The Lamp September 2006

lamp the

magazine of the NSW Nurses’ Association

Print Post Approved: PP241437/00033

volume 63 no.8 September 2006

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2 THE LAMP SEPTEMBER € 4VCKFDU UP 5FSNT BOE $POEJUJPOT

2006

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ABOUT THE LAMP

C O N T E N T S

Contacts NSW NURSES’ ASSOCIATION For all membership enquiries and assistance, including Lamp subscriptions and change of address, contact our Sydney office.

SYDNEY OFFICE 43 Australia Street Camperdown NSW 2050 PO Box 40 Camperdown NSW 1450 (all correspondence) T 8595 1234 (metro) 1300 367 962 (non-metro) F 9550 3667 E gensec@nswnurses.asn.au W www.nswnurses.asn.au HUNTER OFFICE 120 Tudor Street Hamilton NSW 2303 ILLAWARRA OFFICE L1, 63 Market Street Wollongong NSW 2500

Cover story

LAMP THE

MAGAZINE OF THE .37 .URSES !SSOCIATION

VOLUME NO 3EPTEMBER

0RINT 0OST !PPROVED 00

Nurses’ rights at work 2006 NSWNA ANNUAL CONFERENCE

News in brief 8

NSWNA addresses issues in mental health nursing 8 Boost for South Coast nursing 8 New rules to protect aged care 9 Healthy relationships at work and play 9 Uproar over aged care sackings 10 IR shorts 11 Nancy de Vries: high distinctions – against all odds

NSWNA education program 11 What’s on this month

Industrial issues 12 More nasty lies 13 OWS used by John Cobb to dud nurses 14 How Howard’s agency twisted sacked workers’ words 21 NSCCAHS reviews management structure 29 Pay rise for private hospital nurses

Occupational Health and Safety 35 Don’t ‘soldier on’ if you’re sick

Special people 36 Nurses sparkle and shine at NSWNA Annual Conference dinner

Lifestyle 39 Member’s tips 41 Movie review 45 Book me

Obituary 42 Joanne Therese Burns 43 Olive Kemmis

Regular columns

16 NSWNA 61st Annual Conference

Editorial

by Brett Holmes 6 Your letters to The Lamp 33 Ask Judith 47 Our nursing crossword 49 Diary dates

Agenda

Competition

22 Mental health plans a mixed bag 26 Interest rates up again

44 Win luxury hair and beauty treatments at one of Sydney’s most exclusive salons

Nurses in action

Special offer

31 Voice for regional nurses

33 20 double passes to win to see Opal Dream 41 100 double passes to win to see The Cave of the Yellow Dog

NSWNA Annual Conference

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36

5

39

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NSWNA COMMUNICATIONS COORDINATOR Noel Hester T 8595 2153 NSWNA COMMUNICATIONS OFFICER Olivia Nassaris T 8595 1263 For all Lamp editorial enquiries, letters and diary dates: Salim Barber T 8595 1234 E sbarber@nswnurses.asn.au M PO Box 40 Camperdown NSW 1450 THE LAMP PRODUCED BY Lodestar Communications T 9698 4511 PRESS RELEASES Send your press releases to: T 9550 3667 E gensec@nswnurses.asn.au THE LAMP EDITORIAL COMMITTEE Brett Holmes, NSWNA General Secretary Judith Kiejda, NSWNA Assistant General Secretary Coral Levett, NSWNA President John Lyons, Coonabarabran District Hospital Jonathan Farry, RPA Hospital Mark Kearin, Wyong Hospital Roz Norman, Tamworth Base Hospital Stephen Metcalfe, Lismore Base Hospital Therese Riley, St George Hospital ADVERTISING Patricia Purcell T 8595 2139 or 0416 259 845 F 9550 3667 E ppurcell@nswnurses.asn.au RECORDS AND INFORMATION CENTRE - LIBRARY To find old articles in The Lamp, or to borrow from the NSWNA library’s nursing and health collection, contact: Jeannette Bromfield, RIC Coordinator T 8595 2175 E gensec@nswnurses.asn.au General disclaimer The Lamp is the official magazine of the NSW Nurses’ Association. Views expressed in articles are contributors’ own and not necessarily those of the NSW Nurses’ Association. 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 NSW Nurses’ Association takes no responsibility for the advertising appearing herein and it does not necessarily endorse any products advertised.

Privacy Privacy statement: The NSWNA 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 NSWNA office. If you are still not satisfied that your privacy is being maintained you can contact the Privacy Commission.

Subscriptions Free to all Association members. Ex-members can subscribe to the magazine at a reduced rate of $44.

Individuals $60, Institutions $90, Overseas2006 $100.3 THE LAMP SEPTEMBER

Members – Sign up a new member and go in the draw to win a fabulous trip to

NORFOLK ISLAND PRIZE INCLUDES; Return air fares with Nor folk Air from Sydney to Nor folk Island for two people 7 nights at Poinciana Cottages 7 days car hire Half Hour Hot Stone Massage per person Talpacific Holidays Convict Club Card offering gifts and discounts on shopping, touring & dining.

WIN DAVID JONES VOUCHERS Once you have recruited 4 new members to the NSWNA, you will be awarded a $20 David Jones voucher, and for every member after that you’ll receive a further $5 voucher. It’s that easy!

MEMBERSHIP APPLICATION FORMS HURRY – CALL THE ASSOCIATION NOW FOR YOUR RECRUITMENT KITS! PH: 8595 1234 (METROPOLITAN AREA) OR 1300 367 962 (NON-METROPOLITAN AREA) OR GO TO

www.nswnurses.asn.au

4 THE LAMP SEPTEMBER 2006

COMPETITION CLOSES 30 JUNE 2007

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E D I T O R I A L

BY BRETT HOLMES GENERAL SECRETARY

Liberal’s nursing policy raises more questions than it answers g State Liberals promise to keep nurses as crown employees ... but this is to protect them from Federal Liberals’ hostile IR laws

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he NSW Liberal and National parties have released a policy paper ‘Bringing nurses back’, which raises many issues for consideration.

The NSWNA welcomes from any political party the recognition that nurses are the backbone of the health system and that improving their professional status is an imperative when addressing the nursing shortage.

At a micro level, the policy promises to improve nursing courses by increasing the amount of time spent in clinical practice and to improve retraining opportunities. There is a promise to fund 500 extra nursing positions and 50 extra clinical nurse educators. The opposition also say they will provide funds to individual hospitals to meet the particular needs at that workplace.

These are all laudable ideas.

Unfortunately, the political context in which these ideas are proposed begs a lot of questions of the opposition that are left unanswered.

The big problem for the opposition’s policy unit, which they seem not to have noticed when putting this paper together, is John Howard’s federal IR changes.

The opposition leader has said the Liberals will leave public hospital nurses in the State industrial relations system.

Yet, he makes no comment on the fact that the conversion of NSW public hospital nurses into crown employees, a political intervention by the Iemma government that keeps them within the state system, had to be done to protect nurses and other frontline employees from

a vicious and unprecedented attack on their work conditions by Peter Debnam’s own federal colleagues.

This followed on the heels of statements by Federal Minister for Ageing Santo Santoro, who complained that ‘recent nurse pay rises are continuing to make it difficult to operate nursing homes’ and ‘State Industrial Relations Commissions continued to approve large pay rises for nurses within a sector already struggling with staff shortages’.

There have been many other comments coming out of Canberra from the Coalition benches lashing the NSW State Government for the size of public sector wage increases.

It does beg the question: What will a State Liberal National Coalition be prepared to deliver for nurses’ wages when their Federal colleagues are railing against the current wages for nurses?

And it is not just an issue of money. Our Memorandum of Understanding with the state Labor Government last year delivered groundbreaking maternity leave, more union rights, a commitment to fund 10-hour night shifts and recognition of ENs. These are the sort of conditions that WorkChoices was designed to strip out of awards, along with overtime and penalty rates.

Another problem in the Liberal Party policy is the vulnerability of nurses in aged care and private hospitals to the federal laws.

If the State Opposition recognises the need to protect frontline public servants from their own Federal colleagues’ laws, what about all the other hard-working NSW workers and their families including nurses in private hospitals and in aged care.

Are the State Liberals prepared to challenge the policies of the Howard Government on AWAs and aged care funding, on university places and the myriad other Federal responsibilities that impact on the rights and conditions of nurses working in these sectors? n

What will a State Liberal National Coalition be prepared to deliver for nurses’ wages when their Federal colleagues are railing against the current wages for nurses?

If he was already the Premier, would Peter Debnam have taken this step to protect nurses from the federal Liberal Party’s industrial relations changes? Would he stand up to John Howard and say these changes are wrong and harmful to nurses and, for that matter, all other workers in NSW? On the issue of nurses’ pay and conditions, the Federal Coalition’s track record is also less than glorious.

In June, Queensland Coalition Federal MP Peter Lindsay complained of ‘the Queensland Government’s offer to irresponsibly increase wage levels for public hospital nurses in Queensland.’

THE LAMP SEPTEMBER 2006 5

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L E T T E R S

LETTER of the month Wendy Jannings

Learn from UK mistakes I have just returned from the UK visiting family and catching up with old nursing colleagues.

Morale among my nurse friends was really low. They are frustrated because they are reporting to nonnurse managers, who it appears have little or no understanding about patient care issues – the very heart of the nursing.

Now I read in the August Lamp that a number of AHSs are proposing removal of operational responsibility from nurse managers here in NSW. Why can’t they learn from the mistakes apparent in the UK?

and remain close to or at zero throughout 2006-07.

At the same time, more elective surgery is being performed, with 4,053 more procedures completed in the financial year to May 2006. Waiting times for surgery are significantly decreasing as a result of these major achievements in 2005-06.

The program to reduce the number of patients waiting over 12 months for their surgery used available capacity in public hospitals. The private sector has occasionally been accessed, particularly when public capacity is temporarily limited, in order to ensure that patients are not further disadvantaged by waiting even longer for their procedures.

NSW Health will continue to ensure that all patients receive their surgery within the clinically appropriate timeframes and greatly appreciates the dedication of the nursing and other staff in achieving these goals.

Donald G MacLellan, Statewide Program Director of Surgery, NSW Health

NSW Health defends ‘occasional’ outsourcing It was disappointing to read your article entitled ‘Public patients outsourced’, published in the June 2006 edition.

The article failed to provide an accurate overview of the significant achievements in surgery in NSW and thus did not reflect the excellent contribution of many of your readers.

Over the past 12months, the number of NSW patients waiting longer than 12 months for their surgery has been dramatically reduced by over 80% and is expected to reach 6 THE LAMP SEPTEMBER 2006

I have been a member of the Association since my registration in 2001. Up until recently, I have read The Lamp with much interest and enthusiasm.

I enjoyed learning about nurses. I found The Lamp informative on various health and nursing issues – which I lacked coming from a small regional area.

I am interested and concerned about the plight of other nurses, but I am sick of The Lamp being used as a ‘political wheelbarrow’ constantly being pushed for the Labor Party.

For example, in the July edition, the page 21 article regarding how IR affects various workplaces. I thought this was the NSW Nurses Association!

Let’s get back to the real issues – such as patient care.

Editor’s response: Vicki Blanch

Which side are you on Mr Iemma?

Donald G MacLellan

Wheelbarrow?

Gemma Horsburgh, RN, Dubbo Base Hospital

Wendy Jannings, CNC, Northern Sydney Home Nursing Service Wendy Jannings won the prize for this month’s letter of the month, a $50 Myer voucher.

Gemma Horsburgh

I could not believe what I was reading when I picked opened my latest copy of The Lamp (August 2006) and read of more Area Health plans to sideline and devalue nurses.

In disbelief, I went back to the July 2006 issue which also has articles titled Nurses Devalued, Downgrade Undermines Nursing and AHS Cuts the Heart out of Nursing.

In growing wonder, I re-read the article on page 18 of this issue headlined: Combet, Iemma pledge to fight for nurses’ rights.

Has anyone shown Mr Iemma a copy of The Lamp, and does he even know that this is happening during his watch?

His own government is responsible for the Area Health restructures that are devaluing nurses, and yet he claims to be on their side.

Vicki Blanch, NUM, St Joseph’s Hospital

A lot of space in The Lamp has been devoted to covering the new federal IR changes for a very good reason. They are the most serious attack on workers and the union movement in over 100 years.

The NSWNA has devoted a lot of expert resources to analyse the consequences of these laws for nurses.

It is our considered position that these laws, if they remain in place, will have a profound and harmful impact on the nursing profession and by natural extension on patient care.

A careful reading of The Lamp will show that we do not push a wheelbarrow for the Labor Party and have been prepared to take a strong position when we believe the interests of nurses are impacted by poor policy by the state government. For example, the cover stories in the previous two issues of The Lamp have been strongly critical of the AHS restructure.

We believe nurses have the right to know how these federal IR laws will impact on them, their families, their communities, the health system they work in and ultimately on patients. Whether these laws remain in place will be determined at the next federal election and we want nurses to be able to make a fully informed decision when they exercise their democratic will.

August crossword solution

Lillian Perkins

Thanks to NSWNA staff!

I recently attended the 61st NSWNA Annual Conference and, even though I have been to many in the past, this one really stood out for me.

The staff at the conference registration desks could not have been more helpful. They went out of their way to fix any problems, big or small.

I would especially like to thank two NSWNA staff members Jan Harrison and Toni Porter.

Photos of the staff are a great idea!

When you ring for information, the staff are very obliging and helpful but it’s nice to know who you are talking to.

Lillian Perkins, Coledale District Hospital

I work in psychiatry mostly and love to do your crossword to help keep my brain a little more active on medical stuff ... but I encountered a problem this month.

