CONTENTS Year in Review – General Secretary
4
Message from the Assistant General Secretary
6
Message from the President
7
Council
8
Membership and Finance
10
Communications 11
COVID-19: AN EXTRAORDINARY CHALLENGE
12
WHS Response
13
Aged Care and Private Sector Members
14
Public Sector Members
14
Outbreaks 15
BUSHFIRE RESPONSE
16
ORGANISING & CAMPAIGNING
17
Stop the Wage Freeze
18
PPE: Your right to practice safely
20
Safer Work, Safer Care
21
Safe Staffing
22
Aged care campaign
23
Building Community Alliances
24
Year of the Nurse and the Midwife
26
Public Health System: Building to Win
27
Private Sector
28
ADVOCACY 31 Aged Care Roundtable
32
Affiliations 32 Social issues
2
2019–2020 ANNUAL REPORT
32
WORK HEALTH AND SAFETY (WHS)
34
HSRs 35 Occupational violence
36
INDUSTRIAL 37 Thousands of ADOs returned
38
Overpayment recovery dispute: standing up for members
39
CCLHD Restructures: a powerful strategy
39
Service check register review (at long last)
40
Northern Beaches Hospital: making members’ voices heard
40
LEGAL 41 EDUCATION 42 Association Member Training (AMT) 43 Scholarships 44
PROFESSIONAL RESEARCH
45
Submissions 45
ANNEXURES 46 Annexure 1: Summary of financial information for the year ended 31 December 2019 46 Annexure 2: New Agreements finalised by Association
47
3
Year in Review BRETT HOLMES, GENERAL SECRETARY
IN MY 18 YEARS AS GENERAL SECRETARY, I have never experienced anything like the past six months. While NSW was persevering through the state’s worst bushfire season on record, a global pandemic had already claimed the lives of thousands. Just a few months later, that figure leapt to over 480,000. As demands on hospitals increased, deficiencies in the preparedness and funding of global health systems became blindingly obvious. In NSW, we have not seen enough being done to boost frontline nursing staff numbers over the past few decades and these disasters occurring in quick succession put a clear case to the government of the need for mandated nurse-to-patient ratios. How can we expect an overstretched system to respond efficiently to increased demand if we don’t even have mandated minimum staffing? It seems almost ironic that the World Health Organization (WHO) dedicated 2020 the International Year of the Nurse and the Midwife. The perseverance and commitment from nurses and midwives to live up to this accolade during an incredibly tough year has been inspiring. Most of the community has rallied behind us, celebrating the important work of nurses and midwives, however, a small fearful minority worried about infection, resorted to verbal abuse and aggression towards frontline health workers in uniform. 4
2019–2020 ANNUAL REPORT
Sadly, violence continues to impact our profession and resulted in two nurses losing their lives within just a few months of each other over the period of 2019 to 2020. It’s not acceptable that nurses and midwives, who go to work to care for and improve the lives of others must be subjected to occupational violence. This is why we have set a goal in our 2020 - 2023 strategic plan to improve the rights of members to work in a safe environment. Another ambition from our new strategic plan is members’ rights to economic security. Just as COVID-19 restrictions began to ease, on the eve of International Nurses’ Day, the NSW Government abandoned frontline workers who carried us through these difficult times with the announcement of a wage freeze for all public sector workers. This disappointing move cemented the fact that this government is not looking out for the interests of essential workers, the community or the many struggling local businesses that rely on the wages of these 400,000 workers. While unions worked hard to secure better rights for workers through COVID-19, achieving special paid leave, enhanced workers compensation and improved safety measures for the use of PPE, the NSW Government was more focused on keeping construction plans to schedule.
On a positive note, support for unions has grown as a result. In an Australian Council of Trade Unions (ACTU) poll, half of all Australians believe workers would be better off with stronger unions. A further three out of four Australians believe unions provide essential services to ensure members are paid properly, have a safe working environment and provide a strong collective voice. One thing is for sure, the importance of public healthcare has never been so apparent. As the prime deliverer of care to the community, the strength of an accessible public health system informs our society’s capacity to survive when under attack. The fact the government was prepared to sequester private health organisations to undertake work at the direction of the public sector proves how invaluable it is to maintain an accessible public healthcare system first and foremost. We will continue to be a strong voice for our members and professions, no matter what challenges we face next.
SUPPORT FOR UNIONS HAS GROWN IN AN ACTU POLL
HALF
of all Australians believe workers would be better off with stronger unions
3 IN 4
Australians believe unions provide essential services to ensure members are paid properly have a safe working environment and provide a strong collective voice
5
Message from the Assistant General Secretary JUDITH KIEJDA, ASSISTANT GENERAL SECRETARY
TO STATE THE OBVIOUS, the past year has been like no other. In 2019, no one could have believed what we’d be facing personally, professionally, statewide, nationally and internationally. This is one for the history books.
management often either do not understand their industrial responsibilities or choose to defy them. Our Officers are particularly adept at handling such management tactics, resulting in a high percentage of successful outcomes.
The last half of 2019 was about getting over the state and federal election defeats and the realisation we would not see ratios introduced into the public health system in this term of government and the long wait to see real change in aged care would continue. It will take nothing less than a change of government at state level to see ratios introduced. Similarly, if the Royal Commission into Aged Care provides a path forward and the current federal government will not implement recommendations, then a change of government at that level is also necessary.
The first half of this year has been particularly challenging. Many of our members suffered greatly from the north of the state to the far south with the worst bushfires ever experienced in this state. Some lost their homes, many more lost property and animals resulting in life changing circumstances for them and their families. Thankfully, the Association was in a position to provide grants to assist those worst affected in the very early stages. I visited affected areas on the south coast and was constantly surprised by the resilience of our members and the solidarity among them, which I am sure has assisted them to cope with such calamitous occurrences.
