the Americanisation of our health system.

Send an email letter to your MP. Write a letter to your local newspaper.

Sign up to receive campaign updates.

Download numerous resources including fact sheets about the privatisation of the new Northern Beaches Hospital and other hospitals like Byron Bay and Maitland.

Watch our Patients Before Profits TV ad and other videos on the privatisation of hospitals.

THE LAMP MARCH 2015 | 13

COVER STORY

STATE ELECTION 2015

Taking our message to the community Members Tonya Wasley and Adam Hyde have committed to door knocking in their neighbourhoods during the state election because of their concerns about the direction being taken in public health in New South Wales.

“WITH THE STATE ELECTION COMING UP in the next couple of weeks we are door knocking because we want people to be aware that this hospital on the Northern Beaches, that we have been waiting for forever, will be a public hospital with a private operator. That is a concern,” said Tonya Wasley, a CNE at Manly Hospital.

“The government is opening a new 14 | THE LAMP MARCH 2015

hospital, which we are excited about, but what we are not excited about is that it is going to be a public hospital with a private operator. We’re raising community awareness and seeing what everybody thinks about that.”

Tonya says although the government insists nothing will change with a privately operated public hospital, it is hard to believe that the hard fought for working

conditions in NSW’s public hospitals will not be affected by a transfer to a private operator.

“In a public hospital we have nurseto-patient ratios – it probably won’t be like that with a private operator. They won’t have to follow the same sorts of rules that we have to in a public hospital.That’s why we want to keep the new Northern Beaches hospital public,” she said.

6 Above: Doorknocking is fun! Below: Adam takes a selfie to upload on our website.

things you can do to make a difference this election

1

Talk to your friends, family, neighbors and workmates about what the Abbott and Baird governments are doing to Medicare and our public hospitals.

2 3

Use social media to get our message out about defending public health.

4 5

Visit our campaign website and get involved in our campaign: www.patients-beforeprofits.org.au

6

Vote to protect our public health system.

Email five people and ask them to watch our TV ad online and share the link with five more people: www.patients-beforeprofits.org.au

Door knock and letterbox your neighbourhood and let the community hear what is happening to our hospitals from the perspective of nurses and midwives.

Three good reasons to go door knocking 1. It’s fun! 2. It’s safe – always go out in pairs. 3. The community trusts us – nurses and midwives are respected and the community wants to hear our perspective on what’s happening in the health system.

If you live in the Northern Beaches, Maitland or Byron Bay areas and you want to be part of a conversation with the community on privatisation, contact your organiser at the NSWNMA or Matt Byrne 0428 267 119 or mattbyrne@nswnma.asn.au.

If you live in another electorate in the state and you want to talk to the community about our important issues – privatisation or our on-going professional issues like ratios or RNs in aged care campaigns – you can get involved through Unions NSW. Go to the Unions NSW website www.unionsnsw.org.au/ and click on Get Involved.

IT’S IMPORTANT NURSES AND MIDWIVES SHARE THEIR VIEW Adam Hyde, an EN at Mona Vale Hospital, says nurses and midwives can make a difference and help defend public health if they engage with the community.

“I think it is important for nurses to get out there and talk to people because

nurses are the public face of healthcare, that the public get to see and interact with on a daily basis.

“It’s important for us to get out there and share our message about the privatisation of our public hospital.We need to raise awareness and keep everyone informed,” he said.

Tonya agrees nurses and midwives

can make a difference if they act.

“We need to let our MPs know that we’re not happy about this. If we do voice our opinion now, maybe we’ll have a chance of keeping the Northern Beaches hospital public.

“If we say nothing it is going to be a privatised hospital and we as a community are going to miss out.”

THE LAMP MARCH 2015 | 15

PATIENTS BEFORE PROFITS

STATE ELECTION 2015

No mandate for privatising public health A major shift in public health policy has been undertaken by the state Liberal National government without public debate or consultation.

Although the NSW Liberal and National parties did not go to the last election with a program to privatise any of our public hospitals or health services, an agenda of privatising public health services soon became apparent after they won office. This has been a major shift in public health policy, undertaken without consultation with the people of New South Wales. So far, the major announcements have been:

NORTHERN BEACHES HOSPITAL Minister for Health Jillian Skinner announced that the private sector would design, construct, operate and maintain a public hospital on Sydney’s northern beaches.

The new Northern Beaches Hospital is to take over acute services relocated from Mona Vale and Manly hospitals.

The contract for the new hospital has been given to Healthscope.

ADHC The privatisation of Ageing, Disability and Home Care affecting 14,000 jobs including 1200 nurse positions, is one of the state’s largest privatisations.

MENTAL HEALTH SERVICES Minister for Mental Health Kevin Humphries announced that pilot mental health services would be put out to tender to private companies and the nongovernment sector to deliver mental health, physical health and drug and alcohol support.

PALLIATIVE CARE Minister for health Jillian Skinner announced that palliative care services in the local health districts of Central Coast, Northern Sydney, South Eastern Sydney, Western NSW, Murrumbidgee, Southern NSW and Far West would be given to a private consortium made up of Hammond Care, Sacred Heart and Calvary Health Care.

Silver Chain Group would be given palliative care services in the LHDs of South Western Sydney, Nepean Blue Mountains, Western Sydney, Sydney and Illawarra/Shoalhaven.

PRIVATISATIONS TO COME The government has refused to rule out privatisation of the new hospital at Maitland-Lower Hunter.

The government has put out contracts to provide private day surgery for gynaecological, orthopaedic, colonoscopy and endoscopy services at the new Byron Central Hospital.

The government is privatising the x-ray unit at Kempsey District Hospital.

16 | THE LAMP MARCH 2015

Port Macquarie — the folly of privatising a public hospital When Port Macquarie Base Hospital (PMBH) was run by a private entity, costs were 20 per cent higher than those in similar public hospitals.

Performance indicators between PMBH and public hospitals showed elective surgery waiting times were double the state average and it was the state’s worst performing public hospital .

Port Macquarie Base Hospital had the state’s largest number of patients with waiting times longer than a year .

The state auditor-general cited the hospital as an example of the public sector being left to shoulder burden and risk, saying: “The government is, in effect, paying for the hospital twice and giving it away.”

“The Port Macquarie privatisation experiment was bad for everyone. The people of the Northern Beaches have a lot to be worried about.”

— Lynda Binskin CNS, Port Macquarie Base Hospital

Private failures in Australia’s public hospitals

PORT MACQUARIE BASE HOSPITAL in New South Wales, La Trobe Regional Hospital in Victoria, and Queensland’s St Vincent’s Hospital at Robina all had to be bought back by state governments at taxpayers’ expense, following mismanagement by private operators.

A West Australian parliamentary committee confirmed that the FIONA STANLEY HOSPITAL in Perth, operated

by SERCO, is already $330 million over budget. The WA state government has stripped SERCO of providing clinical services and these services will revert back to the WA Department of Health.

The Queensland NationalLiberal government back flipped on a decision to privatise the SUNSHINE COAST UNIVERSITY HOSPITAL after admitting “the private sector can’t match the public service on cost”.

What politicians have to say “I will support partnering with the private sector if we can deliver better facilities, improved services and great outcomes for the community. That’s what I believe in.”

— NSW Premier Mike Baird “This is the next step towards state governments abandoning responsibility for quality hospitals and handing the sick and injured over to profit-driven corporations. Northern Beaches Hospital is a frightening blueprint for the next generation of hospitals. The Greens are calling for the NSW government to abandon the privatisation of public hospitals.”

— Dr John Kaye, Greens health spokesperson “The Liberals and Nationals have an ideological obsession with privatisation and selling off public assets. Sadly, once public assets like electricity or public hospitals are privatised they are gone forever and out of the community’s control. When it comes to health, the Liberals and Nationals put profits before patients.”

— Walt Secord, ALP Shadow Minister for Health

“Northern Beaches Hospital is a frightening blueprint for the next generation of hospitals.”

What the experts say “Public opposition to privatisation isn’t the result of fear of the unknown or misunderstanding of the arguments. Rather it is the product of decades of experience. Far from producing lean, innovative and customer-focused organisations, privatisation and corporatisation have given us bloated and overpaid management, higher prices and customer service that ranges from limited to appalling.”

— Professor John Quiggin, economist, University of Queensland “Despite the naïve and optimistic views expressed in the enthusiastic initial public announcements of public-private partnerships, they are not magic puddings. It is not clear that private sector management necessarily leads to greater efficiency in hospital delivery.”

— Dr Stephen Duckett, Health Program Director, Grattan Institute “It seems some people here [in Australia] would like to emulate the American model. I don’t understand the logic. Your outcome per dollar is probably the best or one of the best. Your equality of access is one of the best. Why would anybody try to make your system like the American system? The US is at the bottom.”

— Professor Joseph Stiglitz, winner Nobel Prize for economics.

THE LAMP MARCH 2015 | 17

ADVERTISING

STATE ELECTION 2015

New ad puts a price on health The NSWNMA’s new television ad in the lead up to the March 28 state election featured Gosford RN Meg Pendrick speaking about the high cost of privatising our public health system.

THE TELEVISION AD, WHICH AIRED ACROSS the state, illustrated the high stakes – and high prices – involved in taking our health system down the path to become an American-style health system.

The health changes mooted in the federal budget – the GP co-payment, cuts to preventative health funding and cuts to state health budgets – represent a significant dismantling of Medicare by the federal government.

The Baird government in New South Wales has also embarked on a strategy of privatising new public hospitals with a private operator, Healthscope, chosen to operate the new Northern Beaches hospital.The Baird government has refused to rule out privatising new hospitals proposed for Byron Bay and Maitland.

Tony Abbott has said that a commitment to private health insurance “is in the DNA of the Liberal Party”. The Abbott govern18 | THE LAMP MARCH 2015

ment has flagged its support for the involvement of private insurers in primary care.

NSWNMA General Secretary Brett Holmes says these changes to health policy have been undertaken without electoral mandate or public discussion.

“This combination of dismantling Medicare, privatisating public hospitals and health services and opening the door for private insurers into primary care, is leading to an Americanisation of our health system where people will inevitably pay more,” Brett said. “Our ‘Patients before profits’ campaign aims to raise awareness in the community about what is at stake through the Liberal Party’s health agenda.

“If we follow the trends in the United States, with its largely privatised healthcare system, patients could pay extraordinary amounts of money, out of their own pockets, for routine treatments as we illustrate in our TV ad.”

“This combination of dismantling Medicare, privatisating public hospitals and health services and opening the door for private insurers into primary care, is leading to an Americanisation of our health system where people will inevitably pay more.”

— Brett Holmes

THE LAMP MARCH 2015 | 19

RATIOS

Ratios must be at heart of health debate Four years after the NSWNMA won nurse-to-patient ratios for many units of metropolitan and regional hospitals, we are still working to put improved and extended ratios at the heart of the health debate.