When I got to the end and there were questions that I was completely stumped on. But there were no answers so that I could sit there and call myself dopey.

Please help.

Sarah-Jane Richards, Lismore Base Hospital Editor’s response: Oops! Solution for August crossword.

WITH TUESDAYS

You may be finding it hard to talk to our information officers on Tuesdays.

This is because Tuesday is the one day of the week when all our staff are in the office for staff and team meetings. These meetings are essential for information distribution and planning activities.

If at all possible, please don’t ring on this day as there can be considerable delays. But if you need urgent assistance, you will get it.

Our information department receives approximately 900 calls per week, and the phones are ringing hot from 8am to 5.30pm.

We are working hard to meet your needs and thank you for your patience.

Call 8595 1234 (metro) or 1300 367 962 (non-metro).

Got something to say?

Send your letters to: Salim Barber email sbarber@nswnurses.asn.au fax 9550 3667 mail PO Box 40 Camperdown NSW 1450 Please include a photograph along with your name, address, phone and membership number.

Letters may be edited for clarity and space.

E X P R E S S I O N S

THE TROUBLE

O F

I N T E R E S T

MIDWIFERY REFERENCE GROUP OF THE PROFESSIONAL ISSUES COMMITTEE NSWNA members who are also members of the NSW Midwives Association are invited to join the reference group

responds to professional issues in midwifery requested by Council through PIC.

The reference group supports the activities of the NSWNA Professional Issues Committee (PIC), advises the NSWNA Council through PIC and

Enquiries: Janet Ma, Professional Officer Phone: 02 8595 2109 e-mail: jma@nswnurses.asn.au

LETTER of the month The letter judged the best each month will be awarded a $50 Myer voucher, courtesy Medicraft, Australia’s largest manufacturer of hospital beds and furniture. For more information on Medicraft products, visit www.medicraft.com.au or call 9569 0255.

EVERY LETTER PUBLISHED

RECEIVES A DELIGHTFUL

ABC CLASSICS CD –

AGED CARE NURSES REFERENCE GROUP

FOR UPLIFTING ENJOYMENT!

OF THE PROFESSIONAL ISSUES COMMITTEE

ABC Shops provide you with a window into the wonderful variety of programs see and heard on ABC Radio, TV and Online by offering a range of quality DVDs, Books, Music and Audio products.

For locations visit abcshop.com.au

Any NSWNA members working in the aged care sector are invited to join the reference group

responds to professional issues in regard to Aged Care Nursing requested

by Council through the PIC.

The reference group supports the activities of the NSWNA Professional Issues Committee (PIC), advises the NSWNA Council through PIC and

Enquiries: Janet Ma, Professional Officer Phone: 02 8595 2109 e-mail: jma@nswnurses.asn.au

THE LAMP SEPTEMBER 2006 7

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N E W S I INN BBRRI IEEFF

NSWNA ADDRESSES

ISSUES IN

MENTAL HEALTH

NURSING

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he NSWNA held its second Mental Health Nurses’ Forum on 25 August, covering professional issues relevant to mental health nurses.

Part of the Association’s ongoing education program for members, the forum examined a range of issues in mental health nursing including: mental health and drug use; treatment options for ICE consumers; how to best meet the needs of consumers; and industrial issues facing mental health nurses.

According to NSWNA General Secretary Brett Holmes, the Mental Health Forum provides the Association with opportunity to hear the issues and needs of our members working in sector.

‘The forum is also a good opportunity for nurses working in mental health to meet other colleagues working in the field,’ he said.

BOOST FOR

SOUTH COAST

NURSING ursing on the NSW South Coast will receive a boost if the University of Wollongong succeeds in a push to establish a nursing faculty at its Shoalhaven campus.

The university is seeking a $500,000 grant from the federal government to upgrade the campus in order to establish a nursing faculty.

The university is aiming for 30 Bachelor of Nursing places for the 2008 intake.

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8 THE LAMP SEPTEMBER 2006

New rules to protect aged care g Promise to defend whistleblowers

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he federal government has promised measures to protect aged care staff who ‘blow the whistle’ on incidents of sexual and physical abuse of elderly clients.

Whistleblowers will have their identity protected and will not experience discrimination as a result of reporting abuse, the government says.

The guarantees are included in a package of measures announced in response to what the Minister for Ageing, Senator Santo Santoro, called ‘isolated but serious’ incidents of abuse identified in residential aged care.

In one case, a 95-year-old grandmother was allegedly sexually assaulted three times by a male carer in a nursing home.

Another staff member who witnessed the alleged assaults failed to report them for two months.

Following this and similar cases, the government introduced mandatory police checks for staff and volunteers in aged care services, and increased the number of unannounced visits to aged care facilities by the Aged Care Standards and Accreditation Agency.

Then, in late July, federal Cabinet agreed to further measures including a new Office of Aged Care Quality and

Compliance to replace the existing Complaints Resolution Scheme.

The new body will have the power to investigate complaints and take action to remedy any breach of responsibilities by providers, according to Senator Santoro.

‘This new process takes the onus for resolving complaints from the complainant and the approved provider, as it will be up to the Office to investigate the matter, ascertain whether the complaint is valid, and make a decision about required action,’ he said.

Other measures include the introduction of compulsory reporting by providers and staff of ‘allegations or incidents of sexual and serious physical assault’ in residential aged care.

Providers must establish systems to ensure staff report such incidents to the provider, who must then report the information to the police and the Office.

‘This arrangement will also include whistleblower protections for approved providers and staff who report such incidents,’ Senator Santoro promised.

‘It will allow for approved providers to protect the identity of staff who report and ensure the staff member does not experience discrimination as a result of reporting.’

The new measures are due to come into effect next April. n

Photo courtesy of ANF (Victorian Branch)

HEALTHY

RELATIONSHIPS AT WORK AND PLAY ational Mental Health Week 2006, 8-14 October, marks the second stage in the Mental Health Association’s ‘Relationships’ campaign.

This year, the focus is on ‘Relationships at Work and Play’ – promoting the importance of maintaining positive, healthy relationships with work colleagues and social peers for the benefit of our overall mental health and wellbeing.

Mental Health Week is part of a national campaign to promote mental health held in early October each year, coinciding with World Mental Health Day and Stress Less Day, 11 October.

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Evidence shows that people with strong social ties have better outcomes with regard to mental illness, coronary heart disease, blood pressure, obesity, stopping smoking and may suffer from lower levels of stress.

The aim of the week is to promote social and emotional wellbeing to the population – encouraging people to maximise their health potential, enhancing the coping capacity of communities, families, and individuals, and increasing mental health literacy.

Working Australians spend a significant amount of their daily lives at work or in recreational pursuits. Our relationships with those people around us has a significant impact on our happiness, health and overall wellbeing, studies reveal.

Evidence shows that people with strong social ties have better outcomes with regard to mental illness, coronary heart disease, blood pressure, obesity, stopping smoking and may suffer from lower levels of stress.

For more information on Mental Health Week, go to www.mentalhealth.asn.au.

ANF (Victorian Branch) Assistant Secretary Jan Brownrigg (front left) with ANF Secretary Lisa Fitzpatrick at the June rally in Melbourne, protesting against the new work laws

Uproar over aged care sackings g ‘WorkChoices’ used to replace nurses

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Victorian nursing home has used the Howard government’s new industrial relations laws to sack most of its experienced nurses and replace them with workers from the dole queue.

Balmoral Grove nursing home in Geelong replaced 15 nurses with cheaper personal care workers hired through Centrelink.

‘How will the company maintain the quality of nursing care by getting rid of nurses?’

Some of the sacked nurses had been at Balmoral Grove for 20 years.

The sackings were part of a wave of redundancies and cuts to hours at five regional aged care facilities owned by Aged Care Services Australia Group.

When this edition of The Lamp went to press, the Victorian nurses’ union had won a temporary order from the Industrial Relations Commission delaying the company’s restructure plan pending talks with the union.

The company is using Howard’s ‘WorkChoices’ to make a total of 49 nurses redundant and impose a weekly reduction of 1,042 nursing and personal care worker hours.

‘This is the Cowra meat works all over again,’ said Victorian ANF Assistant Secretary Jan Brownrigg.

‘Qualified and experienced nurses are being forced to accept a lower classification and lower wages for doing the same job – only this time not only are nurses’ livelihoods and mortgages at risk, but so is resident care.

‘Profit-driven proprietors are now able to take advantage of the Howard government’s new laws, to cut nurse numbers, cut their wages bill and cut the residents’ care.

‘How will the company maintain the quality of nursing care by getting rid of nurses? How will they maintain or improve wound care, ulcer prevention, falls prevention, dementia behaviour care, nutrition management, health monitoring and safe medication processes and prevent medication errors?’

More than 1,000 people have attended community protest meetings in Ballarat, Bendigo, Geelong and Moe, vowing to fight the cuts.

Families of residents at Balmoral Grove home told the Sunday Herald Sun newspaper that since the nurses were replaced with personal care workers, there had been three falls in a week including one resulting in a broken hip, and the wrong medication had been given to a patient making her sleep for three days. n THE LAMP SEPTEMBER 2006 9

IR SHORTS

IMPORTED WORKERS EXPLOITED

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wo federal government agencies – the Immigration Department and the Migration Agents Registration Authority (MARA) – have raised serious concerns about the underpayment and over work of workers brought into the country under the skilled migrant visa scheme.

‘Serious concerns have been raised about the exploitation of visa holders both in terms of low salaries and the number of hours that visa holders are meant to work,’ a MARA email leaked to the Sydney Morning Herald said.

This was confirmed to the Herald by an immigration department spokesperson.

Immigration department figures show that 3,737 of the so-called ‘section 457’ workers were underpaid in NSW in 2004-05. This was 30% of the workers on the program.

Despite this, the immigration department – under pressure from employer groups – is looking to extend the number of occupations covered by the program and add semi skilled workers to the list.

Truck drivers, abattoir workers and farmhands are some of the new jobs to be added.

LIBERAL MP ADMITS, ‘IT’S GOING TO HURT’ irst we were told – at a cost of $55 million – that our workplace rights would be ‘Protected by Law’.

When that didn’t work, we were told ‘it was good for the economy’.

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‘There will be some bad employers around who’ll try to exploit someone who’s from a non-English speaking background, who’s young.’

Now, one Liberal backbencher, with her own job security under threat, has confirmed what unions have said from the beginning – that if unemployment rises the federal government’s IR laws will hurt the vulnerable.

‘There will be some bad employers around and, yes, they’ll be people who’ll try to exploit someone who’s from a non-English speaking background, who’s 10 THE LAMP SEPTEMBER 2006

COLLECTIVE AGREEMENTS UNDERPIN RESOURCE BOOM ohn Howard’s attack on Kim Beazley after he promised to scrap individual contracts has been undermined by Woodside Energy, operator of the North-West Shelf project, which has confirmed its 3,200 permanent staff are all employed on common law contracts rather than AWAs. Howard said during a trip to China earlier this year that Labor’s pledge to abolish AWAs was ‘a dagger at the throat’ of the

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young, who’s female,’ Jackie Kelly told the ABC’s Sunday Profile program.

‘I think that if unemployment does rise, then I suppose, yes, we’ve got something wrong,’ she said.

In marked contrast, John Howard has clearly indicated that employees can expect more of the same.

‘We can only entrench and strengthen the economy further, if we’re willing to undertake further reforms such as industrial relations reform,’ he told the Sydney Morning Herald.

ACTU DEMANDS $30 PAY RISE FOR THE LOW PAID

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he minimum wage case may be a thing of the past but the union movement is still pushing for the new pay commission to give the low paid a $30 a week pay rise.

The figure would offset inflation and an effective 18-month wage freeze imposed since the federal government brought in its new IR laws.

Employer groups immediately attacked the claim.

resources sector, widely believed to be the engine of Australia’s current economic growth.

‘AWAs are essential to the competitive edge we have in the resource industry and no attempts by Beazley to say common law contracts area as good – they’re not as good, they’re not as flexible,’ Howard told the Australian Financial Review.

This was rejected by Woodside Petroleum’s industrial relations manager, Ian Masson, who told the Melbourne’s Age newspaper that collective agreements with various unions had ‘provided stability for Woodside over many years and already deliver the flexibility and systems we seek.’

Beazley also had something to say about Howard’s baseless claims.

‘When Mr Howard was celebrating the delivery of Australian gas to China, he should have also celebrated the collective agreements that got it there,’ he said.

OUR KIDS UNDER ATTACK

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orkplace Relations Minister Kevin Andrews has attacked a group of Canberra high school students for lampooning the federal government’s IR reforms in a rock revue.

Andrews deemed the show ‘totally inappropriate’ and said he found it ‘difficult to believe they came up with the idea themselves’.

The eight-minute act featured a spoof John Howard arriving on stage to the Eurythmics Would I lie to you, flying pigs and a young girl being physically forced to sign an AWA by a bunch of bad bosses.

The act was advertised as ‘a satirical take on WorkChoices’, with banners saying ‘Proudly sponsored by the Australian government’ as backdrops.

The judges thought differently to Andrews, awarding the item first place in Canberra’s rock eisteddfod grand final.

The Nine network is expected to air the revue later this year, according to the Australian. n

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N E W S I INN BBRRI IEEFF

High distinctions – against all odds

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embers of the NSW Parliament stood in their places when news arrived of the death of former member Nancy de Vries, age 74.

Nancy, who became one of the first Aboriginal nursing graduates from the University of Western Sydney at age 56, was taken from her Aboriginal mother when she was 14-months old and placed in state care.