THE HEALTH POLICIES OF BOTH THE ALP AND the Greens contain commitments to better nurseto-patient ratios in New South Wales public hospitals.

The current Liberal-National coalition did implement ratios, won by NSWNMA members at the end of the last ALP governmentâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s term of office, but has since been intransigently opposed to their extension.

The clinical evidence for ratios is strong: the greater the number of bachelor-educated nurses in our hospitals, the lower the number of patient deaths. For every one patient added to a nurseâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s workload there is a seven per cent increase in death following common surgical procedures.

All major political parties cite funding as the major impediment to improving and extending

20 | THE LAMP MARCH 2015

ratios throughout the public health system.

Yet there are strong economic arguments for introducing more nurses. Professor Linda Aiken, a respected nurse academic from the United States and author of world renowned and respected surveys on nursing, argues strongly that it is costing hospitals not to have more nurses.

She says the US health system is incurring higher costs from preventable readmissions, more long-term institutional care for the frail elderly and expensive nurse turnover.

Impeccable empirical evidence for ratios

What the political parties have said about ratios LIBERALS HONOUR FIRST ALP AGREEMENT ON RATIOS – BUT THAT’S IT After the 2011 state election the incoming Liberal government honoured a Memorandum of Understanding between the outgoing ALP government and the NSWNMA, which delivered the first mandated nurse-to-patient ratios in NSW.

The largest-ever international study of the relationship between nurse staffing levels and the quality of health care, conducted in 30 countries on four continents, found that the higher number of patients-to-nurses, the worse the clinical outcomes for patients including higher mortality after surgery. Dr Linda Aiken led the research.

But conspicuously, Health Minister Jillian Skinner consistently fails to mention ratios, publicly referring to Nursing Hours Per Patient Day. In each subsequent negotiation of the Award the government has refused to negotiate about improving the existing ratios.

GREENS COMMITTED TO RATIOS TOO NSW Greens health policy says it will work toward increasing nurse staffing-to-patient ratios and skills mixes that ensure patient safety, better health outcomes, high recruitment retention, continued professional development and adequate training of staff.

Among other findings: greater the number of • The bachelor-educated nurses, the lower the number of patient deaths. Every one patient added to a nurse’s workload was associated with a seven per cent increase in death following common surgery.

10 per cent increase in • Every university-educated nurses was associated with seven per cent lower mortality. all hospitals in nine • IfEuropean countries studied had at least 60 per cent universityeducated nurses, and nurse workloads of no more than six patients each, more than 3500 deaths a year might be prevented. www.nswnma.asn.au/linda-aikenpresentation-on-nurse-ratios/

RATIOS NOW PART OF ALP POLICY NSW Labor has included the extension of nurse-to-patient ratios – to all areas not previously covered – in the party’s health policy adopted at its NSW conference late last year.

Strong support for ratios among nurses and midwives NSWNMA MEMBER RESEARCH SHOWS THAT NURSES AND MIDWIVES REMAIN SOLIDLY SUPPORTIVE OF RATIOS. overwhelming 95 per cent of survey respondents considered the extension of • An ratios to be important to the nursing and midwifery professions.

97 per cent considered the extension of ratios to be important to safe • Similarly patient care and patient outcomes.

70 per cent of RNs or RMs who have experienced ratios, either directly or • Nearly through other wards in their workplace, say they have had a positive impact on

•

the workplace.

94 per cent of RNs or RMs who hadn’t yet experienced ratios considered them to be very important to them personally.

Outcomes from our original ratios win • 1800 extra FTE nurses and midwives employed ratios embedded in the Award for • Nurse-to-patient surgical/medical wards, palliative care, rehabilitation and acute adult • • • •

inpatient mental health.

An estimated 188 additional nurses across 34 of the state’s larger emergency departments to provide specific, guaranteed levels of resuscitation staffing.

Staffing arrangements strengthened in community health and community mental health services.

Staffing standards in operating theatres updated to ACORN 2008, with a guaranteed minimum of two nurses plus an anaesthetic nurse in each theatre.

Birthrate Plus adopted as the staffing model for midwifery services in maternity/birthing facilities.

OUR CURRENT CLAIM TO EXTEND AND IMPROVE RATIOS Improvements to ratios in all NSW hospitals to the same level as Group A city hospitals.

Introduction of ratios to paediatric and neonatal intensive care units.

Introduction of ratios to EDs, emergency medical units and medical assessment units.

Introduction of ratios in intensive and clinical care units.

Introduction of a ratios equivalent system to community and community mental health.

Extend ratios to more mental health units and improve ratios in specialised mental health hospitals.

• • • • • •

THE LAMP MARCH 2015 | 21

REMUNERATION

Wages set at Premier’s whim The century-old system of an independent umpire deciding the fair wages and conditions of public sector workers in New South Wales was swept away through legislative changes introduced by then Treasurer Mike Baird.

DICTATORIAL WAGES POLICY In June 2011, Mike Baird in his role as Treasurer introduced into state parliament a law that required the IRC to apply any government policy on wages and conditions when making or varying a public sector award.

The government then introduced a policy that ruled the IRC could only make changes to public sector wages that did not exceed 2.5 per cent per year. Or, if the

Can the IRC improve our Award with respect to the following conditions without our Award being cut elsewhere through trade-offs?

% 4.0 3.5 3.0 2.5 2.0 1.5

0.5 0.0

2012 2013 2014

1.0

2008 2009 2010 2011

IN 2011 THE THEN TREASURER, NOW Premier, Mike Baird, changed the laws of New South Wales, giving the government complete control over public sector wages and conditions, including those of nurses and midwives.

In the private sector, hospital and aged care employers must negotiate with their employees, and their representative unions, to determine workplaces wages and conditions.

Not so the state government.

Since the passing of Mike Baird’s laws the state government can unilaterally decide the wages of nurses and midwives, without negotiation.

And this is exactly what they have done.

RNs pay increase: what the Liberals delivered in the past three years compared to Labor in the previous four.

IRC did award larger wage increases, they could only be made in exchange of other award conditions, stripped away to pay for those increases.

Before Baird’s Legislation

Baird’s Legislation

Pay more than 2.5%

YES

NO

Increase allowances

YES

NO

Staffing arrangements (ratios)

YES

NO

Penalty rates

YES

NO

Hours and Rosters

YES

NO

Pay Equity between male / female employees

YES

YES

Sick Leave

YES

NO

Annual Leave

YES

NO

Long Service Leave

YES

NO

22 | THE LAMP MARCH 2015

These changes effectively neutered the Industrial Relations Commission, removing its ability to independently set wages and conditions based on submissions from employers and employees.

Analysis by the Workplace Relations Centre (WRC) at Sydney University found that if these proposed changes had been in place for the previous 10 years, NSW nurses, teachers and police would have been the worst paid in the country by a significant margin compared to other states.

The WRC calculated that if the government’s legislation and wages policy had been enacted in 2001, a public health system, full-time eighth year RN would have been $12,232 worse off per year at the time the new laws were enacted.

Things soon got even worse.

In 2013 the government interpreted its own regulation to unilaterally reduce its own promised, modest 2.5 per cent increase to wages, to pay for the Superannuation Guarantee increase legislated by federal government.

GOVERNMENT DEAF TO NURSES AND MIDWIVES For more than a century, prior to the introductions of these laws, the IRC would hear submissions from both the Association and the employer and independently determine what wages and conditions would be awarded to nurses and midwives.

NSWNMA General Secretary Brett Holmes says the Baird government has trashed this long established, fair and successful method of determining wages and conditions.

“This government does not even pay you the courtesy of putting in writing the rejection of your claim,” he said.“Our 2014 Public Health System wages and conditions claim was ignored by the Baird government and the Ministry of Health.

“We sat at the table and had useless discussions before eventually the Ministry of Health was allowed to say they had “bargaining parameters approved and that an offer could be made.”

AGED CARE

Loss of aged care RNs will impact EDs too CHANGES TO FEDERAL LAW HAVE threatened the role of RNs in aged care and there are implications for the wider nursing profession.

These changes have had a knock on effect to New South Wales’ legislation and could remove the requirement to have an RN in nursing homes 24/7.

Any loss of RNs in aged care will further undermine residents’ access to end of life and palliative care, management of acute incidents and episodes and pain management.

The consequences for our public hospitals, especially in EDs, would be significant and serious.

Emergency departments are already at a tipping point, which has been the motivation for our ongoing campaign to win ratios of 1:3 in EDs. The loss of RNs in aged care will increase the pressure on our EDs even more as residents arrive in public hospitals with ailments that could easily be treated in their facilities with an RN on duty.

What the political parties have said “I have supported retaining the current legislation for a period of 18 months while the impact of the distinction between high and low care in residential aged care facilities is reviewed.”

— Jillian Skinner, NSW Minister for Health “I was happy to hear that health minister Jillian Skinner has taken interim action to ensure there is a registered nurse on duty in the nursing home at all times. However we must be vigilant to ensure that Ms Skinner’s consultation with the aged care sector does not result in any reduction in the quality of nursing care in New South Wales.”

— John Kaye, the Greens NSW Deputy Opposition Leader and Shadow Minister for Ageing and Disability Services Linda Burney said as part of its health policy, a Foley Labor Government would legislate to extend the legal requirement that NSW aged care facilities must have a registered nurse on duty at all times. “Having senior nurses in NSW aged care facilities is good for the well-being of residents and provides peace of mind to family members with loved ones in nursing homes,” she said.

Why aged care RNs are under threat Currently there is a requirement in the NSW Public Health Act that all nursing homes in New South Wales have an RN on duty 24/7. There are also requirements for appointing a director of nursing.

The Act also defines which facilities in NSW are classified as nursing homes. These make up about half of the 885 aged care homes in the state.

When changes were made to the federal Aged Care Act last year, they had a knock-on effect to the NSW legislation. It is now in the hands of the NSW state government to preserve the role of RNs in our aged care facilities.

The Baird government has enacted an interim amendment maintaining the status quo while they decide.

“I think changing the law would be very short sighted on the part of the policy makers.”

— Jenny McKenzie NP, palliative care

THE LAMP MARCH 2015 | 23

FROM THE PARTIES

STATE ELECTION 2015

John Kaye Greens NSW MP On becoming Health Minister in 2011, I promised to restore confidence and trust in a health system that was demoralised and tired of broken promises.

Four years on, the NSW Liberals and Nationals have delivered on our promise to rebuild the health system, not just through a record health budget of $18.7 billion this year (up 20% from Labor’s last budget) and a record $5 billion in infrastructure spending over the term, but by devolving responsibility to the Local Health Districts and trusting management and staff-led decision making.

Our nurses and midwives have been at the forefront of this patientcentred approach.

Prior to the March 2011 election we promised to employ an additional 2475 nurses and midwives in our first term. We now employ more than 4600 extra nurses and midwives (3400 FTE) across NSW. By applying the nursing hours per patient day formula agreed by the union and the Labor Government just before the 2011 election, our nurses and midwives are on duty where they are needed, when they are needed.

We have provided significant workforce enhancements, including extra Clinical Support Officers, investment in remote technology for community-based nurses, expansion of Nurse Practitioner roles in emergency departments, more Clinical Nursing and Midwifery Educators and Specialists in community and mental health, scholarships for those undertaking recency of practice as well as Enrolled Nurse courses.

One of our biggest challenges is to provide quality care to increasing numbers of patients.

If re-elected, we will continue our unprecedented investment in rebuilding the NSW hospital system while ensuring patients have access to care in the community, if that is more appropriate.

We will continue to invest in integrated care, preventative health, medical research and new models of care, all of which can help keep people healthy and out of hospital.

I am disappointed about the misleading claims being made in the NSWNMA’s current television advertising campaign.

Talk of “Americanisation” of the NSW hospital system is baseless and alarmist. I can guarantee public patients while cared for in a public or private hospital will pay no charges – the NSW Government will continue to cover these costs.

I am grateful for the support of so many nurses and midwives I meet on my travels around the state.

I have the deepest admiration for the work you do caring for patients and thank you for your skill, dedication and compassion.

24 | THE LAMP MARCH 2015

17 February 2015

Locking the gate on privatised hospitals If the NSW Liberals and Nationals want to gamble on US-style care, they should go to Las Vegas. For the rest of us, they should not only leave the public health system intact but they should get serious about investing in protecting and enhancing quality, safe and equitable care.

For more than 100 years, public provision has meant that every Australian, regardless of their levels of wealth, can look forward to the world’s best care when they get seriously sick or when they have a baby.

From the moment Health Minister Jillian Skinner let slip that the Northern Beaches Hospital would be privately owned and operated, the Greens have done everything possible to stop a much needed new hospital becoming a beachhead for the corporate sector.

Just as we opposed Labor’s selloff of public hospital lands and their public private partnership hospitals, we will continue to stand against the LiberalNational’s privatisation-by-stealth scheme.

Profit-driven businesses should have no place in the delivery of public heath care. They will always drive up costs, overservice the well, under-service the sick and cut corners on quality to minimise costs. Nurses, clinicians, patients and the community pay the price of fat bonuses for management and bloated bottom lines.

A message from Luke Foley, NSW Labor Leader

It has to be seen for what it is: an ideologically-driven attempt at union-busting that passes off the government’s responsibilities for hospitals.

The Greens are committed to a very different model of hospital care in which patients and their recovery come first, where nurses are properly remunerated in a safe working environment and the community knows that a public hospital is genuinely public.

Every patient, no matter where they are in NSW, deserves to be cared for by enough nurses to ensure that they have the best chance to recover as quickly as possible. We will continue to work with the NSWNMA’s ratios campaign until the job is done and evidence-based ratios are universal and secure.

The elderly deserve the attention of a registered nurse. The Greens will resist any attempt to weaken the legislation to allow anything less than the 24x7 presence of a fully qualified RN in all aged care facilities. The Liberals and Nationals must not be allowed to succumb to pressure from a highly profitable industry and expose the aged to second-class care.

The future of the public health system will be determined by the outcome of the March 2015 election.

The Greens have an unblemished track record of opposing privatisation, supporting ratios and standing up for nurses’ pay and conditions.

Labor is committed to investing in our world class health system. We are the party of Medicare. We pride ourselves on our record of delivering policies that support the families of NSW when they need it the most.

Importantly, we value the extraordinary work of our State’s hardworking nurses and midwives.

We stand shoulder-to-shoulder with our State’s nurses and midwives in their campaign to put patients before profits. Labor totally rejects the Americanisation of our health system. Hospitals should be run for the community and not for shareholders.

Premier Mike Baird and Prime Minister Tony Abbott’s $18 billion in cuts to NSW hospitals mean nurses are carrying an incredible workload – and it will get worse with the Liberal-Nationals’ plan to privatise and close hospitals.

We will keep the Lower Hunter-Maitland hospital in public hands. We will also ensure that day surgery at the new Byron Central Hospital will be operated by the Government.

Furthermore, Labor will invest in hospitals by unlocking $3 billion for health and education infrastructure as part of our A Better Way infrastructure plan. This is $1 billion more than the Liberals and Nationals – and it is guaranteed without privatising the electricity network.

As part of our new approach to health, we have already made a number of policy announcements. This includes four new nurse-led Walk-in Centres to provide a free health care option to families. They will be staffed by more than 40 advanced practice nurses and Nurse Practitioners.

A Foley Labor Government will also legislate to extend the legal requirement that NSW aged care facilities must have a registered nurse on duty at all times.

We will have more to say during the forthcoming campaign, but Labor believes in investing in the health workforce, not slashing hospital budgets.

We have a strong record supporting nurses, and we understand that nurses are best placed to know what levels of staffing are needed to provide safe and efficient care.

The implementation and extension of nurse to patient ratios (delivered through the Nursing Hours Per Patient day model) is not in question, the discussion now needs to be how they are funded. We will have more to say on this matter later in the campaign.

Finally, I congratulate you and your members for standing up for the NSW health system. I know that the Nurses Association works tirelessly to improve our health system for the benefit of all.

Luke Foley NSW Labor leader

THE LAMP MARCH 2015 | 25

WORKERS COMPENSATION

Bowled by a bus – but our journey insurance steps up The one bright spot in a time of pain and disruption for RN Sarah Burke was a decision to follow her mum’s advice and join the NSWNMA.

ON A MORNING IN JULY LASTYEAR SARAH Burke, 22, was on a bus on her way to work at Royal North Shore Hospital (RNSH).

After the traditionally tough first few months as a new grad she was feeling confident and happy that her dream of becoming a paediatric nurse was on track.

“I stood up to get off at the next stop and the bus pulled in suddenly. There was a little bit of a swerve and I fell to the right,” she told The Lamp. “I worked my morning shift thinking I just had a little sprain or something. But it still hurt incredibly all day so I went to a doctor after work. I’d certainly have gone earlier if I’d realised what I had done.”

Eventually it was revealed that Sarah had broken her left radius and ulna. She has been unable to work since the accident.

What followed was a round of rejected compensation claims from Sydney Bus Company, a refusal of workers compensation because in 2012 the NSW government removed travel to work coverage from its workers compensation legislation, and a shuttle between the public and private health systems.

“A week after it happened I had it put back into place under anaesthetic and the surgeon decided to see how it went.

“I started doing physio and I was supposed to go back to work in October but my work basically said I couldn’t because I’d take a risk of injuring myself further so they couldn’t give me any light duties.”

She was then referred by her surgeon for a second opinion and advised she

26 | THE LAMP MARCH 2015

Sarah Burke

needed further surgery involving a plate and screws.

“But my original surgeon didn’t know the second surgeon only operated privately, so it was going to cost $12,000 for someone like me who doesn’t have private health insurance.”

Her original surgeon couldn’t do the procedure because Manly Hospital didn’t have the specific arthroscope required.

Eight months after the initial incident Sarah is still waiting to find out if she can be put on a waiting list at RNSH for similar surgery. Hopefully she will find out this month.

Sydney Bus Company has refused to acknowledge liability for the injury although it did offer a settlement.

“I was hoping the bus company would pay for the surgery so I can get back to work faster, because I’m not sure how long the wait is going to be in the public at Royal North Shore.”

The one bright spot in this saga has been Sarah’s decision to join the NSWNMA. The Association’s accident journey insurance is covering her salary and the cost of her physiotherapy treatments.

“My mum’s a nurse and she always said I should join the union.

“Mum already knew the union did the travel-to-work insurance and she didn’t think WorkCover would cover it.

We had to make a workers comp claim anyway and, when it got knocked back, I applied for the insurance through the union.”

NSWNMA’s Accident Journey Insurance When the Liberal National state government rolled back workers compensation rights in New South Wales in 2012, it left nurses and midwives vulnerable in the event of an injury while travelling to or from work.

The NSWNMA stepped in to establish a safety net and now offers accident journey insurance as part of its membership fee. This insurance provides assistance to members injured on a journey to or from work, where they would have previously been covered by workers compensation.

It doesn’t completely replace workers compensation but it does provide a limited safety net that provides 85 per cent of lost weekly wages, death and disability insurance of up to $100,000 and rehabilitation expenses up to $300,000.

Only nurses and midwives with current financial membership of the NSWNMA at the time of their accident are covered by the scheme.

How to apply Financial members of the NSWNMA should lodge a workers compensation claim in the first instance.

If that is denied they can download a claim form from the NSWNMA website (www.nswnma.asn.au) and lodge all the necessary documentation including a medical certificate with the Association.

The Association will verify that the claimant was a financial member at the time of the accident and then forward their claim to the insurer.

Liberal National government workers comp ‘reforms’ Workers compensation • for trips to and from work no longer covered.

Weekly payments stop • at two and a half years for most injured workers.

•

Medical expenses stop one year after weekly payments cease.

•

Lump sum payments for pain and suffering removed.

•

Heart attacks and strokes no longer covered.

Labor promises better protection for workers Shadow Minister for Finance and Services, Peter Primrose, says Labor will conduct a review of workers comp focusing on the performance of claims and injury management by WorkCover, scheme agents, and employers.

He promises that Labor will: journey claims to •coverRestore workers for injuries occurring on their way to and from work.

•

Give injured workers the financial assistance they need to pay their medical bills.

•

Reinstate protections for workers with total and permanent disabilities.

THE LAMP MARCH 2015 | 27

PENALTY RATES

Hands off our penalty rates!

National and state nursing unions have warned the federal government not to interfere with penalty rates.

“We all know the Productivity Commission looks purely at economic criteria with very little regard for fairness or social justice.”

— Lee Thomas ANMF

28 | THE LAMP MARCH 2015

NURSES WILL FIGHT TO SAVE PENALTY rates and other allowances paid to compensate for working evenings, nights, weekends and public holidays.

That’s the message to the federal government from the Australian Nursing and Midwifery Federation (ANMF) and the NSWNMA. The Abbott government has ordered the Productivity Commission to review Fair Work laws including penalty rates.

NSWNMA General Secretary Brett Holmes says Australians believe in fairness, that’s why people are compensated for working when the rest of us are relaxing with friends or family. “Penalty rates are a boost that for many is all that keeps food on the table. Getting rid of weekend rates is a sudden pay cut to workers who are already struggling.”

Brett says the government has given the Productivity Commission a “blank sheet of paper” to recommend a complete rewrite of industrial laws, awards and agreements.

“It is clear that the Productivity Commission inquiry is aimed at helping the government to deliver cuts to penalty rates and the return of unfair individual contracts, among other changes,” Brett said.