Nancy was 55 when she was finally reunited with her mother Ruby Edwards.

‘Mother and daughter spent only 10 hours together over a series of visits before Ruby died,’ The Sydney Morning Herald reported.

Asked her feelings about those few hours, Nancy said: ‘I beat the system. It may have been 10 hours in a lifetime but it was 10 hours they never wanted me to have with her,’ the Herald reported.

After eight different foster homes and a spell in Bidura children’s home, Nancy became an enrolled nurse, working nights while raising three children – Peter, David and Megan.

Many years later she successfully undertook a nursing degree at UWS, as well as completing a major, with straight high distinctions, in Aboriginal studies.

After graduation she ran the Aboriginal Medical Service at Brewarrina before returning to Sydney to work in drug and alcohol rehabilitation nursing at Wisteria House.

Nancy, who became one of the first Aboriginal nursing graduates from the University of Western Sydney at age 56, was taken from her Aboriginal mother when she was 14 months old.

In 1997 she spoke in the NSW Parliament on behalf of the stolen generations – the first non-elected woman, besides the Queen, to address the House.

Diagnosed with an incurable aortic aneurism soon after the speech, Nancy spent her last years raising her grandchildren in Liverpool with her son Peter, who died suddenly in 2003, and her daughter Megan.n Nancy de Vries

n

cation progr u d e a am swn

WHAT’S ON THIS MONTH s Legal & Professional Issues for Nurses 8 September, Coffs Harbour, 1/2 day Seminar is suitable for all nurses.

Topics covered include the Nurses and Midwives Act 1991, potential liability, documentation, role of disciplinary tribunals including the NMB, writing statements.

Members $39.50 Non members $85 Branch officials $28

s Basic Foot Care for RNs & ENs 21-22 September, Sutherland, 2 days A VETAB-accredited course that aims to provide nurses with the competence to provide basic foot care.

Members $203 Non members $350 Branch officials $175

s Aged Care Nurses’ Forums 1 September, Coffs Harbour, 1/2 day 15 September, Wagga Wagga, 1/2 day 6 October, Wollongong, 1/2 day The changing role and function of RNs in aged care, medication administration, WorkChoices.

Members $30 Non members $50 Branch officials $28

s Registered Nurses as Advanced Practitioners in Aged Care 22 September, 20 October, 10 November, 15 December, 4 days A 4-day workshop specifically designed to meet the needs of RNs working in aged care.

Members $320 Non members $480 Branch officials $240 For registration and more information: go to www.nswnurses.asn.au or ring Carolyn Kulling on THE LAMP SEPTEMBER 2006 11 1300 367 962.

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INNE D WUSS TI N R I A B LR I I ESFS U E S

Y T S A N E R O M g The Howard government has resorted to gutter tactics to discredit the brave workers who told their story in the ACTU’s TV ads

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he ACTU has accused the federal government’s Office of Workplace Services (OWS) of a ‘politically motivated’ investigation of workers who appeared in the union peak body’s television advertisements.

The ACTU has received copies of documents that purport to be an ‘OWS summary of findings’, which was leaked to the Daily Telegraph and used as the basis of a malicious story that questioned the veracity of what these workers said.

‘At least four of those people mentioned in the report have not been spoken to or interviewed by the OWS about the allegations made against them.This is a denial of justice that is totally unacceptable.’

The documents reveal a flimsy and flawed investigation and a misrepresentation of the specific cases – based on untested claims by employers, which the ACTU believes may have

12 THE LAMP SEPTEMBER 2006

potentially defamed some of the people appearing in the ads.

ACTU Secretary Greg Combet says the documents reveal the OWS to be a biased and unprofessional organisation.

‘The OWS appears to have relied on untested claims by employers as the basis for its so-called independent findings,’ he said.

‘At least four of those people mentioned in the report have not been spoken to or interviewed by the OWS about the allegations made against them. This is a denial of justice that is totally unacceptable.

‘The people featured in the ads simply and briefly state in their own words the way in which they were treated,’ he said.

Labor spokesperson on Workplace Relations Stephen Smith added his voice to the condemnation of the role of the OWS. ‘What we have found out about this so-called umpire, the Office of Workplace Services, is that they were acting completely in a partisan way,’ he said.

The federal government and business groups including the Australian Chamber of Commerce defended the OWS and its investigations.

John Howard told the Australian Financial Review that the OWS investigation had demonstrated the ACTU had, at best, ‘exaggerated the situation, and in some cases, has omitted the full story.’ n

WHAT IS THE OFFICE OF

WORKPLACE

SERVICES

?

c

Set up by the Howard government at the same time it passed its federal IR laws in March to ‘police’ the laws (‘Pressured to join a union?’ it asks on its website.)

c

The OWS is not an independent body. Its inspectors are appointed by the Minister for Workplace Relations Kevin Andrews who, by regulation, can instruct the inspectors and specify how their powers can be used

c

Director Nicholas Wilson was previously the Manager of Employee Relations/Industrial Relations with what is now Business South Australia

c

The OWS first came to prominence when called in by the federal government to investigate the sackings at a Cowra abattoir – and found that the sackings were perfectly legal.

LIES

Cobb uses OWS to dud nurses

‘We have never se argued that theppear workers who a isements in these advert acked, were illegally s darn that’s the wholere legally point.They we y shouldn’t sacked and the sacked.’ y have been legall Kim Beazley

he Coalition and the OWS also work together at a local level, as the NSWNA can attest.

The OWS and the local National Party MP for the federal seat of Parkes, John Cobb, got involved in the case of five local nurses after the NSWNA publicised their plight.

The nurses were made redundant after their nursing home told them they must accept reclassification as Care Service Employees, on lower pay, or lose their jobs. There was no consultation and no negotiations with the NSWNA. Cobb says he referred the case to the OWS after the nurses asked him as their local MP to answer specific questions about their situation.

One of the nurses says that when the OWS finally got around to talking to her she wasn’t satisfied with its performance.

‘I was made redundant on 14 June and I didn’t hear from them until 2 August.

When I asked the woman from the OWS what could she do for me she said “nothing”,’ she said.

John Cobb wasted no time in using the OWS findings that nothing illegal had happened at the nursing home as ammunition to attack the NSWNA for sticking up for the nurses’ rights.

‘They [NSWNA] are taking a situation where people do not have the job

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OWS e h t f o t r o p e r ‘If a aked le n e e b s a h n io investigat is simple is h t n e h t ia d e to the m perate the s e d w o h f o e c eviden tting in this e g is t n e m n r e Gov laws.’

R I e h t r e v o t figh t Greg Combe

specifications required and are trying to turn it into an unlawful dismissal case.

Well, I can only conclude that, in actual fact, nothing illegal happened here.’

NSWNA Assistant General Secretary Judith Kiejda says that Coalition MPs like Cobb are being disingenuous, using the OWS and ambiguous language to whitewash the impact of their new IR laws.

‘Coalition politicians like John Cobb are being slippery when talking about their own laws. They are covering up injustices in the workplace because they have made poor behaviour by employers legal. And they cover up the fact they have virtually abolished unfair dismissal laws by referring to unlawful dismissal laws – a separate and narrow legal remedy available to very few.’

The redundant nurse says she was very disappointed by John Cobb’s reaction.

‘He’s our local MP and he’s done nothing to support us. He’s just passed the buck giving it to the OWS. I believe all this happened because of Howard’s IR laws. Two of us are widows – one with six kids and I have two. We live in a small rural town with no jobs. It’s just forcing us to live relying on Centrelink.’ n

UNLAWFUL VS UNFAIR DISMISSAL Unlawful dismissal laws do not protect workers from unfair dismissal. They only cover terminations of employees for very narrow discrimination reasons such as race, sexual preference, disability, ethnicity, age or gender.’

Unfair dismissal laws cover all the most common types of unfair or unjust dismissal: for raising an issue about pay, or requesting time away from work, or if their employer is unfairly criticising your work performance.

THE LAMP SEPTEMBER 2006 13

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Hatchet job on ordinary workers g How Howard’s agency twisted sacked workers’ words

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t takes a lot of courage to tell the country on national TV how you’ve been mistreated, even humiliated, by your employer and chucked on the scrap heap.

And this is how John Howard’s government responds to these battlers’ stories.

First, it gets its new employment watchdog – badged with the ironic motto: ‘protecting your workplace rights’ – to do an investigation that involves only talking to the employer.

Second, the government agency – the OWS – than leaks a flimsy and flawed ‘report’ to John Howard’s favourite newspaper.

Third, the Daily Telegraph runs ‘exclusives’ that ‘conclusively’ show these workers were sacked ‘because of their own failures to adapt, their own incompetence or their own lack of application or productivity’.

Here is the Lamp’s analysis of what really happened:

CASE 1. LYNNE BARNES What the ACTU tried to show Lynne Barnes was shown no loyalty for her service over 25 years and under the new IR laws could be sacked without recourse to unfair dismissal laws as she worked in a workplace with less than 100 employees.

What the Daily Telegraph implied Lynne Barnes claimed she was sacked because she was too old, and that the OWS had found Ms Barnes was not performing a number of her work duties.

What the OWS investigation involved and why it was flawed

‘If it happened to me it can happen to you.

I worked there for 25 years and it meant nothing.’

14 THE LAMP SEPTEMBER 2006

The OWS contacted Lynne by telephone but did not provide details of allegations made by her employer regarding her work performance and did not give Lynne any proper opportunity to respond to these claims. Lynne never again heard from the OWS. While the OWS concluded that Lynne had no unlawful dismissal case, the OWS did not consider whether Lynne’s sacking was unfair, as her previous employer employed less than 100 staff and was exempt from unfair dismissal laws.

CASE 2. ROBERT KIRKMAN What the ACTU tried to show Robert Kirkman was put under harsh pressure to accept a significant pay cut and that under the new IR laws workers can be terminated and offered their jobs back on lower pay and conditions.

What the Daily Telegraph implied 29 Cowra abattoir workers sacked three days after the new IR laws came in and offered their jobs back on 30% less pay had not been sacked illegally because their employer was losing money due to the drought and there had been no breach of law.

What the OWS investigation involved and why it was flawed The OWS investigation involved interviews with the employer and Cowra abattoir workers. On 7 July, the OWS publicly released the findings of its investigation, stating that in its view Cowra Abattoir had not breached the IR laws. The ACTU has never claimed that the sacking of the Cowra workers was illegal under the IR laws.

‘After 34 years of service I was sacked and then offered my job back with a 30% pay cut.’

CASE 3. JENNIFER GILLIAN What the ACTU tried to show Jennifer Gillian was sacked by text message – a particularly harsh form of treatment.

What the Daily Telegraph implied Jennifer Gillian had been told that she would be no longer working for the company by ‘telephone’ and not by text message.

What the OWS investigation involved and why it was flawed On 6 April, the OWS interviewed Jennifer’s former employer, who acknowledged Jennifer had been advised by text message that the company would have no more work for her. The company also claimed they had contacted Jennifer by telephone (a claim Jennifer disputes). The OWS never contacted or spoke to Jennifer. Nor, according to the OWS report, did it make any attempt to get Jennifer’s side of the story – describing this element of its investigation as ‘Not Applicable’.

‘I was sacked by text message. They didn’t give me a reason but I think it was because I asked for first aid kits in the trucks.’

CASE 4. STEPHEN DUNGEY What the ACTU tried to show Stephen Dungey, after five years’ service, was sacked the day after the new IR laws commenced, with no redundancy pay or compensation. This case illustrates the impact of the new IR laws, which exempt workers in large businesses from claiming unfair dismissal when they are sacked for operational reasons.

What the Daily Telegraph implied It was OK for Stephen to be sacked without warning and without redundancy pay because he had signed an individual contract, which stripped him of his right to redundancy.

What the OWS investigation involved and why it was flawed The OWS contacted Stephen after he appeared on the 7.30 Report on 3 April. The OWS concluded Stephen’s contract did not provide for redundancy and that he could not pursue an unfair dismissal case because he earned too much. n

‘The day after the legislation came in my job was terminated.

No redundancy, no pay out.’

THE LAMP SEPTEMBER 2006 15

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N E W S ANNUAL NSWNA I N B R I CONFERENCE E F

Nurses’ rights at work st

NSWNA 61 ANNUAL

g Fighting the federal government’s attack on nurses’ rights at work was the focal point of this year’s Annual Conference, held 19-21 July at Randwick Racecourse. More than 400 delegates, representing 51,000 nurses throughout NSW, discussed the implications and threats posed by the federal government’s new IR laws.

‘Howard’s IR laws must go’ was the resounding message from conference delegates.

ACTU Secretary Greg Combet (centre) with NSWNA Assistant General Secretary Judith Kiejda and NSWNA General Secretary Brett Holmes

Great work in a challenging environment

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SWNA General Secretary Brett Holmes opened the conference with reflection on the achievements of the Association, in the face of an ever more challenging industrial and professional environment.

‘No one in our membership or the community can have missed the fact that the last 12 months has seen industrial relations law changes as the big agenda item for everyone. For unions like the NSWNA, it has absorbed an enormous part of our time, energy and resources, in addition to maintaining the normal functioning and workload of the union,’ Brett told Conference delegates.

He pointed out the large numbers of nurses who had been dragged into the new federal system with the passing of the laws.

‘We believe that more than 17,000 of our members are caught by the use of corporations powers under the constitution and are therefore subject to the new WorkChoices legislation.’

Brett acknowledged the leadership of the Iemma government in converting public hospital nurses into crown

16 THE LAMP SEPTEMBER 2006

employees in order to protect them from the federal laws. He also noted that even state Liberal party members had been promising to maintain this position, although this was to be treated with caution.