He says the government aims to eliminate the employment laws it considers are barriers to productivity and efficiency in workplaces.

Penalty rates have been paid to nurses and midwives for decades to compensate for working inconvenient and anti-social hours.

In NSW nurses and midwives usually get a 12.5 per cent loading for afternoon shifts and 15 per cent for night shifts.

Saturday work is generally paid at a 50 per cent loading and Sunday at a 75 per cent loading.

“Nurses and midwives in all sectors work overtime, shift work, weekends and public holidays.They deserve to be reasonably compensated for providing care to the public around the clock,” Brett said.

“Penalty rates are a boost that for many is all that keeps food on the table. Getting rid of weekend rates is a sudden pay cut to workers who are already struggling.”

— Brett Holmes NSWNMA

DOMINO EFFECT As far back as June 3, 2014 The Australian newspaper was reporting that “major business groups will embark on a community and industrial campaign to cut Sunday penalty rates across a range of sectors”.

Brett says the federal government is supporting employer groups who seek to wind back weekend rates of pay – starting with hospitality staff.

“If hospitality workers lose penalty rates, employers and the government will seek to reduce penalty rates for everyone else. Nurses and midwives will face a domino effect.”

Brett says existing enterprise agreements will not necessarily protect nurses or midwives.

“Under WorkChoices, the former Howard government nullified many award and agreement conditions with the stroke of a pen. Relying on Productivity Commission recommendations, it is highly likely the present government will do the same again.”

ANMF Federal Secretary Lee Thomas described the Productivity Commission inquiry as a “stalking horse” for the Liberal government’s industrial relations agenda.

“The government hopes to go to the next election with a package of ‘reforms’ to workplace laws, based on the commission’s recommendations,” she said.

“We all know the Productivity Commission looks purely at economic criteria with very little regard for fairness or social justice.

“Their standard approach to most issues is based on lowering costs to employers, privatising public assets and contracting out government services.

“We can expect recommendations designed to lower employment costs, downgrade the role of the Fair Work Commission and marginalise unions.

“The Productivity Commission has recommended cuts to penalty rates and the minimum wage and encouraged individual contracts in the past.

“The federal government knows that it is likely to do so again.”

QUESTIONS BEING ASKED The Productivity Commission has called for submissions on questions including: How should penalty rates be determined?

What are the economic effects of penalty rates on business profitability, prices, sales, opening hours, choice of employment type, rostering, hours worked, hiring, unemployment and incomes?

What are the long run effects of penalty rates on consumers and on the prices of goods and services?

• •

•

do the experiences of countries • What like New Zealand, the UK and the US – which generally do not require penalty rates for weekends – suggest about the impacts of penalty rates?

In a discussion paper the commission notes that “some businesses and other commentators” have described high penalty rates as a “severe flaw”. As an example, it cites a 20-year-old casual working in a restaurant for six hours on a Sunday. If paid the minimum award wage, penalty rates would make up 30 per cent of the worker’s $172 earnings, the commission says.

Lee Thomas says the ANMF will make a submission to the inquiry, focused on protecting the rights and working conditions of nurses and midwives.

The aim is to ensure that nurses and midwives retain the ability to: Engage in fair enterprise bargaining.

Have rates of pay and conditions set and reviewed fairly.

Protect current employment conditions.

Maintain their right to belong to a union and participate in its affairs.

ACTU Assistant Secretary Tim Lyons says Australian unions will use the inquiry to advocate for improvements to minimum and award wages and to reduce poverty and inequality.

• • • •

THE LAMP MARCH 2015 | 29

YOUR SAY

“Without penalty rates I’d rely more on welfare” — Nicole Mason RN

Registered nurse Nicole Mason says penalty rates make a “massive difference” to her weekly pay.

Nicole works as a casual in the recovery unit at St Luke’s private hospital in the Sydney suburb of Potts Point.

She works four days a week, Mondays to Fridays, and her weekly roster usually includes two evening shifts that attract penalty rates.

A single mum with three children, Nicole is able to work those evenings because her mother helps with child minding.

“On other days I can only work day shift according to the availability of before and after school care,” she says. “During my last pay period I didn’t work many evenings and it really showed in my pay.

“It is because of penalty rates that I’ve been able to raise my kids independently, without much help from the government.

“As a single mum I’m probably already part of the working poor. Without penalty rates I would definitely be a lot worse off and I suppose I would have to rely on welfare a lot more.

“It’s an issue of fairness.”

— Fiona Wilkinson RN Fiona Wilkinson thinks it’s “appalling” that some employers and governments are trying to reduce and even eliminate penalty rates for weekend work.

“It will have a terrible impact on health care and other industries as well,” says Fiona, who works at Buckland Nursing Home in the Blue Mountains.

“Health services would find it extremely difficult to find staff to work weekends and nights. The qualifications and skill levels of people employed in these roles would drop and therefore the standard of care would fall.”

Even though she is not directly affected Fiona is opposed to penalty rates cuts in industries such as retail and hospitality.

“I think anyone who works during the main times for socialising and relaxing 30 | THE LAMP MARCH 2015

should be compensated. It’s an issue of fairness.

“Once these cuts creep into any industry it becomes a precedent for other industries.”

“It certainly wouldn’t be worth my while to work evenings on day rates. If they reduced or remove penalty rates I would just work day shift to spend more time with the kids.”

Nicole points out that the school system and childcare are structured for nine-to-five workers, not shift workers.

“People who work outside those hours definitely deserve a higher rate of pay,” she said.

Nicole will be attending the March 4 national day of action.

“I’m going to march in March.

We have to fight to maintain the right to be compensated for working on nights and weekends when most people are resting.

“I don’t know why they are trying to cut people’s penalty rates. It’s like we have to fight for our weekends all over again.

“Nurses are worth more money not less. We won’t be the first group targeted; they will go after restaurant workers and other people with no unions or weak unions, who will have to take whatever they can get.

“It is great that we have a strong union that can fight for us, but we also need to stand up for other people who can’t.”

She says her NSWNMA branch will discuss taking part in the national day of action on March 4 against attempts to change workplace laws and degrade the public health system.

Fiona is able to work evening and night shifts and weekends because her husband is available to look after their three school-age children.

She acknowledges that “shift work takes its toll” and sometimes requires her to miss family events and activities like weekend sports.

“There is a big cost on me and my family and I expect to be financially compensated for it. I’m not sure what it would cost me to lose penalty rates but it would represent a very big slice of my salary.”

Fiona says the suggestion that weekend work should be paid at the same rate as any other day is “based on a lie.

Whenever children are at school Mondays to Fridays and at home on the weekends, there is always going to be a big difference.”

“I know people who suffer and are resentful because their bosses don’t pay penalty rates.”

“Penalty rates compensate for lost family time” — Angela Stewart Student nurse Angela Stewart is not fazed by the prospect of working long days and odd hours after she graduates.

“I’m a night owl and I like the type of job where you never know what’s going to happen on any given day,” she said.

“However I expect to get financially compensated for shift work.

“I would like to foster a child once my career change is complete. Receiving penalty rates three or four nights a week will hopefully allow me to take more days off to spend with that child.

“Penalty rates can help make the difference to a child’s quality of life. It’s very sad when parents are forced to go to work six days a week to earn enough money to support their children.”

Angela has enrolled at Australian Catholic University as a mature-age student, while working as a casual ward clerk at Sydney’s Royal North Shore Hospital.

She was working in information technology but grew bored with the work and took a job in a methadone clinic.

“I found I really loved working with patients so I decided to stay in health care and enrol at uni.

— Angela Stewart

“Nursing is in line with my own belief that health care should be accessible to everyone. I love using my people skills and communication skills and I particularly want to help people who are marginalised.”

Angela says workers give up a lot to work weekends and nights.

“It’s a lost opportunity to do things with your friends. My social life suffered when I worked full-time at night and that’s what penalty rates are for, to compensate you for the social life and family time you’ve lost.

“I welcome that challenge but I couldn’t afford to take on this career and live in Sydney if I wasn’t going to be getting penalty rates.

“Night work can also do long-term damage to your health. I don’t think employers and governments should expect people to work graveyard shifts and not get paid something extra.”

Angela says workers are increasingly expected to be available to work at all hours.

“I’m lucky to be in a job where if you work evenings you get compensated for it. But I know people who suffer and are resentful because their bosses don’t pay penalty rates.

“Some work 12-hour shifts into the early hours of the morning and get paid a flat rate. They are not even on an award – they are being exploited.

“But they are studying at uni and need the money – what choice do they have?

“Thankfully, people in health care are better protected because they tend to work together in large numbers and they are organised in a union.

“Historically, joining a union has always been a good way to protect your work rights.”

“A cut in penalty rates would cripple the health system.”

— Tom Cook RN Attempts to cut penalty rates in hospitality, retail and other industries are “the thin end of the wedge” and will inevitably impact on nurses, says Tom Cook a registered nurse at Maitland Hospital.

“Everyone’s conditions will be under threat if they start eliminating penalty rates in one industry,” he said.

“It’s really a one-in, all-in situation. If they can justify penalty rate cuts for hospitality workers why wouldn’t they be able to justify them for our industry?”

Tom often works nights and weekends in the surgical ward and occasionally, the emergency department. He believes nurses should support actions such as

the March 4 national protest against attempts to change workplace laws and reduce working conditions.

“Unless we show we are against [cuts to penalty rates] the public won’t know what is going on,” he said.

Employers, backed by the federal government, are mounting a concerted campaign to wind back and abolish weekend and public holiday penalty rates and shift loadings (see page 32).

“I think everyone who works shifts and weekends deserves penalty rates. Some people are not able to choose when they work. Hospitality’s busiest periods are often on the weekends, which is when they need the extra staff. And those people should be paid extra.”

Tom says night shift takes a physical toll. “You are going against your body clock, it knocks you about and it’s exhausting at times.”

His partner and most of his friends work day shift Mondays to Fridays and occasionally Saturdays, so he sometimes misses out on important social events.

“I realise we provide a 24-hour service, but those of us who work after hours deserve to be paid accordingly.

“I think a cut in penalty rates would cripple the health system. People will only want to work shifts if they get paid for them. Why would you willingly sacrifice your social life to work outside regular hours without compensation?”

THE LAMP MARCH 2015 | 31

PENALTY RATES

How much could you lose?

There’s a lot at stake in the looming battle over penalty rates.

AN AIN IN AGED CARE WORKING afternoons and weekends would typically lose about $270 per week or 25 per cent of their gross weekly income without penalty rates.

Loss of weekend penalty rates would cost a registered nurse working Saturdays and Sundays in the NSW public health system $381.65. An enrolled nurse would lose $260.90.

These amounts would represent up to 20 per cent of gross income, according to the Australian Nursing and Midwifery Federation (ANMF).

The ANMF calculations are based on a full time nurse on afternoon shift Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday and picking up four hours overtime on Monday.