‘This is a promise in conflict with Liberal party philosophy and in stark contrast to how the federal Liberal National Coalition has treated its own frontline workers.’

Brett sees the pay increases for private hospital and aged care nurses during the year as a source of satisfaction for the Association.

‘Ninety-five per cent of private hospital members achieved a pay increase that will bring them in line with public

health system members’ rate of pay. Aged care nurses received their second 6% pay increase from 30 March 2006 from the arbitrated case in the NSW Industrial Relations Commission held during 2004, bringing the total pay increase to 25% for aged care nurses since 2003.’

Under the new federal laws, aged care will be the Association’s initial major challenge, said Brett.

‘The aged care sector is our most vulnerable sector for attack from employers reclassifying our members to non-nurse categories and generally undermining the role of nurses.’n

‘An unhappy, unhealthy and powerless community will not strengthen our economy. I believe that we need to work to abolish the IR laws before our social fabric, and therefore the economy, is destroyed.’

Louise La Fontaine, RN, Bega District Hospital

CONFERENCE

Combet tells nurses,

‘No one is safe’

I

n his address to delegates at the NSWNA Annual Conference, ACTU Secretary Greg Combet said a lot had happened since he outlined the concerns of the union movement at the NSWNA Annual Conference 12 months ago.

‘Since then we’ve been accused of lying and running a scare campaign.

But they were not fibs – these laws are punishing working people. And nurses are not immune. Even in public hospitals problems will come.

‘In the education sector, the federal government is saying to state governments that if they want funding to pay TAFE teachers they must offer AWAs to all TAFE teachers.

‘And they are also saying to universities: Even though we can’t directly regulate you, we will deny you funding unless you agree to offer AWAs to your 90,000 employees.

‘It is not much of a leap, with the ideological bent of the government, that they say to the state government – your funding will depend on giving AWAs to public hospital nurses. And if the state Liberals win the next election, they will give you to the federal system.

‘You cannot be complacent if you care about the rights you have built up over many generations. You will not remain protected in the public system,’ he said. n

‘We need to defeat the legislation by working as a group, it’s not just about nurses either, it’s about all workers.’

Dianne Macdonald, RN, Cape Hawke Community Private Hospital

‘It is good to listen to all the details about the legislation to take back to the members at my workplace.We formed a branch and have recruited 10 new members in the last couple of months. People’s biggest concern is the impact of these new laws.’

Deborah Hardy, AIN, Wingham Court Nursing Home THE LAMP SEPTEMBER 2006 17

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NSWNA ANNUAL CONFERENCE

Nurses’ rights at work st

NSWNA 61 ANNUAL

g Over three lively and action-packed days, delegates received cutting-edge information from NSW Government representatives, and national and international experts on a range of political, health policy and nursing issues.

MENTAL HEALTH TOP PRIORITY

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Cherie Burton, NSW Minister Assisting the Minister for Health (Mental Health)

he Honourable Cherie Burton, NSW Minister Assisting the Minister for Health (Mental Health), explained the NSW Government’s plans to improve mental health services and recruit new mental health staff for NSW. Ensuring mental health services receive the appropriate focus and are not sidelined by other health services is a priority of the NSW Government, Ms Burton told delegates. n

‘Overcrowding has a large impact on the workload of nurses working in mental health and causes a flow on effect.You feel like you’re always hosing down complaints, you don’t always get extra staff when needed, staff who are able to do overtime do so much they suffer burnout and the ability to attract new staff is an issue.’

Dave Bell, RN, James Fletcher Hospital 18 THE LAMP SEPTEMBER 2006

‘We need to pay nurses in the aged care sector the same as in the public sector in order to attract more staff and particularly to attract young people to the profession.The profile and image of working in aged care needs to be lifted. I think that sometimes it is viewed as a second rate career to be a nurse in aged care.’

Debbie Urquhart, Booroongen Djugan Aboriginal Nursing Home

BIG BOOST FOR NSW HEALTH

I

n his presentation to Annual Conference, NSW Minister for Health John Hatzistergos, outlined the Government’s plans to improve health services in NSW. With a $11.7 billion allocation for NSW Minister for Health health in its John Hatzistergos 2006/07 budget, the Government will provide more beds, more staff, more elective surgery, and new ways for people to access health services, with patients at the centre of health care, he said. n

CONFERENCE TERMINATOR MEETS HIS MATCH IN CALIFORNIA NURSES

THE POWER OF NURSES

N Deborah Burger (right) with NSWNA President Coral Levett

D

eborah Burger from the California Nurses’ Association described to conference the imaginative and effective campaign run by her union to pressure California Governor Arnie Schwartzenegger to back off from blocking nurse/patient ratios.

‘We followed Arnie everywhere.

Arnie has a history of groping women without their permission – we call him the Gropinator – which led to our banners saying “hands off our ratios”.

‘In Sacramento he shot off his mouth saying nurses were a special interest group and that he was “kicking our butt”.

‘Our patients were appalled at nurses being called a special interest group. That is an insult usually reserved for oil interests or for big business.’

Deborah said the campaign damaged Schwartzenegger’s credibility by exposing his fundraising connection with big business.

‘We took the campaign nationally.

We used the internet. We had a website – www.stoparnold.us. We also had an ebay auction where we tried to sell Arnie but ebay pulled it saying, you can’t sell the Governor of California on ebay! We pointed out he’d already been bought and sold.’

Deborah said that because of the campaign people acknowledged the union’s leadership.

‘We formed alliances with teachers, firefighters and police who started supporting us. Arnie’s popularity plummeted. We not only raised awareness about the impact of his policies on nurses but we exposed his connections with big money.’

‘Finally he called off his effort to delay change in nurse-to-patient ratios.’n

ursing is the most powerful, most respected profession in the world and we must use this power effectively, Linda Silas from the Canadian Nurses’ Union told delegates.

Linda said she was struck by the similarities in issues for nurses everywhere she travelled in the world.

‘The nursing shortage is an international issue.

In Canada, 16,500 nurses are lost due to illness every year. Overtime has increased by 58%.

We have to get more expertise into the system but the traditional policies for recruitment and retention don’t work anymore,’ she said.

‘As a nurses’ union, we have responsibilities to those working short each shift and a responsibility to patients. We certainly won’t cure the nursing shortages by replacing nurses with personal care assistants.’

Linda said it was important nurses recognise and use their political power.

‘We have to move to effect political action.

We have to educate politicians and bring likeminded people to the forefront. You have to be non-partisan but not non-political. You’ve got to get involved,’ she said.n

‘We’re concerned about losing senior nursing positions as a result of Area Health Service restructures and the impact that this will have on the retention of nurses and attracting young people to the profession. Removing nurses from senior management positions takes away our career paths and young people will stop seeing nursing as an attractive career option.’

Cheryl Johnstone, Elizabeth Lyons, and Mary-Louise White, Prince of Wales Hospital THE LAMP SEPTEMBER 2006 19

NSWNA announces it’s new

DIRECT DEBIT TRAVEL PRIZE! PRIZE 30 DE DRAWN CEM 2006 BER

HERE’S HOW YOU CAN GET ONE OR MORE CHANCES TO WIN Q cancel your payroll

WIN A TRIP FOR 2 ON A WORLD EXPEDITIONS 7 DAY EXPLORE KAKADU AND BEYOND ADVENTURE Kakadu is possibly the most exciting adventure destination in Australia.

Camping, swimming, and canoeing over crystal clear waters. Travelling in a small group, with your own guide you will explore the remote beauty of the Top End. 20 THE LAMP SEPTEMBER 2006

deductions and start paying your fees through direct debit/auto credit and you will go in the lucky draw.

Q convince your colleagues to convert from payroll deductions to direct debit/ auto credit and you, and each of your colleagues who switch to direct debit/auto credit, will go in the lucky draw.

Q sign up a new member using the direct debit/auto credit method of paying their fees and you, and the new member, will go in the lucky draw.

Membership Application Forms or Direct Debit or Direct Credit forms can be downloaded from our website www.nswnurses.asn.au.

Alternatively call the NSWNA on 8595 1234 (metro area) or 1300 367 962 (non-metro area) for more information.

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INNE D WUSS TI N R I A B LR I I ESFS U E S

Members vent their anger at the 10 August rally

NSCCAHS reviews management structure g Nurses’ rage forces NSCCAHS to review unacceptable restructure proposal

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‘I started nursing in 2005 and beginning clinicians like me need nurse managers to look up to and get experience from.

New nurses want a nursing future that includes nurses in management positions.’

Rachel Crook, RN at Wyong Hospital

orthern Sydney Central Coast AHS (NSCCAHS) has agreed to review its management structure after NSWNA members stopped work on 10 August to protest against the decision to reduce the role of nurses in hospital management.

Nearly 150 nurses from Wyong, Gosford, Royal North Shore, Manly and Hornsby hospitals converged on Macquarie Hospital in Ryde where a meeting was taking place between the NSWNA General Secretary Brett Holmes, nurse representatives from each hospital and the NSCCAHS Chief Executive, Dr Stephen Christley.

Brett Holmes said the stop work action and rally went ahead despite last minute intervention in the dispute by the NSW Health.

‘Last minute assurances that there would be a continuing role for Divisional Nurse Managers within the structure failed to allay members’ concern and anger over the AHS’s plans to sideline nurses.

‘Nurses are angry they are being sidelined in the management structure while generic managers and doctors are being given all the power to control operational matters, including budgets, in the operating theatres and wards across the AHS,’ he said.

‘The rally was a clear indication of just how angry nurses are about this attack on their profession and career structure,’ he said.

As The Lamp goes to print, the NSWNA was meeting with NSW Health and the NSCCAHS to discuss the details of the roles of Divisional Nurse Managers in the management structure.

‘The rally was a clear indication of just how angry nurses are about this attack on their profession and career structure.’

‘At this point in time, we have agreement that the Divisional Nurse Managers will have delegated authority appropriate to their new roles – including operational and professional responsibilities,’ said Brett.

‘However, nurses will no doubt take stronger action if the discussions over the next two weeks achieve nothing.

The stakes for our profession and the attractiveness of nursing as a career option are very high,’ he said. n THE LAMP SEPTEMBER 2006 21

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AGENDA

Mental health plans a mixed bag NSWNA Assistant General Secretary Judith Kiejda

g We must maintain nurse managers in mental health services

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hile the fight continues with the North Sydney Central Coast AHS and other AHSs to maintain the role of nurses in hospital management, the NSWNA now turns its focus to the make up of the proposed structures for mental health services.

The NSW Government’s Mental Health Plan for NSW called for a separate structure for mental health services from mainstream health services to ensure they receive the appropriate focus and are not sidelined by other health service needs.

The result is a separate clinical structure for mental health services within each newly formed AHS.

‘Deleting mental health nurse manager positions and replacing them with generic managers who are not nurses will have negative implications for mental health services and the nursing workforce.’

The proposed structures for mental health services have been released by the new AHSs. Like the mainstream health services, the make up of the proposed structures for mental health services varies across the AHSs. NSWNA Assistant General Secretary Judith Kiejda said some AHSs have tabled sound proposals for mental health services with a strong role for nurses at a management level.

22 THE LAMP SEPTEMBER 2006

‘For example, the Sydney South West AHS has proposed a well-considered structure – the result of consultation with the NSWNA and nurses on the needs of mental health services.

‘Unfortunately, other AHSs have deleted mental health nurse manager positions or reduced their operational roles. They have failed to engage in consultation with nurses involved in the delivery of mental health services – or they have ignored feedback – leading to proposals that reek of inconsistency and demonstrate poor

understanding of the needs of mental health services.

‘Take the case of the North Coast AHS. The NCAHS has downgraded the Mental Health Nurse Manager from level 7 to level 5, and deleted operational responsibility from the role. This is totally unacceptable given there are 100 mental health beds on the North Coast with nurses working at 11 health centres in the Area.

‘Deleting mental health nurse manager positions and replacing them with generic managers who are not

GREATER SOUTHERN PLANS ONE BIG BUNGLE he Greater Southern (GS) AHS has put forward a backward-looking proposal with no nursing presence at the executive level.

The GSAHS plan regrades three mental health nurse manager positions, leaving only one senior mental health nurse manager in its mental health structure.

Yet there are to be 17 cluster managers for the GSAHS, more than twice that of any other AHS. The GSAHS proposal also includes plans to convert CNC positions to senior clinicians in any discipline.

Keith McCulloch’s position as Mental Health Nurse Manager at Kenmore

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Mental Health Nurse Manager at Kenmore Hospital, Keith McCulloch

Hospital has been deleted in the restructure proposal – to be replaced by a cluster manager.

Keith is concerned the move to delete nurse manager positions will weaken already struggling mental health services in the GSAHS. ‘We need nurses represented at an executive level in the GSAHS structure. Mental health nurses are desperately needed in regional areas.

But we need sound leadership and resources to attract nurses to this speciality area.

‘Recruitment and retention of mental health nurses is already difficult. Deleting positions for senior nurses will exacerbate the problem.

‘Instead, the GSAHS is pouring resources into funding non operational manager positions. A non operational manager is paid around $100K. Nurses want these resources paid to nurse practitioners and consultants,’ said Keith.

The NSWNA is holding meetings with the GSAHS over coming months to discuss the deep concerns of nurses and the Association with this proposal. ‘We will be asking the AHS to review the positions and roles of senior mental health nurses in its plan,’ said Judith.

nurses will have negative implications for mental health services and the nursing workforce,’ said Judith.

‘There is substantial evidence that services benefit and quality of care is enhanced when nurses at the bedside have strong leadership and management from senior nurses.