Meanwhile, the NSWNMA calculates that a full time RN8 in the state public health system working mostly nights and weekends could lose up to 30 per cent of their gross income with the abolition of penalty rates.

Nurses who only work on weekends would see their wages slashed by at least 50 per cent. These losses would

Contribute to the online survey The ANMF is conducting an online survey on penalty rates.

It aims to find out how much overtime and shift work is done, the effects of shift work and what penalty rates mean for nurses.

Almost 3000 nurses have so far completed the survey.

“Preliminary results show that nurses and midwives are not prepared to keep working nights and weekends if current penalty rates are downgraded,” Lee Thomas said.

To complete the survey go to: http://action.anf.org.au/page/s/what-do-your-penalty-rates-mean-to-you.

be even greater if penalty rates on public holidays were also reduced or eliminated.

Cutting penalty rates for nurses and midwives would compromise the quality of health care in Australia, the ANMF warned.

ANMF Federal Secretary Lee Thomas said penalty rates and shift loadings comprise a significant part of a registered nurse or midwife’s remuneration because they must work 24/7 rosters to keep the health system going.

“Nursing and midwifery is an around the clock profession. It is only fair that nurses and midwives are fairly compensated for working nights and weekends when they leave their own families and friends to care for others,” she said.

“Penalty rates and other allowances are critical issues for our members – and they’ll fight to save them.”

She said any reduction in penalty rates would push more nurses out of the profession and compromise the quality of health care.

“Penalty rates and other allowances are critical issues for our members — and they’ll fight to save them.” —– Lee Thomas ANMF The growing list of employer groups that have asked the Fair Work Commission to approve cuts to penalty rates includes: and Catering Australia – wants the late night loading of 10 to 15 per • Restaurant cent per hour stripped from the award and Sunday rates reduced to Saturday levels.

Grocers Australia (independent supermarkets) – wants Sunday penalty rates • Master cut from double time to time-and-a-half.

Association – wants public holiday rates cut from double time-and• Accommodation a-half to time-and-a-half.

Australia – wants penalty rates for Saturdays and Sundays cut by • Clubs 25 per cent.

Hotels Association – seeking unspecified reductions in • Australian penalty rates.

Guild of Australia – seeking unspecified reductions in • Pharmacy penalty rates. biggest brick maker, Brickworks Ltd – wants workers • Australia’s to start at 4am without penalties and to abolish weekend penalty rates.

32 | THE LAMP MARCH 2015

Your chance to be heard – hands off our penalty rates!

Rally for penalty rates 12.00 noon, Wednesday March 4, Parliament House, Macquarie Street, Sydney.

IF YOU THINK YOU DESERVE TO BE compensated with penalty rates for working shifts and weekends,Wednesday March 4 is your chance to say so.

On that day Australian unions will hold a National Day of Action against the federal government’s attempts to change workplace laws and working conditions – especially penalty rates – and degrade the public health system.

A rally outside Parliament House will tell the Abbott government to get its hands off our penalty rates and other conditions.

NSWNMA General Secretary Brett Holmes says the government has put penalty rates – and the whole system that governs working conditions for almost 12 million Australians – under review by the Productivity Commission.

“We need to show the government that any move to cut penalty rates will cost it dearly,” he said.

Current Liberal governments have a poor record on workplace issues. Nationally, the federal government has supported employer applications to reduce the

loadings and penalty entitlements of workers in retail and hospitality.

The results so far include lower penalty rates for casual restaurant workers on Sundays and lower allowances for pizza delivery drivers.

The government wants to make it easier to put workers on individual contracts.

At present this can only be done if the employee is better off overall and either the worker or the employer can terminate the arrangement.The government supports employer attempts to remove these protections.

The Abbott government has pushed through legislation to freeze employer superannuation contributions until 2021, reversing a Labor government commitment to progressively increase employer super contributions from 9.5 per cent to 12 per cent by 2025.

Brett says this will hurt women workers in particular, because they are more likely to work in part-time or casual employment and often take long periods of unpaid parental leave.

The government has also introduced regulations making it much harder for union representatives to meet with members or potential members in workplaces.

At a state level, the NSW Liberal government has travelled down the same path as its federal counterpart.The state government has: • Forced the NSW Industrial Relations Commission to apply a 2.5 per cent cap to wage increases for public employees including nurses and midwives.

• Made public sector employees pay for any national increase to compulsory superannuation.

• Imposed severe financial hardship on people injured in the workplace by degrading the workers compensation system.

• Axed 5000 public sector jobs and announced its intention to cut a further 10,000.

• Pursued a policy of privatising public health services. Nurses affected by privatisation will only have their wages and employment conditions protected for a maximum two years.

THE LAMP MARCH 2015 | 33

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ELECTION NOTICE

NSW Nurses and Midwives’ Association 2015 Election of General Secretary, Assistant General Secretary and Councillors

Election Notice The Electoral Commissioner for New South Wales will be the Returning Officer for the 2015 election of the Council of the New South Wales Nurses and Midwives’ Association.

NOMINATIONS Nominations are hereby invited on and from Monday, 30 March 2015 for the following positions: • General Secretary • Assistant General Secretary • Councillors from the Committee of Delegates (21 to be elected) Candidates for General Secretary and Assistant General Secretary must be financial members of the Association at the date of calling of nominations Monday 30 March 2015 and must have been continuously financial for the preceding two years.

Candidates for the positions of Councillor are required to be Delegates to the Committee of Delegates elected in accordance with the Rules of the Association as at the calling of nominations.

LODGEMENT OF NOMINATIONS AND CANDIDATE PROFILE FORMS Completed Nominations and Candidate Profiles must be received by the Returning Officer, NSW Electoral Commission by no later than 12.00 Noon, Thursday 30 April 2015. A nomination cannot be withdrawn after this time and any anomaly in the Nomination Form or alteration or addition to the Candidate Profile form must be rectified before this time.

Nomination forms can only be lodged with the Returning Officer at the NSW Electoral Commission: • By hand: Level 25, 201 Kent Street, Sydney; or • By post: PO Box 693, Grosvenor Place NSW 1220; or • By fax: (02) 9290 5939; or • Email: ballots@elections.nsw.gov.au

VOTING

A candidate can nominate for one position only.

Should the election be contested, a draw to determine the order of candidates’ names on the ballot paper will be conducted at 2.00pm, Thursday 30 April 2015 at the NSW Electoral Commission. Candidates or their representatives are invited to witness the draw.

A Candidate Profile form may be completed by each candidate, details from which will be included in a Candidate Information Sheet which will be printed in the May Issue of The Lamp. Details from the Candidate Profile Forms will also be posted on the NSW Electoral Commission’s website. They will not be included with the voting material.

Voting material will be posted on Thursday, 21 May 2015.

The poll will close at 12.00 Noon, Monday 22 June 2015 and the count will be conducted at 9.00am, Tuesday 23 June 2015. The method of voting to be observed is optional preferential for the positions of General Secretary and Assistant General Secretary and multi-optional preferential for the position of Councillor.

Nomination forms and Candidate Profile forms are available from: • NSW Electoral Commission’s website at www.elections.nsw.gov.au;

Members must be financial as at the close of roll date Monday, 30 March 2015 and should ensure that the Association is aware of their current residential address as voting material will be posted to each member’s residential address.

• NSW Electoral Commission, Level 25, 201 Kent Street, Sydney, telephone (02) 9290 5924; or

Any enquiries concerning this election should be directed to Diana Kosseifi at the NSW Electoral Commission, on telephone (02) 9290 5924.

• The NSW Nurses and Midwives’ Association, telephone (02) 8595 1234 or 1300 367 962

Colin Barry Returning Officer NSW Electoral Commission

36 | THE LAMP MARCH 2015

ask judith

when it comes to your rights and entitlements at work, nswnma assistant general secretary JUDITH KIEJDA has the answers.

Planning for Easter I am an RN employed in the public system and would like to know the gazetted public holidays for 2015, especially Easter.

As per the Industrial Relations Commission of NSW public holidays gazetted for Easter 2015 are as follows: Good Friday, Friday 3 April Easter Saturday, Saturday 4 April Easter Sunday, Sunday 5 April Easter Monday, Monday 6 April Public holidays for the remainder of 2015 are: ANZAC Day, Saturday 25 April Queen’s Birthday, Monday 8 June Labour Day, Monday 5 October Christmas Day, Friday 25 December Boxing Day Saturday, 26 December Additional Day Monday 28 December* *An extra public holiday is added when Christmas or Boxing Day fall on a weekend.

This information can be found in the NSW Health Information Bulletin IB2014_072 Public Holidays for 2015 and 2016.

Forced to take leave without pay?

Can a full-time employee in the public sector be forced to take annual leave or leave without pay on a public holiday they would normally be rostered to work – and what happens with payment?

As per Clause 30, (ii) (c) of the Public Health System Nurses’ & Midwives’ (State) Award 2011: A public holiday occurring on an ordinary working day shall be allowed to employees covered by paragraph (b) of sub clause (i) (All other employees-four weeks Annual Leave) on full pay; provided that an employee who is required to and does work on a public holiday shall have one day or one half day, as appropriate, added to his/her period of annual leave and be paid at the rate of one half time extra for the time actually worked. Such payment is in lieu of any additional rate for shift work or weekend work which would otherwise be payable had the day not been a public holiday.

In lieu of adding to annual leave under this paragraph an employee may elect to be paid for the time actually worked at

the rate of time and one half in addition to his/her ordinary weekly rate. Where payment is made in lieu of leave in respect of the time worked on a public holiday, payment shall be made for a minimum of four hours work, and any balance of the day or shift not worked shall be paid at ordinary rates.”

“As per Clause 30 (vi) of the award Annual leave shall be given and taken either in one consecutive period or two periods, or if the employer and employee so agree, in either two, three, or four separate periods but not otherwise.

Provided that up to five single days per year may be taken at times convenient to both the employer and the employee.”

What this means is that you cannot be forced to take annual leave or leave without pay on what would have been your normal rostered shift on the public holiday. Both employer and employee must mutually agree to any leave taken. If a public holiday falls on your normal rostered shift, and you are not required to work, you are paid at your base rate.

Being paid properly for public holidays?

I work permanent part time in the public sector and get four weeks annual leave per year. The award allows me to elect how I want to be paid if/or when I work on a public holiday. When I commenced with my current employer I elected to have a day added to my annual leave for each public holiday I worked, however, I am not clear about whether I should get penalty rates too. With Easter and Anzac Day approaching I want to be sure I am being paid correctly.

Would you advise me?

Yes, you do receive penalty rates as well as adding a day to your annual leave. Because the penalty rates for working on a public holiday are 150 per cent, you will receive a 50 per cent loading for any public holiday you work, with the remaining 100 per cent being the day added to your annual leave, so, in total, these two figures make up your 150 per cent public holiday loading.

Paid sick leave on contract?

I am employed in a short-term contract position for 12 weeks as an RN in the public system. Do I have an entitlement to paid sick leave?

No. The new NSW Health Policy Directive PD2014_029 Leave Matters Manual clause

3.2.1 Sick Leave Eligibility and Accrual states that: “Temporary employees employed for periods not exceeding 13 weeks have no entitlement to paid sick leave.

Temporary exempt employees engaged for a continuous period in excess of 13 weeks are entitled to sick leave in the same manner as permanent full-time and part-time employees”.

So, if you are only employed for 12 weeks, you will not be eligible for any paid sick leave. However, you may request leave without pay should you need it (e.g. due to some pressing domestic necessity) during your temporary assignment.

Paid for a gazetted holiday?

I am an RN working four, 10-hour shifts between the days of Monday to Friday in a public hospital. My shifts commence at 11.00. I have not been rostered to work on a Monday that is gazetted as a public holiday and have been told I will not be paid. Is that correct?

No, that is not correct. As per clause 30 (ii) (d) Annual Leave of the Public Health System Nurses’ and Midwives’ (State) Award 2011: “Where the public holiday falls on a rostered day off of a shift worker who receives 4 weeks’ annual leave then the worker shall, depending on their election: Be paid one day’s pay in addition to the weekly rate, or Have one day added to the period of annual leave.”

A “shift worker” is a worker whose shift starts before 06:00 or after 10:00.

Daylight saving, earning loss?

I often work night shift in ED and have been rostered to work from 23:00 on April 4 until 07:30 on April 5 and have been advised that, due to the end of day light saving, I will be paid one hour less for the shift, is this correct?

No, that is not correct. In line with Commission Notice to all Hospitals number 72/7 issued on 21 January 1972 (which is still current), the procedure to be followed is that all employees are paid as per the time on the clock when they commence the shift and when they finish their shift. So, there should be no difference to your pay for the pay period in question and you should be paid for your contracted hours.

THE LAMP MARCH 2015 | 37

social media | nurse uncut

WHAT’S

HOT

www.nurseuncut.com.au Do you have a story to tell? An opinion to share? nurse uncut is written by everyday nurses and midwives.

Send us your ideas at nurseuncut@nswnma.asn.au

Nurse Uncut is also on Facebook: www.facebook.com/NurseUncutAustralia and on Twitter @nurseuncut

A BLOG FOR AUSTRALIAN NURSES AND MIDWIVES

THIS MONTH

Sending aged care back to the dark ages? www.nurseuncut.com.au/sending-aged-care-back-to-the-dark-ages/

A new complaints system for aged care allows nursing homes to handle complaints from families themselves.

The value of Australian citizenship www.nurseuncut.com.au/the-value-of-australian-citizenship/

Attending an Australia Day ceremony, Coral Levett reflects on the meaning of citizenship, especially for nurses and midwives.

New online public health journal www.nurseuncut.com.au/new-open-access-public-health-journal/

A new open-access journal seeks to connect public health practitioners with directly relevant research.

Midwife without borders www.nurseuncut.com.au/midwife-without-borders/

Joy and grief are the same in every culture, as midwife Liz Milroy found when she worked in PNG and Jordan.

Modern day slavery www.nurseuncut.com.au/modern-day-slavery/

We think of slavery as a thing of the past, but 21 million people are in forced labour around the world today.

Australian Indigenous HealthInfoNet www.nurseuncut.com.au/the-australian-indigenous-healthinfonet-a-valuable-resourcefor-health-professionals/

An amazing website that seeks to close the gap, share information and support Indigenous health workers.

New on SupportNurses YouTube channel Westmead ED nurses meet their candidates Discussing the emergency department ratios campaign with New South Wales state candidates. > youtu.be/J7m_Pc0qlHM Nilda – RNs needed 24/7!

A palliative care nurse on the crucial role of the RN in aged care. > youtu.be/2cnD1zbU7M8

NSWNMA on Instagram!

Yes, we’re on Instagram, so share your local photos with us @nswnma and #NSWNMAforce4change.

Follow us on Twitter NSWNurses & Midwives @nswnma Watch us on YouTube SupportNurses Connect with us on Facebook

New South Wales Nurses and Midwives’ Association >> www.facebook.com/nswnma Look for your local Ratios put patient safety first >> www.facebook.com/safepatientcare Branch page on Aged Care Nurses >> www.facebook.com/agedcarenurses our website.

THE LAMP MARCH 2015 | 39

Do you know an Enrolled Nurse who excells?

The Enrolled Nurse Professional Association call for nominations for Dorothy Burger, 2014 winner of the ENPA Excellence Award (previously the Ron Flockton Award)

ENPA EXCELLENCE AWARD

(previously the Ron Flockton Award)

ENPA are offering full conference attendance (accommodation and conference fees) and 12 months membership to ENPA in memory of past members of ENPA for their dedication and passion to Enrolled Nursing.

This award awa is for Enrolled Nurses currently employed in NSW who has demonstrated their commitment to nursing nursi by: s Excelling within their scope of practise s Pursuing professional, career and educational interest for all Enrolled Nurses s Showing a passion and flair for nursing s Acting as an advocate for, and interests support supporting, Enrolled Nurses in NSW Health.

Typed applications (min 250 words) addressing any of the above criteria and outlining the qualifications and ap employment employm history of the nominated Enrolled Nurse. The application should be signed by the applicant (either an EN and another (either RN or EN) who supports the application.

RN or EN) FORWARD THE APPLICATION TO: 4HE 3ECRETARY %.0! s 0/ "OX +INGSWOOD .37 "%&/2% *5,9

NSWNMA Linen Tea Towel each

ORDER FORM

$10

NSWNMA Watches each

NSWNMA KeepCup $12 + $3 postage & handling*.

Quantity:

$50

NSWNMA Linen Tea Towel $10 + $3 postage & handling*.

Quantity: NSWNMA Watches $50 + $5 postage & handling*.

Small Large Quantity:

Australian Nurses & Midwives

Total cost of order $ *Bulk orders will be charged accordingly.

NSWNMA merchandise is not only and , and it is to members.

stylish comfortable affordable sold at cost TO ORDER Email: gensec@nswnma.asn.au Fax: Glen Ginty, (02) 9662 1414, Post: NSWNMA, 50 O’Dea Avenue, Waterloo NSW 2017 Merchandise order forms also available on

www.nswnma.asn.au 40 | THE LAMP MARCH 2015

Avalon Watch Seiko Japan 3 hand movement Long life battery Mesh stainless steel band 2 year guarantee on watch parts and workmanship

NAME ADDRESS POSTCODE PHONE (H) (W)

Keepcup

$12 each

(MOB) METHOD OF PAYMENT Cheque Mastercard

Visa

Bankcard

NAME OF CARD HOLDER CARD NUMBER

EXPIRY DATE

/

SIGNATURE

Money Order

social media | facebook

WHAT NURSES & MIDWIVES SAID & LIKED on facebook www.facebook.com/nswnma

He said what?!

Yes, PM Tony Abbott did actually say this in a radio discussion about penalty rates, which are on the table in an inquiry by the Productivity Commission.

To say nurses and midwives were astonished and angry would be an understatement.

Aged care needs RNs 24/7 We asked you to sign our petition insisting that the state government keeps the law that requires RNs in aged care around the clock.

Patients before profits Our new television ad featuring Gosford RN Meg Pendrick hit the screens and got a great response.

PHOTO GALLERY

Two Muswellbrook nurses stepped forward for ratios with a simple message.

Our high care residents need care 24/7 Tony. // Ok babies, no more births on a weekend! I want to spend it with my family. If you have any concerns, speak to Tony Abbott!

Hilarious. Okay, I won’t. It might cause some issues though for patients who need emergency surgery between 5pm Friday and 8am Monday. // I’d hate to be the first one there Monday morning. // As much as I love my residents, I’m not working weekends without penalty rates, no way! // Totally out of touch with nurses’ workplaces. // Don’t forget the kitchen staff – who will feed the patients? Oh, maybe they can order takeaway.

Yeah, sure, I’ll look at my roster and say “No, I want to work morning shift Monday to Friday.” Wonder how long I’ll have a job? // What an absolutely ridiculous comment! I don’t “want” to work weekends but the hospital doesn’t shut!

No weekend chemotherapy then. // Just don’t go crashing your car okay, because no one is going to be around to put you together. And just hope the weather is nice when you’re lying in the middle of some road somewhere.

People who work in nursing, teaching, emergency services and disability care need to be acknowledged and rewarded financially. // Wake up – you are phenomenally clueless. I’m a Liberal voter but you make it hard. // Totally out of touch with shift workers. But what would you expect from someone who knights a British prince? // That’s fab. From now on we send all patients home Friday afternoons and readmit Monday morning. I’m sure friends and family can look after those pesky life support machines.

Nursing is a 24/7 job and it is not a walk in the park. // How does he expect the country to work without nurses on weekends!

Ok Tony, just tell acute mentally unwell patients to “suck it up” and come back Monday.

Come and see how the other half lives and functions. // Patients will suffer and nurses’ lives will suffer. I know I require my penalty pay to keep the roof over our heads. Having already lost one home through having two work injuries, I’ll be damned if I’m gonna lose another.

I cannot believe this is even on the table! // So will the ENs be responsible for S8 and other RN duties or do the residents/patients suffer? RNs are run off their feet already as are the ENs. I’m signing! // The bare minimum should be an RN on each shift.

My dad died recently in a hostel. He suffered for five days before he died. Part of his suffering was that he had to wait for the on-call nurse to come (she lived 30 minutes away) and administer pain relief. Not good enough!

Nooooo! It will be me in a home soon ... I want an RN. Great video! Healthcare is about supporting everyone in the state to reach their potential – not about selling a product for shareholder returns!

The American health care system is a joke, all they care about is money not people, I really hope Australia doesn’t end up like America.

Be afraid be very afraid! 120 people per day die in the US because they can’t afford health care. If you are unlucky enough to get cancer, you are at risk of bankruptcy! It will be health care and services for the well heeled, no doubt about it!

NSWNMA’s Union Summer interns spoke to new nursing students at the Australian Catholic University.

This member and her son went doorknocking in the Shire to talk about the need for RNs 24/7 in aged care.

Bega nurses continue their fight for better ratios in rural hospitals.

THE LAMP MARCH 2015 | 41

It’s time

The NSWNMA campaign uniform range endorses a modern appearance and offers both comfort and durable features, while still embracing NSWNMA image.

The range consists of a Unisex Scrub Top and Unisex Classic Pant. Both made from 65% polyester, 35% cotton. This fabric blend is durable and of superior quality. The scrub campaign uniform also has number of functional features, including jet pockets, pen partition, drawstring front on pants and brushed fabric coating for added comfort.