‘If nurses down the line are reporting to a generic manager who is not a nurse they will not receive the clinical support they require. Despite their lack of nursing qualifications, the generic manager will be making crucial operational decisions in matters such as staffing and resources,’ said Judith.

‘There are also long-term implications for the nursing workforce. We already have a severe shortage of mental heath nurses – particularly in rural and remote areas. Deleting nurse manager positions in mental health services or reducing their role sends a negative message down the line that nurses are not valued in the structure. It also cuts dead a career in mental health nursing,’ said Judith. n

ROBUST PLAN FOR SYDNEY SOUTH WEST n contrast to the slapdash plan proposed by the GSAHS, the Sydney South West (SSW) AHS has tabled a robust plan for mental health services.

According to Charles Linsell, Mental Health Nurse Manager (Education) at Rozelle Hospital, members are satisfied the SSWAHS has consulted appropriately with nurses and the NSWNA and come up with a plan that maintains a strong nursing role.

The proposed structure in the SSWAHS includes an Area Director of Nursing (Mental Health) and a Senior Nurse Manager (level 7), who has operational responsibility.

‘With this structure, nurses are reporting to a senior nurse manager, who has an understanding of their issues and needs, rather than a nonnursing manager, said Charles.

I

There are also five nurse managers (level 5) and after-hours nurse managers (level 3) to enhance the after-hours management of mental health services.

Mental Health Nurse Manager at Rozelle Hospital, Charles Linsell

LIONS NURSES’

SCHOLARSHIP

Looking for funding to further your studies in 2007?

The trustees of the Lions Nurses’ Scholarship Foundation invite applications for scholarships for 2007.

Nurses eligible for these scholarships must be resident and employed within the State of NSW or ACT. You must be registered or enrolled with either the NSW Nurses and Midwives Board or regularity authority of the ACT, and must have a minimum of three years’ experience in the nursing profession in NSW or the ACT. Applicants must also be able to produce evidence that your employer will grant leave for the required period of the scholarship.

Details of eligibility and the scholarships available (which include study projects either within Australia

or overseas), and application forms are available from: The Honourary Secretary, Lions Nurses’ Scholarship Foundation 43 Australia Street, Camperdown NSW 1450 or contact Ms Glen Ginty on 1300 367 962 or gginty@nswnurses.asn.au

Completed applications must be in the hands of The Secretary no later than 28 November 2006.

THE LAMP SEPTEMBER 2006 23

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AGENDA

was moved, ‘My job my office given to someone else’

SPOTLIGHT ON CHILD & ADOLESCENT MENTAL HEALTH major impact of the AHS restructure will be the relocation of the Child and Adolescent Mental Health Network (CAMHSNET) from the Hunter AHS, which previously managed child and adolescent mental health services across the state, to individual AHSs. CAMHSNET was established in 2003 to connect inpatient mental health services and support child and adolescent mental health nurses who are based in regional hospitals and provide advice to paediatric and general hospital inpatient services.

Instead of children and adolescents having to come to metropolitan areas for treatment, CAMHSNET set up inpatient beds in rural hospitals so these young patients could remain in their local communities.

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24 THE LAMP SEPTEMBER 2006

Nurses employed by CAMHSNET provide consultation liason services in rural and remote hospitals attached to paediatric wards and adult mental health inpatient units.

NSW Health has transferred all the CAMHSNET positions – including vacancies – directly to individual AHSs, rather than positions being managed through the Hunter AHS. The NSWNA has negotiated that each AHS will have an CNC and an addditional two positions have been created in the Sydney South West AHS. According to Judith Kiejda, this is a significant improvement on the proposal initially presented by CAMHSNET, which attempted to wipe out 14 positions in the transfer from the Hunter to individual AHSs.

g Leah Wilkinson returned from leave to her job as an inpatient child and adolescent mental health nurse to discover her position – along with her desk and computer – had been relocated 40kms away.

W

orking as a mental health nurse (RN) employed under CAMHSNET, Leah Wilkinson directly suffered the repercussions of the poor planning and lack of consultation behind GSAHS planning.

Working as an inpatient child and adolescent mental health nurse at Bega District Hospital, Leah returned to her job after 12 months unpaid leave, to discover her position – along with her desk and computer – had been relocated 40kms away in Pambula.

‘I came back from leave and found my office had been given to someone else. Apparently, while I was away the area mental health managers decided they wanted to base my position in

the community CAMHS team based at Pambula, 40kms south of Bega.

‘Someone had packed up my stuff and moved my computer while I was away. It was a horrible feeling. I felt violated and devalued,’ she said.

‘I received no communication from the GSAHS that they were changing my role and the location of the position.

There was certainly no consultation and I was doing the role caring for these children and adolescents.’

‘The decision showed a lack of understanding of child and adolescent mental health nursing. These young people need inpatient mental health beds,’ said Leah.

‘It also shows a lack of understanding of my role as inpatient RN. I am trained as an in-patient child and adolescent mental health nurse. The role of a

community mental health nurse is quite different and not what I am trained in.

‘Shifting the service away from the hospital to a community mental health service would be a major step backwards,’ said Leah.

Leah informed the NSWNA her position had been changed and relocated.

‘The NSWNA wrote to the GSAHS explaining that while the case is before the Commission the status quo must be maintained and my position cannot be relocated without proper consultation,’ said Leah ‘After a few days of discussions and directives being given, I was finally given some office space at Bega Hospital and my computer was reinstalled.

‘The whole experience has been very traumatic,’ she said. n

NURSES AND MIDWIVES BOARD OF NEW SOUTH WALES

2006 ELECTION OF BOARD MEMBERS The Nurses and Midwives Act 1991 under section 9(2)(a), (b) and (c) provides for the election of some of the members of the Nurses and Midwives Board. These are as follows: • three (3) registered nurses, elected in accordance with the regulations by registered nurses who are eligible to vote • one (1) registered midwife, elected in accordance with the regulations by registered midwives who are eligible to vote • one (1) enrolled nurse or enrolled nurse (mothercraft), elected in accordance with the regulations by enrolled nurses and enrolled nurses (mothercraft) who are eligible to vote.

Elections are due this year. The term of office of current Board members ends in March 2007. Members elected this year will commence their term of office at that time.

Elections will be conducted in accord with the Nurses and Midwives Regulation 2003, Regulation 11. The returning officer for the

election is the Electoral Commissioner of New South Wales.

Advertisements inviting nominations will be placed in the Sydney Morning Herald and Daily Telegraph on Saturday 2 and Wednesday 6 September 2006.

All election information is also available on the Nurses and Midwives Board website at www.nmb.nsw.gov.au Nominations will close on Wednesday 27 September 2006.

Voting material will be posted to all registered nurses, registered midwives and enrolled nurses on Wednesday 25 October 2006.

The poll will close at noon on Friday 1 December 2006.

Any enquiries should be directed to the State Electoral Office: Telephone: (02) 9290 5999 or 1300 135 736 TTY: (02) 9290 5925

THE LAMP SEPTEMBER 2006 25

s

AGENDA

Interest rates up again g Nurses feel the sting with escalating interest rates and petrol prices

D

uring the 2004 federal election campaign, John Howard promised to ‘keep interest rates at record lows’ and he asked: ‘Who do you better trust to keep your interest rates low?’

Voters’ belief that Howard represented a lower interest rate risk than Labor may have been crucial in deciding the outcome of the 2004 election.

This is despite the fact that when Howard was the Liberal government’s treasurer in 1982, interest rates hit a frightening 21%.

Last month, interest rates rose for the third time since that election. Howard quickly blamed the rise on temporary factors out of his control, such as high prices for oil and the cyclone-affected banana crop.

Was Howard’s 2004 promise a lie?

Did he lie again last month about the cause of higher interest rates? Will voters trust him again?

There is no doubt Howard has broken his 2004 promise. Home loan interest rates are now at their highest since early 2001 and there is an excellent chance of another rise later this year.

At the same time, family budgets

So why did interest rates go up? Do we accept Howard’s argument that it’s all the fault of world oil prices or Cyclone Larry or wiping out Queensland’s bananas?

Interest rate movements are decided by the Reserve Bank. It puts rates up when it wants to depress the level of demand in the economy so as to keep inflation (the rate of price increases) in check.

‘Don’t fall for John Howard’s excuse that no government can stop cyclones or control the world oil price. He’s just trying to divert attention from a promise a more scrupulous politician would not have made – to “keep interest rates low”.’

The Sydney Morning Herald’s economics commentator Ross Gittins

have been hit by huge petrol price increases as well as price rises in food, childcare and health services.

‘If you are mortgaged to the gunnels and already have shed nonessentials just to keep the car going, you’ll be reluctant to rate John Howard highly as a promise keeper,’ concluded The Daily Telegraph’s chief political correspondent, Malcolm Farr.

26 THE LAMP SEPTEMBER 2006

When the bank raised rates last month the Consumer Price Index showed inflation running at an annual rate of 4%.

That was the highest rate of price increases in 11 years if the one-off effect of the GST’s introduction (another Howard broken promise) is excluded.

The Reserve Bank explained that its decision was ‘based on the gradual increase in underlying inflation this year’

and not on ‘temporary factors’ like petrol and fruit.

As The Sydney Morning Herald’s economics commentator Ross Gittins put it: ‘Don’t fall for John Howard’s excuse that no government can stop cyclones or control the world oil price. He’s just trying to divert attention from a promise a more scrupulous politician would not have made – to “keep interest rates low”.’

In fact, the Reserve Bank had been warning for months that strong consumer spending was pushing up demand and prices and therefore posed an interest rate risk.

Yet the Howard team – who like to pose as competent economic managers – ignored these warnings and went ahead with generous tax cuts for highincome earners in their last Budget.

Those tax cuts were worth $138.46 a week for someone on $200,000 a year. A worker on $50,000 had to make do with a cut worth only $9.81 a week. Deduct the two interest rate rises since the May Budget (costing $29.49 a week on a $400,000 mortgage) and that worker is now $14.95 a week worse off – even before petrol and food prices are factored in.

Howard denied the tax cuts helped push up interest rates.

$110 WORSE OFF, SO LESS TIME FOR NEW BABY But the Reserve Bank contradicted him by confirming the tax cuts were a factor in its decision.

Two days after putting up rates, the bank said: ‘The tax cuts that came into effect in July, coupled with growing employment, will boost household incomes and should add to spending in the second half of the year.’

This was a rare case of the bank repudiating a Prime Minister. Chris Richardson of Access Economics called it ‘the equivalent of a central banker taking off his shoe and slamming it on the table’.

The bank may also have been warning the government of the likely interest rate consequences of more tax handouts in next year’s Budget. n

t’s been a month of highs and lows for Jason Mullavey, EN, at Nepean Hospital. Jason and his wife Tracey recently celebrated the birth of baby Annelise. Then came the latest interest rate rise which has put heavy pressure on this young family. ‘Between this interest rate rise and the last one our repayments have gone up to the tune of $110 per month. This has made things very tight for us considering one of us is on maternity leave. This means reducing the time we were expecting Tracy could take off of work to spend with the baby – she will probably have to go back six months earlier than we had originally planned,’ Jason said.

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INNE D WUSS TI N R I A B LR I I ESFS U E S

Pay rise for private hospital nurses g Private hospital nurses will receive a pay rise under new Agreements, negotiated by the NSWNA just days before Howard’s confrontational IR laws took grip

T

he majority of members working in private hospitals will enjoy a pay rise from September 2006 – the first rollout in Agreements negotiated by the NSWNA that deliver pay parity with public hospital nurses.

Nurses at Ramsay and Healthscope private hospitals will receive a 4% pay rise from the first full pay period on or after 1 September 2006; nurses at Healthe Care hospitals will receive 4% from 1 October 2006; and nurses covered by the Private Hospital Nurses’ & Midwives’ (Named Employers & NSWNA) Enterprise Agreement will receive 3.5% from the first full pay period on or after 1 September 2006.

The Agreements deliver a 14.75% pay rise over two and half years – meaning pay parity with their public hospital colleagues – and protect existing conditions until 1 September 2008.

Negotiated under the pall of the federal

Debbie Lang (second from left) with North Gosford Private Hospital branch members

employers before WorkChoices came into effect on 27 March 2006.

With the Agreements in place, the pay rises are now locked in and conditions protected until 1 September 2008.

‘I feel shocked when I think what could have happened if nurses were exposed to WorkChoices with no protection. I don’t think all nurses really understand how dangerous WorkChoices is.

We’re already seeing cases where employers are taking advantage of loopholes in the legislation to exploit workers.’ government’s confrontational IR legislation, winning pay parity was a big achievement – won thanks to a determined campaign waged by private hospital members.

The Association worked under intense pressure to negotiate the Agreements with private hospital

Debbie Lang, CNS at North Gosford Private Hospital, owned by Healthe Care, is relieved to have the protection of an NSWNA Enterprise Agreement. ‘The pay rise will be welcomed by members – especially with the rise in interest rates and other pressures – but I just feel deep

relief that we have an Agreement in place that locks in pay and conditions.

‘I appreciate the hard work of the Association and our management in getting the Agreement in place, it was a great achievement. The NSWNA worked with Healthe Care to get the Agreement signed off just days before WorkChoices came into effect. It was critical to get the Agreement signed off with the uncertainty of WorkChoices just around the corner,’ said Debbie.

‘We were fortunate to have an employer who behaved ethically and agreed to negotiate with our Association and pay nurses what we deserve. We work hard and Healthe Care recognised this. We feel valued by Healthe Care, it did the right thing by nurses.

‘I feel shocked when I think about what could happen if nurses are exposed to WorkChoices with no protection. I don’t think all nurses really understand how dangerous the new IR laws are’ she said.

‘We’re already seeing cases where employers are taking advantage of loopholes in the legislation to exploit workers.’ n THE LAMP SEPTEMBER 2006 29

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seek.com.au 30 THE LAMP SEPTEMBER 2006

s

NU E R WSSE SI N I N BARCITEI FO N

NSWNA Officer Lynne Ridge talks with Cheryl O’Brien (Branch Secretary), and RNs Rebecca Colley and Jenny Meenahan at Bathurst Base Hospital

Voice for regional nurses g NSWNA visits nurses in South West NSW

N

SWNA officials took to the road to visit nurses at work in Bathurst, Orange, Albury and Wagga Wagga, before finishing the regional roadshow with visits to workplaces in the South, North West, North Coast and the South West of NSW. Judith Kiejda, NSWNA Assistant General Secretary, said, ‘The Association is committed to visiting regional areas to listen to the views of rank-and-file nurses on the current issues facing nursing, health care and aged care.’

While the federal government’s industrial relations changes dominated discussions, other issues such as excessive workloads and non filling of funded positions were also raised by nurses as a concern.

The Association visited 16 facilities over the week including five public hospitals, two private hospitals and nine aged care facilities, seeing 270 nurses and signing up 42 new members to the union.

negative impact the federal government’s new industrial relations laws are having on regional Australia.

Community ‘Your Rights at Work’ groups are meeting across NSW. See

‘The Association is committed to visiting regional areas to listen to the views of rank-and-file nurses on the current issues facing nursing, health care and aged care.’

The big orange ‘Your Rights at Work’ bus travelled around the area holding street stalls and speaking to members of the community about the

our website www.nswnurses.asn.au and download the pamphlet ‘What you can do to protect your rights at work’ for details in your area. n THE LAMP SEPTEMBER 2006 31

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Our coursework Masters degrees’ are offered online, are designed by nurses and midwives and have been successfully running for over five years. They are well supported by continuous discussion groups and email/phone contact with lecturers and allow you to develop your knowledge and skills as a clinician. Up to 50% academic credit can be awarded for previous study and nursing or midwifery experience.

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s

Q & A

ASK

JUDITH Medical certificates required for sick leave I work for a public hospital and my employer has just provided several staff with letters advising them that their sick leave absences have been excessive.

Staff have been asked to provide medical certificates for any further absences. Can the employer do this?

Yes, your employer can request staff to provide a medical certificate in certain circumstances. For full details, NSW Health circular number 2003/10, entitled Managing Sick Leave: Policy Guidelines and Leave Eligibility, can be downloaded from their website, www.health.nsw.gov.au. A summary of the guidelines are as follows: An employee who has had eight separate absences in any period of 12 months is considered to have an unsatisfactory sick leave record, which management may then address with the employee. Employees should be given an opportunity to discuss any circumstances relating to the excessive leave, which should be taken into consideration.

Once it has been identified that there has been an excessive use of sick leave, employees may receive a written warning, advising them they will have their leave monitored for a six-month period. Should the trend continue in the next six-month period, another letter may be issued that may require the production of a medical certificate for any future absences.

WHEN IT COMES TO YOUR RIGHTS AND ENTITLEMENTS AT WORK, NSWNA ASSISTANT GENERAL SECRETARY JUDITH KIEJDA HAS THE ANSWERS. It is recommended that employees keep a record of their rosters, along with annual, sick and long service leave taken, as well as all pay slips.

Permission to work for second employer

NSWNA advises all nurses considering a second contract of employment to disclose and seek permission from their primary employer in advance (whether or not they have a written policy), so as to avoid any possible future problems.

I am employed as a full-time RN. Recently, I applied for a casual nursing position on my days off with a second employer. My colleagues believe that I am obliged to ask permission from my current employer. Is this correct?

Process for complaint

Yes. Your primary ‘contract of employment’ responsibility is to the employer for whom you are working full time. Numerous industrial law cases have established that your primary employer has the right to approve or decline your accepting other employment, especially if that employment is in the same occupational field or might involve a conflict of interest that could be seen as harming your primary employer’s business. Many employers confirm this right by issuing HR policies requiring such permission to be obtained. For example, in the public hospital sector, a full-time worker is obliged to seek permission from their Health Service Chief Executive to undertake work in a second position, according to NSW Health Policy Directive number PD 2005_626. This guideline can be downloaded from NSW Health’s website at www.health.nsw.gov.au.

When management receives a complaint they are obliged to investigate the matter.

You should be afforded procedural fairness and a right of response.

Management should furnish you with a letter that clearly outlines the details of the complaint including a time and date for a fact-finding interview or process that enables you to respond, identifies those who will be conducting the interview, and informs you of your right to bring a support person.

First, you should not discuss the matter with other colleagues and you should contact the NSWNA for advice. A support person can include your NSWNA Branch representative, a colleague, friend or family member.

Any disciplinary action, if the complaint is substantiated and deemed necessary, should be decided upon at a later stage and discussed at a separate disciplinary meeting. The first step is to contact the NSWNA for advice. n

Management have requested that I attend a meeting to discuss a complaint about me that they received from another staff member. I am not even sure what I have done wrong. What should I do?

S P EC I A L O F F E R F OR N SWN A ME MBE RS • O PAL DR EAM • 20 DO UBLE PAS S ES T O BE W ON Pobby and Dingan live in Lightning Ridge, the opal capitol of Australia. They are friends with Kellyanne Williamson, the daughter of a miner – but only Kellyanne can see them. Pobby and Dingan are imaginary. Kellyanne’s brother Ashmol, thinks she should grow up and stop being such a fruit-loop – until the day when Pobby and Dingan disappear, the same day that his father is accused of ratting, the worst sin an opal miner can commit.

As Kellyanne, grief-stricken, begins to fade away, Ashmol recruits the whole town in the search for Pobby and Dingan.

In the end, he discovers that only he can find them, and only if he too believes that they are real.

Opal Dream is based on Ben Rice’s popular children’s novel, Pobby and Dingan, and stars Vince Colosimo and Jacqueline McKenzie. It is an enchanting, funny and profoundly moving story.

To win a double pass, email sbarber@nswnurses.asn.au with your name, NSWNA membership number, address, and phone number. First 20 entries win!

THE LAMP SEPTEMBER 2006 33

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s

OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH AND SAFETY

Don’t ‘soldier on’ if you’re sick g Workers are often criticised for their rate of absenteeism, but ‘presenteeism’ – going to work when you are sick – may be a much bigger problem.

A

ll of us have sometimes felt obliged to struggle into work when we’re feeling unwell. Health authorities refer to this kind of soldiering on as ‘presenteeism’ – and increasingly they believe it’s a bad thing.

Sick people who go to work with a cold or influenza risk infecting their co-workers and therefore increasing the total sickness burden on their workplace.

Not only do they spread disease to others unnecessarily, they are also less productive.

Studies show that reaction time is 20% to 40% slower, so accidents and mistakes are more likely, according to the US National Foundation for Infectious Diseases (NFID). Medications taken to ease symptoms may further reduce productivity and safety.

The Harvard Business Review cites evidence that presenteeism can have a serious impact in the workplace. In a typical year, influenza – commonly called the flu – in US workplaces may result in as much as $10 billion in lost productivity.

‘Controlling flu spread in the workplace is important from both a public health and business perspective,’ said NFID medical director Susan Rehm.

‘Public health leaders and corporations need to work together to provide guidance to the workforce, so they can better understand the public health and economic implications of being sick at work.’

A recent survey by the NFID found that 35% of Americans feel pressured to go to work when they are sick with the flu.

At the same time, almost half the workforce feels annoyed or angry when a co-worker does exactly that.

When asked why they feel pressured to show up, 60% of employees said they are concerned about their work not getting done, and 48% said they feel guilty for missing work.

Other reasons include fear their boss will be angry and concern about losing their job.

Only 64% of people feel their employer encourages workers to stay at home if they are sick.

Despite the usual focus on the cost to business of absenteeism, a disease outbreak such as a bird flu pandemic would dramatise the risks of presenteeism.

Immunologist Professor Ron Penny, who diagnosed Australia’s first case of AIDS in the 1980s, says people need to be educated to stay at home when they get any type of flu.

‘At the moment now, one of the serious problems in preparing for a pandemic is that the population really has very low levels of hand washing and staying at home if you’ve got a flu-like illness with a fever,’ Professor Penny told reporters recently.

‘It’s still accepted that they’re allowed to come to work. There’s no strong recommendation that people who have a seriously infectious disease should stay at home. I think we need to educate people.’

NSW occupational health and safety law supports this view.

The legislation requires an employer to ensure a safe workplace for employees and others, and discouraging staff who are potentially infectious from coming to work is part of this.

Employees also are required by OH&S legislation to take care of the health and safety of others. On this basis, they should stay at home if they have a contagious illness. n

TIPS TO EASE THE FLU If you have flu symptoms, here’s how to reduce the risk to yourself and others: c stay home until you’re better c avoid public places and close contact with others c always cough and sneeze into a disposable tissue and wash your hands afterwards c get plenty of rest, drink lots of fluids, and get plenty of sleep c for aches and pains and fever, take simple over-the-counter painkilling and temperature-lowering drugs like paracetemol or aspirin.

THE LAMP SEPTEMBER 2006 35

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N PEEW S C ISA LI N PEB OR P LI E F

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fter a full day tackling serious issues like fighting Howard’s IR attacks, conference delegates let loose their glorious, glamorous selves and twinkled the night away at the Annual Conference dinner. Sequins, gold, diamonds and pearls sparkled and shone as delegates took opulence to the extreme interpreting this year’s ‘Glitz and Glamour’ theme.

Our dazzling delegates enjoyed some scrumptious fare and bubbles, and embraced the chance to mingle and meet colleagues from around the state. Swishing their silks and satins, then it was time to sashay away to the catchy tunes of band ‘Millennium Bug’. Twas a night to remember, a night like no other … Sit down Aunty Jack and let the other gals have a twirl!! n

36 THE LAMP SEPTEMBER 2006

NSWNA gratefully acknowledges the sponsorship provided by the following companies for our 2006 Annual Conference: c c c c c c c c c c c

Offset Alpine Printing Scott & Broad Chifley Financial Services Commonwealth Bank Fuji Xerox Jubilee Ford Mah-Chut Architects Telstra First State Super HESTA Super Fund Members Equity Health Industry Plan.

THE LAMP SEPTEMBER 2006 37

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L I F E S T Y L E

music soothes the soul

g Off shift, Grant McGauley takes up his Spanish guitar and drifts far away from life as a busy community nurse at Sutherland Hospital

P

icture yourself in a little cafe in Barcelona, sipping on a glass of Sangria and nibbling tapas. It’s easy to drift away into a little Mediterranean fantasy when you are listening to Grant McGauley play Spanish guitar.

Grant is a community nurse at Sutherland Hospital and Community Health Service and has been playing the guitar for over 30 years. He started

Grant describes music as a part of his health and relaxation routine and has noticed it being used more recently in the health sector. learning classical guitar at the age of 12 when his grandmother bought him his first guitar, after seeing he was drawn to the instruments displayed in the windows of pawn shops in Enmore.

After training as a classical guitarist, Grant thought it would be good to learn a different style of music and found a teacher of Spanish origin to teach him Spanish guitar.

‘Spanish guitar is interesting to learn. You really need to research it

because there is not a lot of written music. You learn by listening, I like that.

It’s a solo instrument that is complex.’

Grant was inspired to continue composing music after he enrolled in an intensive composition course run by the Conservatorium of Music. He said, ‘We had to compose a piece for assessment and it was great to share the creative process with other musicians.’

Encouraged by friends, Grant recorded a CD of his compositions in July 2005. This was followed by ‘Post Cards’, a 10-track CD, released in 2006.

The time recording was a bitter– sweet period for Grant, whose mother passed away during that period. He dedicated the CD to her and wrote the song ‘Snow on the rose’ in her memory.

Grant was chosen as a finalist in the instrumental section of The Australian Songwriters Association National Competition. ‘It was a good acknowledgement and nice to be recognised by peers and professionals in the industry.’

Grant would like to play at more live performances, markets and festivals such as the Hunter Valley Spanish Festival, where he performed in 2005. ‘I opened the day and played background music while people were enjoying lunch, then they were entertained by Flamenco dancers and everyone danced the night away to the music of a Latin dance band.’

Playing every day is a part of Grant’s personal relaxation routine,

he said. ‘Playing guitar is great therapy after a busy day. I think that people should take up playing music – it’s a very calming hobby.’

Grant describes music as a part of his health and relaxation routine and has noticed it being used more recently in the health sector. He said, ‘I think it’s great that relaxation techniques such as music and aromatherapy are being used in recovery wards as a part of a more holistic approach to healthcare.’

He hopes to get a publishing contract for his CD and to work collaboratively with other musicians. Most of all, Grant wants to keep enjoying the creative process of writing and performing music.

‘For me playing my guitar is like pure escape.’ n

INSPIRED TO LEARN HOW TO PLAY THE GUITAR? GUITAR Grant recommends that anyone who wants to learn how to play the guitar, or any other instrument, should get lessons from a qualified music teacher in order to master the fundamentals correctly.

You can find a qualified teacher through local music stores, on line or in the Yellow Pages.

He also thinks that you should consider practice and playing time as a part of your relaxation routine as it is a welcome change from a busy work environment.

THE LAMP SEPTEMBER 2006 39

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The Cave of the Yellow Dog

Reviewer Louise La Fontaine, RN at Bega District Hospital

WANTED

g A little yellow dog wins the heart of a Mongolian family, living a harsh yet harmonious nomadic existence on the Mongolian plains.