Sizes range from XS-4XL to ensure various body shapes and sizes are catered. Most importantly, the range has been designed to ensure a comfortable fit every time.

Scrub top and pant are $20 each incl GST.

to scrub up for 2015

ORDER FORM

Order your NSWNMA campaign scrub uniforms for conference and rally times, and make an impression!

NSWNMA Scrub top $20. Quantity: Size: XS S M L XL 2XL 3XL 4XL

NSWNMA Scrub pant $20. Quantity: Size: XS S M L XL 2XL 3XL 4XL

Total cost of order $

Please include postage & handling of $5 per order. Bulk orders will be charged accordingly.

NAME ADDRESS POSTCODE PHONE (H)

(W)

Method of payment:

Cheque

(MOB)

Mastercard

Visa

NAME OF CARD HOLDER CARD NUMBER

/

EXPIRY DATE

SIGNATURE

TO ORDER Email: gensec@nswnma.asn.au Fax: Myrtle Finlayson, (02) 9662 1414, Post: NSWNMA, 50 O’Dea Avenue, Waterloo NSW 2017

SCRUB TOP

Merchandise order forms also available on www.nswnma.asn.au

SCRUB PANTS

Bankcard

Size (cm)

XS

S

M

L

XL

2XL

3XL

4XL

Half Chest Circumference

53

56

59

62

66

69

73

77

Half Hem Circumference

54

57

60

63

67

70

74

78

General Guide for Female

8/10

10/12

12/14

14/16

16/18

18/20

20/22

22/24

Half Waist (Relaxed)

29

33

37

40.5

43.5

46.5

50.5

54.5

Half Waist (Stretched)

47

51

55

58.5

61.5

64.5

68.5

72.5

Half Hip

55

59

63

66

69

72

76

80

Out Seam Length

103

105

107

109

111

112

113

114

Money Order

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Across 1. People with obsessive impulse to steal (13) 7. One of blood group (2) 9. Intraarterial (2) 10. A form of vertigo occurring in decompression sickness (8) 11. Under an assumed name or appearance; in disguise (9) 14. A nurse classification (1.1) 15. Environments in which disease may develop (8) 17. An orthopedic device that allows or assists a patientâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s movements (10.6) 23. Anger (3) 24. A hard faecal concretion in the intestine (9)

26. The spirillary form of rat-bite fever (6) 27. Label (3) 28. Femur (5) 29. A wasted condition of the body (10) 30. Blocking the natural passages of the body (9) 31. One type of contraceptive device (6) 33. Flatus (3) 35. Absorption of a liquid (10) 36. Palpations with the finger (7) Down 1. Potassium (4) 2. Near or beside the ear (7) 3. A mucopolysaccharide or glycoprotein that is the chief

constituent of mucus (5) 4. A catheter inserted through the nasal cavity into the trachea (12.4) 5. Blindness, especially without apparent change in the eye, as from a cortical lesion (9) 6. Gestured (9) 7. The gaseous mixture which makes up the atmosphere (3) 8. The fundamental part of an object, organ, or substance (5) 12. Intensive care unit for newborn (1.1.1.1) 13. A class of antiretroviral drugs to treat HIV infection (1.1.1.1)

16. No, not (3) 17. Zygapophysial joint (5.5) 18. Diapers (7) 19. A home-care dental device intended to clean teeth (5.5) 20. Process of formation and development of the oocyte (10) 21. Red blindness (10) 22. A sporting competition in which contestants play a series of games to decide the winner (10) 25. The symbol for lanthanum (2) 32. The slow, drop-by-drop infusion of a liquid (4) 33. Genitourinary (1.1) 34. The symbol for actinium (2)

THE LAMP MARCH 2015 | 43

NURSES & MIDWIVES: There are many benefits of being a financial member of the NSWNMA — did you know that

Authorised by B.Holmes, General Secretary, NSWNMA

YOUR MEMBERSHIP FEES COVER YOU FOR TRAVEL TO AND FROM WORK? If you are involved in an accident while travelling to or from work, NSWNMA’s Journey Accident Insurance provides you with peace of mind.

In recent years this insurance has been a financial safety net for many members who have met unfortunate circumstances travelling to or from work.

As a financial member of the NSWNMA you are automatically covered by this policy. It’s important to remember however, that it can only be accessed if you are a financial member at the time of the accident.

So make sure your membership remains financial at all times by paying your fees by Direct Debit or Credit.

Watch Alexis talk about Journey Accident Insurance

JOURNEY ACCIDENT INSURANCE Your journey injury safety net

UNSURE IF YOU ARE FINANCIAL? IT’S EASY! Ring and check today on 8595 1234 (metro) or 1300 367 962 (rural).

Change your payment information online at

www.nswnma.asn.au

nursing research online

Non-communicable diseases such as cancers, lung disease, diabetes and cardiovascular disease are the world’s leading killers. The good news is there are many effective actions individuals and governments can take to avoid them.

How to beat the world’s biggest killers Alessandro Demaio, Postdoctoral Fellow in Global Health and NCDs, Harvard University, January 2015 The World Health Organisation (WHO) has just released its Global Status Report on non-communicable diseases 2014, the second in a series tracking worldwide progress in the prevention and control of cancers, lung disease, diabetes and cardiovascular disease. It focuses on how to reach the internationally agreed overarching target of a 25 per cent reduction of premature mortality from these four major, non-communicable diseases by 2025. The target is to be reached via nine goals including reducing harmful use of alcohol, increasing physical activity and lowering salt or sodium intake and tobacco use. They also include halting the rise of diabetes and obesity and improving coverage of treatment and prevention of heart attacks and strokes. There’s also a goal for improving the availability and affordability of technologies and essential medicines for non-communicable diseases – which are one of the biggest threats facing humanity today. http://theconversation.com/global-report-shows-how-to-beat-the-worldsbiggest-killers-36426

Nutrition labels World Cancer Research Fund International Evidence suggests that people who want to eat well use nutrient lists to choose healthier options. Interpretative labels help them when they find labels hard to understand. Nutrition labels also create incentives for food manufacturers to reformulate their products, so helping populations more broadly by increasing the availability of foods of higher nutritional value. Clear standards are also needed on the use of nutrient and health claims. Evidence shows these claims alter the perception people have of these products – making it essential that they do not mislead.

This table provides examples of the types of policy actions that can be taken within this policy area, examples of where these policy actions have been implemented and a brief description of what the action involves. It provides a global snapshot, largely of policies already implemented and is not comprehensive.

Economic tools to address food affordability World Cancer Research Fund International Empirical estimates show that food prices influence how much food people buy. Targeted subsidies have been shown to help overcome affordability barriers to healthy foods for people on low incomes. Incentives, like financial rewards or price discounts, have also been shown to encourage people to switch to healthier options. Emerging evidence from implemented taxes, as well as modelling studies, indicate the potential for effectiveness to reduce consumption. Given food choices are influenced by a whole host of factors, especially in modern, complex food markets, taxes must be designed very carefully to maximise effectiveness. This table provides examples of the types of policy actions that can be taken within this policy area, examples of where these policy actions have been implemented, and a brief description of what the action involves. www.wcrf.org/int/policy/nourishing-framework/useeconomic-tools

www.wcrf.org/int/policy/nourishing-framework/nutrition-labels

Australia’s plain tobacco packaging law at the WTO Tania Voon and Andrew Mitchell, University of Melbourne Earlier this month Cuba became the fourth country to challenge Australia’s plain tobacco packaging law by requesting consultations with Australia through the World Trade Organisation (WTO). Tobacco companies can’t bring claims directly in the WTO, but the industry has stated publicly that it is helping countries bring these claims. In international terms, the Australian market for tobacco products is tiny, with its population of 23 million and a smoking rate of around 16 per cent.

But if other countries follow Australia’s lead in requiring standardised packaging it will hurt the industry’s bottom line. The industry has already suffered major setbacks in its campaign against plain tobacco packaging. In 2012, the Australian government successfully defended claims brought by the multinational tobacco companies British American Tobacco, Imperial Tobacco, Japan Tobacco and Philip Morris in the High Court of Australia. More recently, New Zealand announced its aim of introducing similar laws. https://theconversation.com/australias-plain-tobacco-packaging-law-at-thewto-14043

From burden to “best buys”: Reducing the economic impact of NCDs in low- and middle-income countries World Health Organisation There is growing awareness and concern about the large and escalating burden of chronic, non-communicable diseases (NCDs) not just from the public health perspective but also from the economic one. The social burdens associated with the four diseases – cardiovascular disease, diabetes, cancer and chronic respiratory diseases – include prolonged disability, diminished resources within families and reduced productivity, in addition to tremendous demands on health systems. This report addresses current information gaps in our understanding of how to mitigate these challenges, by highlighting recent findings about the social costs of NCDs and the resource needs for managing these conditions. www.who.int/nmh/publications/best_buys_summary/en/

THE LAMP MARCH 2015 | 45

book me The NSWNMA library catalogue is online! Visit www.nswnma.asn.au/library-services-online-library-catalogue/ Foundations of Clinical Nurse Specialist Practice, 2nd edition

Janet Fulton, Brenda Lyon and Kelly Goudreau Springer Publishing (via Footprint Books) www.footprint.com.au RRP $122.00 ISBN 9780826129666 This comprehensive text covers the full sweep of CNS practice from fundamentals through designing and evaluating interventions, influencing change and innovation and frameworks for delivering care to clients. Key business practices like consultation, mentoring, project management, program evaluation, credentialing, managing technology and entrepreneurship are explored from a CNS perspective. The CNS role is examined within a variety of settings including hospitals, private practice and industry. A variety of specialty areas such as paediatric palliative care in a regional centre, primary care, rehabilitation, emergency, diabetes management and facilitating program improvements to infection control practices and rapid response programs are also addressed. Although it is written for American health professionals, the scope and detail of this book make it a substantial resource for anyone working in a CNS role in Australia.

Venepuncture and Cannulation: A Practical Guide Nicola Brooks

M&K Publishing www.mkupdate.co.uk RRP $37.30 (£19) ISBN 9781905539444 With an increasing number of patients being treated for acute and chronic illnesses, venepuncture and cannulation have become two of the most common everyday procedures in healthcare. This book is intended as a supplementary resource for those involved in practicing or teaching these procedures, for practitioners wishing to update their knowledge and for novices learning new skills.

It provides the underlying theory and knowledge required as well as step-by-step instructions, occasionally with illustrations. Each chapter includes intended learning outcomes, points for practice and reflection and practical activities. Common complications and problems are addressed for both procedures and the final chapters contains advice on reducing risks and two self-assessment checklists.

SPECIAL INTEREST Back Pain: How to Build Core Stability for Long-Lasting Relief Adam Gavine and Rod Bonello

Allen & Unwin www.allenandunwin.com RRP $32.99 ISBN 9781743317129 This straightforward book would be an excellent choice for anyone seeking long-lasting relief from back pain or trying to avoid back problems. It describes a range of common conditions that cause back pain, discusses the diagnostic process and examines a wide variety of non-invasive and invasive therapies.