H

umanity is the same the world over. A film from the director of The Weeping Camel, The Cave of the Yellow Dog depicts a nomadic Mongolian family living in the beautiful Mongolian landscape. The value of human life is the film’s focus.

A dog is introduced to the family by the eldest daughter, Nansaa (6), who is independent and spirited. The daughter forms a deep bond with the dog. However, her father is very wary and untrusting of the new introduction to the family.

The movie illustrates beautifully the harmony that is possible between a

STAR REVIEWERS & TIPSTERS FOR OUR REVIEW PAGES

very traditional way of life and modernday influences.

The family’s life is rich and full of beauty, humour and love. Females and males are treated with equal respect.

The beauty and strength of each family member is allowed to shine. The dog also, once it has proven to the father that it is a worthy member of the family, enjoys this respect.

The film shows with great peace and clarity the importance of nurturing and protecting social cohesion and human dignity – qualities that humans sometimes let slide from their grasp. n

We're seeking members with a non-nursing skill or talent they'd like to share with other nurses. You could be a whiz in the kitchen.

Or have some DIY plumbing and homehandy tips. Or a wild and wonderful interest or skill. Be it strange, extraordinary or useful, we'd love you to come on board as a NSWNA tipster. We are also seeking closet film buffs to share with other nurses their views on the movies they love and hate. It’s a chance to see previews of next month’s new releases. Please contact us with expressions of interest to be part of our tipster and movie review team.

Be part of the action by calling Salim Barber now on 02 8595 1219 or email sbarber@nswnurses.asn.au

OUR REVIEWERS & TIPSTERS RECEIVE

A DELIGHTFUL ABC CLASSICS CD –

SPECIAL OFFER FOR NSWNA MEMBERS The Lamp has 100 passes to give away to see The Cave of the Yellow Dog, thanks to Hopscotch Films. To win, email Salim Barber at sbarber@nswnurses.asn.au with your name, membership number, address and contact number. First entries win!

FOR UPLIFTING ENJOYMENT! Gifts so good, you won’t want to give them away. There is an ABC Shop near you. For locations visit abcshop. com.au or call 1300 360 111. Ask about our Rewards program.

THE LAMP SEPTEMBER 2006 41

s

O B I T U A R Y

In loving memory of our dear friend ‘Jo’ JOANNE THERESE BURNS 5 May 1961- 3 June 2006 with mothers and children. Jo worked in the Maternity unit for a number of years.

In this time she met and married her husband of 19 years, Neil Burns. They have two handsome, well-natured boys Adyn, 18 years, and Kane, 15 years.

J

oanne Therese Burns (nĂŠe Cottrell-Dormer), fondly known as Jo, was a dearly loved nurse who nursed by example and with compassion.

It is important that Jo’s career as an enrolled nurse be remembered as it played such a huge part in her life.

Jo began nursing in 1979, undertaking her training at the Parkes District Hospital. In 1980 Jo took up employment at Dubbo Base Hospital where she gave 27 years of dedicated service to the profession.

Jo worked in many wards around the hospital but found that her niche was

Her ability to find the positive in others, always made her fellow colleagues feel good about themselves and made new staff members feel very welcome.

Jo then worked in the paediatrics ward, where she stayed for 15 years.

She was known for her love of a cup of tea, always being ‘happy go lucky’, her ability to find the positive in others, not one to say a bad thing about anyone, always made her fellow colleagues feel good about themselves and made new staff members feel very welcome. Jo’s personality enabled her to be a fantastic social director; she had the ability to

organise every event with style and to make it so much fun.

On 2 March 2006, the staff of the paediatrics ward organised a ‘support party’ as Jo didn’t like the idea of a retirement party. Jo though this was going to be small, involving the paediatics ward staff, but she was blown away when 70 staff from Dubbo Base Hospital attended to give their well wishes and support.

Sadly, it was only three short months after this that Jo passed away due to her 20-month battle with breast cancer. Jo received lots of love and support from her family and friends. Jo’s husband, Neil, their boys and her sister loved and cared for her at home throughout her final days. ‘Dedicated, caring, loving, fun, honest, friendly, devoted, sweet and loyal’ are some of the words used by staff across the hospital to describe Jo. They also said it was an honour, pleasure, and privilege to have known her and to have been her friend. Jo was a very safe, highly-skilled paediatric enrolled nurse.

A frangipani tree will be planted in the paediatrics garden in loving and fond memory of our dear friend and colleague ‘Jo Burns’. n

By Deanne Dent, NUM, Dubbo Base Hospital

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42 THE LAMP SEPTEMBER 2006

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Foresight, flexibility and concern for her staff OLIVE KEMMIS 1910-2006

O

live Kemmis’ worklife spanned almost five decades of nursing and touched the lives of many generations.

Born in Neutral Bay, she was the second youngest in a family of five boys and three girls (all three girls became nurses) and was educated at Summer Hill then Fort Street High.

appointed Supervising Sister of Wade House, then Deputy Matron and later Matron in 1958. This position she held until she retired in 1971.

Reflecting on her achievements, D.G. Hamilton wrote in his book ‘Hand in Hand’ on the story of RAHC that she was ‘one who was just the right sort of person for the troubled state of affairs that existed …

She was a gentle soul and a peacemaker

Olive invoked many changes … and for that era she showed foresight, flexibility and concern for her staff.

She commenced her nurse training at Royal Alexandra Hospital for Children (RAHC), Camperdown, in 1929 and became a registered nurse in 1934.

Olive continued working at the hospital, spent a short period in private nursing, then joined the Royal Australian Air Force Nursing Service in 1941, serving at Australian air bases and in Port Moresby and Madang.

She rarely spoke of her war experiences, apart from the extremes of conditions, but did mention in passing the sadness of seeing so many young lives wasted.

On leaving the Air Force in 1946, NUM-0806v1.ai 8/8/06 10:21:46 she returned to RAHC, where she was

but a capable one’. Olive invoked many changes: 6am starts became 7am and study blocks for the nurses were introduced; personal freedoms were addressed by allowing students to live outside the hospital if they wished; students were allowed to marry and still remain on the staff; many were very happy to see the demise of the veil. These are only a few of the many changes and for that era she showed foresight, flexibility and concern for her staff.

Education was her passion and she helped establish a scholarship fund for postgraduate training. Olive also set up an auxiliary to raise funds for the Hospital.

AM Olive was a fellow of the College

A N N UA L C O N F E R E N C E

NUMS – TORCHING THE SYSTEM

LIGHTING THE WAY

of Nursing, a council member for the Children’s Medical Research Foundation and held official positions in the Institute of Hospital Matrons and the Bush Nursing Association.

In 1973, she was awarded a medal in the Order of the British Empire (BEM) for her dedication to nursing.

Her family commitments never faltered throughout her busy life.She remained to the end the cornerstone for all her nieces, nephews, their children and grandchildren, and was always interested in their lives and achievements. Her lively spirit has touched many of us. n

By Margaret Ireland, RN

NURSING UNIT MANAGERS’ SOCIETY OF NSW (INC.) P.O. Box 463, Randwick NSW 2031 ABN: 68 014 575 993 • www.numsociety.org.au

6 OCTOBER 2006 SWISS GRAND HOTEL, BONDI, SYDNEY

Speakers include Her Excellency the Governor Marie Bashir; Adj Prof Debra Thoms; Ms Karen Cook; Ms Dianne Adamson and many others.

For the program, application and general information, visit our website: www.numsociety.org.au

Booking contact: Jan Montgomery ph 93998670 or at info@numsociety.org.au Other contact: • Prescilla Luzon, luzonp@email.cs.nsw.gov.au, ph 9767 8493 • Samantha Faithfull, sfaithfull@stvincents.com.au, ph 8382 2463 • Sheila Ryan, sheila_ryan@wsahs.nsw.gov.au, ph 9845 6128 THE LAMP SEPTEMBER 2006 43

C O M P E T I T I O N

WIN! LUXURY HAIR AND BEAUTY TREATMENTS AT ONE OF SYDNEY’S MOST EXCLUSIVE SALONS Salon Empyrean is an upmarket boutique-style hair and beauty salon located in a heritage-listed terrace in fashionable Woolloomooloo. Let us wash your worries away as we pamper you in our warm, inviting and tranquil establishment. Savour a glass of wine or coffee and homemade biscuit in our cosy courtyard.

Salon Empyrean – it means true and ultimate paradise – offers women and men the highest standards from our talented and understanding team. Forget the daily grind as you lose yourself in the treatment of your choice – for hair, face and body. We promise you’ll leave us refreshed and deservedly spoilt.

SALON EMPYREAN 34 Crown St, Woolloomooloo NSW 2011 Open Monday-Saturday and Sunday by appointment.

Ph: (02) 9380 8980 Email: salonempyrean@eftel.net.au

Four treatments to be won

by NSWNA members!

For this month’s competition, the prizes are four Salon Empyrean vouchers: 1. Cut & blowdry and the ultimate Empyrean facial 2. T-Section highlights and 1 hour massage 3. Natural glossing and cut & blowdry 4. The essential facial and 45 minute massage Each voucher is valued to around $200.

To enter, write your name, address and membership number, along with the voucher you want to win on the back of an envelope and send it to: NSWNA Salon Empyrean Competition PO Box 40, Camperdown 1450 Competition closes 30 September 2006.

44 THE LAMP SEPTEMBER 2006

s

L I F E S T Y L E

Book me Thinking Management: Focusing on People edited by Jean Anderson with forward

by June Gibson, Ausmed Publications, RRP $38.95 : ISBN 0- 975044-3-2 Thinking Management: Focusing on People draws on practical experiences as well as theory to provide ideas for the nurse manager as well as encouraging them to think about how they are carrying out their jobs. The authors clearly indicate that today’s challenges cannot be solved using yesterday’s thinking, highlighting the complexities, ambiguities, challenges and opportunities afforded by contemporary paradigm shifts.

Advances in Contemporary Nursing and Interpersonal Violence (2006) Special Issue of Contemporary Nurse 21(2), pp 163-328, eContent Management Pty Ltd : ISBN 0-9750436-6-8 This special issue of Contemporary Nurse provides leading opinion pieces on zero tolerance policy, reviews new research perspectives on intimate partner violence, child to mother violence and workplace violence, its impact on nurses, their families and the community.

N E W

R E F E R E N C E

Clinical Cases in Emergency Medicine: A Physiological Approach

by Justin T. Walls, Geoffrey A. Couser, Hanni C. Gennat and David P. Johns, McGraw Hill Australia Pty Ltd, RRP $39.95 : ISBN 0-074-71661-01 Clinical Cases In Emergency Medicine is a collection of cases that represent a broad range of undifferentiated emergency department presentations covering medical and surgical emergencies. Each case presents the core physiological and clinical knowledge that medical students require to approach each clinical situation competently, offering an integrated approach to learning.

Riverina Midwives – from the Mountains to the Plains

by Mavis Gaff-Smith, Triple D Books, RRP $34.95 : ISBN 0-9578681-9-7 Riverina Midwives is a tribute to the women who went with their men into shepherds’ huts, settlers’ camps and settlers’ tents, bark shelters and iron sheds, and to the women who helped them to bring generations of healthy young Australians into the world. The author has collected

B O O K S

A V A I L A B L E

The Merck Manual Of Diagnosis and Therapy (18th edition)

by Beers and Berkow, published by Merck Publications (available from Elsevier Australia), RRP $95.00 : ISBN 0911910182 The new 18th Edition of The Merck Manual is the world’s most widely used and oldest continually published medical reference, which now features an expanded clinical focus on each disorder, as well as more specific guidance on patient examinations. This handy, compact textbook was written by more than 300 expert clinicians for everyday use.

Reference items are not available for loan but may be viewed by visiting the NSWNA Library

stories of the hard work, courage, improvisation, humour and grief which accompanied the settlement of one of Australia’s richest rural areas.

Evidence-based Management: A Practical Guide for Health Professionals

by Rosemary Stewart, Ausmed Publications, RRP $49.95 : ISBN 0-9579876-2-5 This book explores how the established principles of evidence-based clinical practice can be applied in modern nursing and medical management. Evidence-based Management is presented with a clear layout, illustrative case studies, and a pragmatic approach to the practicalities and problems of practising evidence-based management. This book is an essential guide for health managers and clinicians who have managerial responsibilities in a variety of public and private settings. n

Reviews by NSWNA librarian, Jeannette Bromfield.

WHERE TO GET

SEPTEMBER NEW RELEASES These books are all available on order through the publisher or your local bookshop. Members of the NSWNA can borrow any of these books and more from our Records and Information Centre.

For borrowing information, contact Jeannette Bromfield, 8595 2175, jbromfield@nswnurses.asn.au or Cathy Matias, 8595 2121, cmatias@nswnurses.asn.au THE LAMP SEPTEMBER 2006 45

Go further than you ever imagined Launch your rewarding new career with a graduate entry program in clinical vision sciences.

The Master of Orthoptics is your pathway into a profession that is dynamic, diverse and challenging. It will extend your existing knowledge of human anatomy, physiology and behaviour towards the highly specialised ďŹ eld of orthoptics.

The program is offered by on-campus or distance mode along with practical clinical experience, and gives you skills that are in high demand.

Apply now for entry in 2007 and set your career in motion.

MASTER OF ORTHOPTICS Contact Sue Silveira Phone: +61 2 9351 9529 Email: s.silveira@fhs.usyd.edu.au www.fhs.usyd.edu.au/avs P O S T G R A D UAT E P R O G R A M S

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CRoSSWoRD Test your knowledge with The Lampâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s exclusive nursing crossword.

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1. Cessation of heartbeat, ... arrest (7) 5. At the time of birth (7) 10. A condition caused by injury to the brain during childbirth, ... palsy (8) 11. Type of stomach ulcer (6) 12. Remains of a fire (3) 13. Was given a toxic or harmful substance (8) 14. A Sydney university where nursing can be studied, abbrev (1.1.1) 15. Compression of the median wrist nerve, ... tunnel syndrome (6) 17. Widespread incidence of a disease (8) 19. Someone with kidney failure may receive this treatment (8) 21. Common name for torso (5) 23. Blood vessels that distribute blood from the heart (8) 27. Common name for an injection (4) 29. Respiratory illness often treated with ventolin (6) 30. Feeling sick, feeling unwell (8) 31. Drug addicts (4) 32. Inflammation of the liver, often caused by a virus (9)

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A non-malignant tumour of the glands (7) Eating patterns (4) Near the kidneys (7) Deprived of oxygen, such as in drowning (8) Tablet, pill (7) The keratinised portions of the epidermis on the dorsal extremities (4) Reservoirs for bile, gall ........ (8) To act in response to a stimulus (5) Where aphthous ulcers are found (5) Relating to the backbone (6) Bone from the knee to the ankle (6) Relaxes, recuperates (5) Old-fashioned general anaesthetic (5) Perceive (5) Observe, watch (3) Muscle of the face, orbicularis ..... (5)

Solution page 49 THE LAMP SEPTEMBER 2006 47

HEEL SPURS

Open your heart and home to help three young boys have a better future

(Plantar Fasciitis) Standard Treatments: stretches, rest, ice, cushion pads, heat, acupuncture, arch supports, anti-inflammatories, cortisone, orthotics etc.

Tom, Benny and Peter are three active loveable, affectionate boys who, with the right carers, can lead a full life. All three have very distinct personalities and special needs.

Tom is six years old and loves to sing and dance, he requires a respite carer to look after him for short periods of time.

Peter is a seven years old, excitable, curious and loves water activities.

for an Appointment â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 02 9955 1611 only one visit required

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Training & Assessment Formalise your current competencies with a nationally recognised qualification. The course is offered flexibly, and is an opportunity to build on your existing qualifications or develop new competencies. You must have access to training and assessment opportunities in your workplace so you can practice what you learn.

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48 THE LAMP SEPTEMBER 2006

All carers receive training, support and financial assistance.

Help a child. Become a foster carer.

Individuals, couples and families from varied backgrounds, cultural groups, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people are encouraged to apply.

Phone (02) 8303 7644 for more information

Assistant in Nursing Certficate III in Aged Care Work (CHC30102) Macquarie Community College is one of the largest RTOs in NSW offering a diverse educational program of more than 600 courses to over 26,000 students each year. The College is proposing to offer the Assistant in Nursing (AIN) Certificate III under the Community Services Training Package in 2007. We are seeking a qualified individual to design and implement the Program. In addition to this we will also be recruiting qualified trainers to deliver the Program.

Classes will be based in the Ryde area.

Interested applicants please forward an updated CV with a cover letter to Kathy Cannon: kcannon@macquarie.nsw.edu.au or PO BOX 2755 Carlingford, NSW 2118.

For further information contact our VET Division on (02) 8845 8812.

Closing date: COB Friday September 29

Ref. No: R: 5.1/07F

TAFE NSW - Open Training & Education Network (OTEN) is taking enrolments in the following courses:

www.oten.edu.au 1300 362 346

If you have a love for children and the ability to commit to challenges that will enrich your life and make a difference to theirs then please call us.

www.community.nsw.gov.au

Looking for a course to boost your career?

OH&S Provides training to upgrade competency levels or become WorkCover trainers/ assessors, safety officers, or supervisors with significant OH&S responsibilities.

Tom, Benny and Peter are all special boys who have varying degrees of developmental difficulties. They require special carers who can help these children reach their full potential.

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But, still in pain?

By treating the basic root cause, not the symptoms, we guarantee you the opportunity to be completely pain free and prevent it from returning.

foster care

Benny is six years old, plays well with other children and loves going to school. Both these boys require long term carers.

DIARY DATES Association Annual Lunch Date: 4 Oct,12pm, NSW Parliament House Cost: $45 members and $65 non-members Contact Karys Fearon, (02) 4323 1849 Email: jkfearon@iinet.net.au

16th Annual Spinal Injury Nurses Association Conference Date: 9 Nov, College of Nursing, Burwood Contact: John Hebblewhite, (02) 4736 3592, jhebblewhite@bigpond.com

2006 Defence Health & AMMA Conf.

19 – 22 Oct, Brisbane Conv. & Exhibition Contact: Jane Beattie, (03) 6234 7844, Email: ammaconference@leishmanassociates.com.au

Foundations in Diabetes Management Date: 16 – 20 October, RNS Hospital Contact: Valerie Gilbert, (02) 9926 7229, vgilbert@nsccahs.health.nsw.gov.au

Youth Health 2006 Conference Date: 13 – 15 Nov, Sydney Showground Contact: Sharyn Low, (02) 4572 3079 Email: sharyn@mob.com.au

A.C.A.T Nurse Special Interest Group 17 Oct, 1 – 3pm, Bankstown/Lidcome Hosp Contact: Wendy Oliver, (02) 9722 7300 Wendy.Oliver@swsahs.nsw.gov.au

Assoc. of Discharge Planning Nurses Date: 13 Nov, 2pm, Concord Hospital Contact: Kerrie Kneen, (02) 9487 9750 Email: Kerriek@sah.org.au

7th Australian Day Surgery Conf.

“Today, Tomorrow and Beyond” 10 – 11 Nov, Grand Hyatt, Melbourne Contact: Caroline Handley, (03) 9249 1273, caroline.handley@surgeons.org

Sydney Hospital Graduate Nurses’ Association – Bi-monthly meeting Date: 13 Sept, 10:30am, Sydney Hospital Contact: Karys Fearon, (02) 4323 1849 Email: jkfearon@iinet.au

Community Nurse Audiometrist Assoc. Inc – 24th Annual Conference Date: 18 – 20 October, Noahs on the Beach Contact: Karen Johnston, (02) 4952 3328 Email: cathkel@optusnet.com.au

The Beat Goes On: RNSH Cardio. Conf.

Date: 17 Nov, The Carlton Crest Hotel Cost: early bird $125 (ends 5 Oct), full $150.

Contact: Carolyn Morgan, (02) 9926 8852, cmorgan@nsccahs.health.nsw.gov.au

Hope Healthcare Palliative Care – “At the right time for the right reason” Seminar Date: 15 Sept, Neringah Hospital, $60 Contact: Angela Doran, (02) 9488 2290

NSW Health Awards Expo 2006 Date: 19 Oct, Australian Technology Park Contact: Michelle Wensley Email: MWENS@doh.health.nsw.gov.au

The HIV Nursing Practice Workshop Date: 20 – 23 November, Surry Hills Contact: Education Unit, (02) 9332 9720, albeducation@sesiahs.health.nsw.gov.au

Nurses Christian Fellowship – Professional Evening Date: 15 Sept, All About Life Building, 5 Byfield Street, Macquarie Park Contact: Jane, (02) 9476 4440

Pain Management Conference Date: 20 October, Wollongong Hospital Contact: Sonia Markocic, (02) 4253 4426 Email: Markocics@iahs.nsw.gov.au

39th Australian Assoc. of Gerontology Date: 22 – 24 Nov, Wesley Conference Ctr Contact: Jane Howorth, (02) 6650 9800, aag@eastcoastconferences.com.au

The NSW Urological Nurses Society (NUNS) Annual Conference Date: 21 October, Four Points Sheraton Hotel Sydney, $80 members & $120 nonmembers (includes $40 membership) Contact: Karina So, (02) 9767 5000

Renal Society of Australasia NSW 28 Nov, 6 – 8pm, NSW College of Nursing Info: Susana San Miguel, (02) 9828 5544

Conferences, seminars, meetings SYDNEY, HUNTER & ILLAWARRA Assoc. of Discharge Planning Nurses Date: 11 Sept, 2pm, Concord Hospital Contact: Kerrie Kneen, (02) 9487 9750 Email: kerriek@sah.org.au HNA of NSW Special Interest Night Date: 12 September, 6:30pm – 9:30pm Macquarie Hospital Conf. Rm, Ryde RSVP to David Terelinck, Secretary, 0409 031 191, dterelin@bigpond.net.au

NSW Midwives Assoc. Annual Conf.

“Sowing the seed: nuturing growth” Date: 22 Sept, Wagga Wagga RSL Club Contact: Alex Weston, (02) 9281 9522 Email: admin@nswmidwives.com.au ‘Spring With Kids’ Paediatric Perioperative Seminar Date: 23 September, Carlton Crest Hotel Contact: Claudia Watson, (02) 9845 2112 Email: claudiw2@chw.edu.au 1st Australasian Amphetamine Conf.

Date: 28 Sept, Sydney Convention Ctr Contact: ANEX, (03) 9486 6399 Call for Papers – Conference: “Carers and professionals working together” Submission closing date is 29 Sept 06 Contact: Judy Williamson, (02) 9280 4744 Lunch for Leukaemia Date: 29 – 30 Sept, lunch time at any home, restaurant, business in Australia Contact: Alex Austin, Marketing and Communications Manager, 1800 620 420 Email: aaustin@leukaemia.org.au Sydney Hospital Graduate Nurses’

Diary Dates Diary Dates is a free service for members. Please send the diary dates details, in the same format used here – event, date, venue, contact details, via email, fax, mail and the web before the 5th of the month prior, for example: 5th of August for September Lamp.

Send information to:

3rd Blood And Bones Conference 24 Oct (8am – 5pm) & 25 Oct (8:30am – 3:30pm), the Children’s Hosp. Westmead Cost: $100 pp/day for registrations before 3 October & $110 after. Contact Leanne Shearer, LeanneS2@chw.edu.au E-Health Conference Date: 30 Oct – 1 Nov, Swissotel, Sydney Admission packages from $1,799 + GST Contact: Sam Morrow, (02) 9229 1067 NSW Palliative Care State Conf.

Date: 2 – 3 November, Orange Contact: Joan Ryan, (02) 9515 7755 Email: joan@email.cs.nsw.gov.au Wound Care Assoc. of NSW Inc Date: 3 – 4 Nov, Dubbo Western Plains Zoo Cost: Free to members Contact: Amy Keough, (02) 6885 8666, Amy.Keogh@gwahs.health.nsw.gov.au

Salim Barber Email: sbarber@nswnurses.asn.au Fax: 9550 3667, mail: PO Box 40 Camperdown NSW 1450 Please double-check all information sent is correct. The Lamp cannot guarantee that the issue will always be mailed in time for the listed event. Due to high demands on the page, some dates too

INTERSTATE Australian Nurse Teacher’s Society 2006 Conference Date: 14 Sept, Manning Clarke Centre the Australian National University Contact: Erin Parkinson (02) 6281 6624 Email: e.conference@conlog.com.au Australian Dermatology Nurses’ Association Annual Education Day Date: 23 Sept, Hotel Heritage, Canberra Contact: Jan Riley, President ADMA, (02) 6682 5145, janslrd@ozemail.com.au Australian & NZ Orthopaedic Nurses’ Assoc. (ANZONA) – 2nd Annual International Conference 12 – 13 Oct, Rydges Lakeside Canberra Contact: Gemma Gregson Email: anzona@eventcorp.com.au

Reunions Royal Newcastle Hosp. PTS Feb 1973 Date: 9 September, Noahs at Newcastle Contact: Vicki Powell (Cook) Email: wickipowell52@hotmail.com Hornsby Hosp. Maternity 50th Anniv.

15 Sept, Asquith Rugby Leagues Club, Waitara. Open Day from 10am - 6pm.

Celebration dinner ($60pp) from 6:30pm.

Contact: Martin Griffiths, 0409 914 607, MGriffi@nsccahs.health.nsw.gov.au Tamworth Base Hosp. – PTS Feb 1976 Date: 30 Sept, 6:30pm, Hogs Breath Café RSVP by 20 August, contact Janelle Benson (Wall), 6765 7363 Royal Prince Alfred – PTS 1966 Date: 7 October, Sydney Harbour Cruise Contact: Marian Mitchell, (02) 6556 9628 Email: Rowarna@hotmail.com Albury Base Hosp. Past Graduates and Employees Assoc. 50th Reunion Date: 14 Oct, Commercial Club, Albury Contact: Lyn Dynan, (02) 6021 2888 Email: saef2212@hotmail.com RAHC – 40yr Reunion PTS 1966 Date: 21 Oct, Epping Club, 12pm – 5pm Contact: Maureen Bennett (Clayden) Auburn District Hosp. 30yr Reunion – PTS October 1976 Date: 28 – 29 October, Hunter Valley Contact: Sbyers, (02) 9626 9861

Crossword solution

2nd Annual Conference of the Australian Practitioner Association 13 Oct (9am – 3pm) & 14 Oct (9:30am - 5pm) Venue: Legends Hotel, Gold Coast

close to publication or too far in the future may be cut. The dates that are to be printed are for three months in total. For example, in the March Lamp = March, April, May dates will be printed.

Only Diary Dates with an advised date and contact person will be published.

Diary Dates are also on the web – www.nswnurses.asn.au

Special Interest Groups Special Interest Groups is now part of Diary Dates. If you are a special interest group, you now must send information about your event as above.

Send us your snaps If you’re having a reunion, send us some photos and any information from the night, and we’ll publish them.

THE LAMP SEPTEMBER 2006 49

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