Several inspiring personal stories are interspersed between factual chapters, showing how significant back problems can be overcome with determination and dedication. To this end the authors provide a range of lifestyle recommendations plus illustrated instructions for 32 safe, home-based rehabilitation exercises and movement strategies targeting different muscle groups.

Prescribing at a Glance Sarah Ross

Wiley-Blackwell (via JR Medical Books) www.medicalbooks.com.au RRP $52.95 ISBN 9781118257319 Prescribing is more than writing a drug order on a chart and competency requires specific knowledge and skills, appropriate analysis and judgement. This book sets out clear, concise instructions according to the World Health Organisation’s Guide to Good Prescribing framework, for a range of core skills including medication history taking, reviewing and choosing new medicines, assessing the suitability of a drug regimen, writing a prescription, communicating with a patient, monitoring drug effects and dealing with drug-related problems. Examples of common prescribing errors are given as well as prescription and calculation exercises. Separate sections describe the appropriate actions for special groups and using specific drug groups, like those for infection, in haematology, oncology and anaesthesia.

news for members Access to CINAHL Plus with Full Text Members can now access the CINAHL Plus with Full Text research database simply by logging in to the Association’s member-only page and clicking on the CINAHL link. CINAHL Plus with Full Text is a reliable online source for full text nursing and allied health information, providing full text for more than 750 indexed journals. This database contains thousands of full-text articles dating as far back as 1937, as well as searchable cited references, legal cases, clinical innovations, critical paths, drug records, research instruments and clinical trials. It is the definitive research tool for all areas of nursing and allied health literature. For further information or assistance in using CINAHL contact the NSWNMA Library.

All books can be ordered through the publisher or your local bookshop. NSWNMA members can borrow the books featured here, and many more, from our Information and Records Management Centre (IRMC). Contact Jeannette Bromfield gensec@nswnma.asn.au or Cathy Matias 8595 2121 cmatias@nswnma.asn.au. All reviews by NSWNMA IRMC Coordinator/Librarian Jeannette Bromfield. Some books are reviewed using information supplied and have not been independently reviewed.

THE LAMP MARCH 2015 | 47

movies of the month

This film is for not the fainthearted, writes Sue Miles, and you may find yourself commenting out loud at the action that is unfolding before you.

This historical thriller set in Northern Ireland tells the story of a young British soldier (Jack O’Connell), who finds himself separated from his unit and trapped behind enemy lines in Belfast at the height of “the Troubles”.

O’Connell’s portrayal of private Gary Hook, a Derbyshire orphan who has just completed his basic training with the British Army, has an element of the Bourne series, as Hook navigates an unknown hostile urban terrain and relies on gut instinct to try to reunite with his squadron.

Director Yann Demange deals with the complexity of the topic matter-of-factly in this, his feature debut.

The question of who are the good or bad guys is left unanswered, as British soldier’s and IRA killers are humanised in the same way: both sides don’t want to be there, but it’s war and this job needs to be done.

Demange’s cinematic dialogue is maintained with intensity; the film has been beautifully shot, is packed with suspense, smartly written and the tension is sustained in the telling of the story.

The film questions the politics of war, rather than the specifics of the conflict. To quote Eamon (Richard Dormers) an ex-army medic, in a scene from the film, “rich c**nts, use stupid c**nts to kill poor c**nts”.

Jack O’Connell is excellent in this film. Angelina Jolie cast him as the lead in her feature film Unbroken based on this performance. Go and see what everyone is talking about.

Sue Miles works in Perinatal Mental Health at the Royal Hospital for Women, Randwick IN CINEMAS MARCH 19

METROMEMBERGIVEAWAY Email The Lamp by the 12th of the month to be in the draw to win a double pass to 71 thanks to Entertainment One. email your name, membership number, address and telephone number to lamp@nswnma.asn.au for a chance to win!

DVD SPECIAL OFFER Magic and mystery mix with teenage hormones in this Australian series featuring performances by upand-coming homegrown talent. The scene was set in series one when four teenage boys returned from a school excursion to discover they had arrived back to an alternate universe where they did not exist. In series two Felix (Dougie Baldwin), Jake (Matt Testro), Sam (Rahart Adams) and Andy (Joel Lok) manage to find their way back from the parallel world, but soon discover their problems aren’t over. As they experiment with their new and unpredictable powers they realise they are not the only ones in their small town who are dabbling in the dark arts.

RURALMEMBERGIVEAWAY Email The Lamp by the 15th of this month to be in the draw to win a dvd of Nowhere Boys Serie 2 thanks to Roadshow Entertainment. email your name, membership number, address and telephone number to lamp@nswnma.asn.au for a chance to win!

48 | THE LAMP MARCH 2015

movies of the month

What this film lacks in historical accuracy it makes up for in entertainment, writes Stephanie Gray.

This is a romantic drama following the fortunes of Sabine De Barra (Kate Winslet) a strong-willed and talented landscape gardener who is chosen to design one of the main gardens at the new Chateau de Versailles.

The film is set in 1682, when Louis XIV (Alan Rickman, who also directed the film) is in the process of moving his court from Paris to the long-inprogress Versailles.

He decrees of its gardens “Heaven shall be here” and he expects his chief landscape architect, Andre Le Notre (Matthias Schoenaerts), to create that “window to perfection” swiftly and on budget – or else!

Interviewing numerous candidates to help him create the gardens Le Notre surprisingly settles on the little-known De Barra, whose ideas are unorthodox and who is a woman besides.

In her new position of power Sabine challenges gender and class barriers while becoming professionally and romantically entangled with Le Notre.

Despite initial friction Sabine and Andre warm to each other, leaving them prey to gossip, back stabbing and outright sabotage, providing an action-flooded climax.

It is an emotionally engaging story with confident direction from Rickman, superb period costumes and startling cinematography.

Stephanie Gray is an RN with the Australian Red Cross Blood Services IN CINEMAS MARCH 26

METROMEMBERGIVEAWAY Email The Lamp by the 12th of the month to be in the draw to win a double pass to A Little Chaos thanks to Transmission Films. email your name, membership number, address and telephone number to lamp@nswnma.asn.au for a chance to win!

CHANGE A CHILD’S LIFE We are looking for people who can provide a nurturing and stable home to a child or young person.

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If you have experience caring for or working with children and time to give, we’d love to hear from you.

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To become a Foster Carer with Life Without Barriers, contact us:

THE LAMP MARCH 2015 | 49

diary dates — conferences, seminars, meetings. diary dates is a free service for members. Please send event details in the format used here: event name, date and location, contact details – by the 5th of each month.

Send your event details to: lamp@nswnma.asn.au Fax 02 9662 1414 Post 50 O’Dea Ave, Waterloo NSW 2017. All listings are edited for the purposes of style and space.

NSW NSW Matters Australian College of Nursing event 4 March Sydney www.acn.edu.au/nswmatters Australasian Cardiovascular Nursing College 9th Annual Conference 13-14 March Coogee www.acnc.net.au The Art and Science of Spiritual Care Nurses Christian Fellowship 17 March 24 March Marsfield 02 9888 5842 www.ncfansw.org The person centred approach to healthy weight management.

If not dieting, then what?

20-21 March Darling Harbour www.apna.asn.au/ifnotdieting Fundamentals of Paediatric Care seminar 27 March Albury lauren.kendrick@awh.org.au Dimensions of Cardiology Conference Empower Nurse Education 27-28 March Newcastle www.empowernurseeducation.com.au A quick whiz around the pelvis Continence Foundation of Australia NSW state conference 1 May Darling Harbour Delena Caagbay 02 8741 5699 continencensw@gmail.com Aspects of Aged Care Conference Empower Nurse Education 22-23 May Newcastle www.empowernurseeducation.com.au

Medical Imaging Nurses Association National Conference 19-21 June Sydney www.trybooking.com Acute Care Nursing Conference Empower Nurse Education 1 August Newcastle www.empowernurseeducation.com.au DANA Many Faces of Addiction Forum 13-14 August Sydney www.danaconference.com.au dana.conference@acn.edu.au 02 6283 3424 Anaesthetics and PARU Conference Empower Nurse Education 4-5 September Newcastle www.empowernurseeducation.com.au 2015 Australian Nursing and Midwifery Conference 15-16 OctoberNewcastle www.nursingmidwiferyconference.com.au/

ACT MHS Conference – Best Practice into Reality 25-28 August Canberra www.themhs.org

INTERSTATE Australian and New Zealand Addiction Conference 4-6 March Surfers Paradise www.addictionaustralia.org.au Australian Pain Society 35th Annual Scientific Meeting Managing Pain: From Mechanism to Policy 15-18 March Brisbane www.dcconferences.com.au/aps2015/

NEW! The NSWNMA Library Catalogue is now online!

Visit www.nswnma.asn.au/library-services-online-library-catalogue/ for the link to open the catalogue plus instructions on how to use it. Once you have searched by keyword or browsed subject areas you can send loan requests via a quick online form. Many online resources can be accessed directly through web links included in the catalogue listing.

APNA National Conference 14-16 May Gold Coast apnaconference.asn.au Australian and New Zealand Addiction Conference 20-22 May 2015 Surfers Paradise www.addictionaustralia.org.au No 2 Bullying Conference 29-30 June Gold Coast www.no2bullying.org.au 16th International Mental Health Conference 12-14 August Gold Coast www.anzmh.asn.au/conference/ 2015 CRANAplus Conference 15-17 October Alice Springs www. crana.org.au

INTERNATIONAL Asia Pacific Hospice Conference Transforming Palliative Care 30 April-3 May Taipei, Taiwan www.2015aphc.org 9th European Congress on Violence in Clinical Psychiatry 22-24 October Copenhagen, Denmark www.oudconsultancy.nl/Copenhagen2015 4th World Congress of Clinical Safety 28-30 September Vienna, Austria www.iarmm.org/4WCCS

NCFI Quadrennial International Congress Healthy Lives in a Broken World – a Christian response to nursing 6-10 June 2016 Tagaytay City, Philippines information@ncfi.org; www.ncfi.org; facebook.com/visit.ncfi

REUNIONS Westmead Hospital 35-year reunion March 1980 intake 7 March Kerry Rouse (nee Everingham) 0414 971 441 kerry.rouse@optusnet.com.au Paul Fisher 0412 417 489 vastech@fisher.id.au Sydney Hospital reunion March 28 Woolloomooloo All graduates welcome Francesca Chee 0413 135 200 Lewisham Hospital 40-year reunion Class of April 1975 11 April Sydney Julie Macqueen nee Conlan juliemacqueen@yahoo.com Wendy Jarick wendyjarick1@hotmail.com.au All other Lewisham nurses welcome.

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