As we wait for the terms of governments to pass, we must build power in our workplaces so no matter which party governs, every Association member will be ready to achieve our goals. We have seen sincere investment by the Member Organising (MO) team in working with Association Branches to identify and educate workplace member leaders to build solidarity around issues of importance to them. Using this model, we have seen a number of wins in workplaces across the state and while the win in the workplace is important, it’s collective work done by the Branches and member leaders that puts pressure on management to no longer dismiss the concerns of members. Where there are issues that are better addressed by industrial means, we have seen amazing efforts by the Member Industrial Services Team (MIST) in supporting members through enforcement of all applicable industrial instruments to achieve fairness and justice in the world of work. The work done my MIST is often challenging as they try to enforce member rights in a climate where 6
2019–2020 ANNUAL REPORT
Then the COVID-19 pandemic arrived with all of its challenges, not the least of which was the incredible shortage of PPE. This was a global issue, however, it was an avoidable risk and our state and country should have been much better prepared. The Association was in daily contact with the Ministry of Health advocating on issues that were critical to our membership. Australia has not done a proper pandemic plan since 2008, which would have contributed somewhat to the deficiencies experienced. The Association will continue to lobby for regular pandemic planning and for critical resources like PPE to be manufactured here in Australia. The Association is affiliated with several important national and international organisations. Refer to page 32 for more information about our joint achievements over the past financial year.
Message from the President O’BRAY SMITH, PRESIDENT
THE COUNCIL HAS CONTINUED TO WORK HARD THIS YEAR with more extraordinary meetings needing to occur than we have seen in the last ten years. Your Council has also been involved in the development of our 2020-2023 strategic plan. I would like to thank staff and members who have visited their Members of Parliament or written letters to their MPs over the last year, not only more recently for the wage freeze campaign but also to fight the Ensuring Integrity Bill. This was an important battle, one which we had to win. Over the last seven months your Council has waived the membership fees and given donations to over 50 members whose land or property was ravaged by fires. We have continued to sponsor nurses and midwives at all levels via the Edith Cavell Trust and Roz Norman Scholarships and continued to support staff with the Association staff scholarship grants. Council has had a steady year in terms of its membership. We have said farewell to two Councillors. Erin Francis has left to take up an Organiser role at the Association. More recently, Council has farewelled and thanked Gil Wilson for his long standing passion and dedication to the union and in his role as Councillor. We have also welcomed Kate Goodman onto Council. Kate has just completed her New Graduate year and has brought to Council a sobering and fresh perspective.
views differed. I am sure this will only make us wiser and stronger for whatever lies in our future. I would like to thank and acknowledge the work of Association leadership; Brett Holmes and Judith Kjeida. The past 12 months have been a difficult time in the Association’s journey and I congratulate Brett and Judith for steering us through such challenging and eye opening times. Council is grateful for your honesty and dedication to our Association. In addition, on behalf of Council, I would like to acknowledge the work of the staff who provide Council with the documents, equipment and knowledge we need to do our job. This year you have gone above and beyond in helping manage our business and it is acknowledged and recognised. 2020 could be said to have been one of the most unusual years for any individual or organisation and is especially true for any frontline staff. I would like to thank the Association staff for stepping up and mobilising your efforts to support our nurses and midwives in COVID-19 times. The Association had to change the way it runs its business and support staff almost overnight. Members required more advocacy over their safety at work and ability to claim new leave entitlements, so thank you to all teams for the work you have done – uniting and coming together as one Association (even though you were so far apart) to all play your roles in responding to COVID-19 and helping our front line staff. This is one of the reasons we are such a strong and well respected union.
The Council itself has had a challenging 12 months having to make numerous difficult and confronting decisions. I would like to thank every member of Council for being brave and speaking up when their ideas were different, for being courageous in making decisions that would greatly impact our path and for being considerate of others when their
7
Council Brett Holmes
Vice President, NSWNMA Branch Vice President, ANMF NSW
General Secretary, NSWNMA Branch Secretary, ANMF NSW
Judith Kiejda
Assistant General Secretary, NSWNMA Branch Assistant Secretary, ANMF NSW
O’Bray Smith
President, NSWNMA Branch President, ANMF NSW
Lorna Scott Executive Members, NSWNMA Branch Executive Members, ANMF NSW
Michelle Cashman
Gary Clark
Edward Makepeace
Liz McCall
Kerry Rodgers
Sue White 8
2019–2020 ANNUAL REPORT
Councillors, NSWNMA Branch Councillors, ANMF NSW
Wing Besilos
Lauren Lye
ASSOCIATION COUNCIL – MEETING ATTENDANCE Meetings held from August 2019 to June 2020 = 11
Kate Goodman
Sylvia Moon
Julie Goss
Richard Noort
Jocelyn Hofman
Meg Pendrick
Michelle Straub
Lyn Hopper
Jill Telfer
Di Lang
Outgoing Councillors
Erin Francis
Gil Wilson
Besilos, Wing
11
Cashman, Michelle
11
Clark, Gary
10
Francis, Erin*
3
Goodman, Kate**
2
Goss, Julie
11
Hofman, Jocelyn
9
Holmes, Brett
11
Hopper, Lyn
11
Kiejda, Judith
8
Lang, Diane
11
Lye, Lauren
8
Makepeace, Edward
10
McCall, Liz
11
Moon, Sylvia
9
Noort, Richard
11
Pendrick, Meg
9
Rodgers, Kerry
10
Scott, Lorna
11
Smith, O’Bray
11
Straub, Michelle
11
Telfer, Jill
10
White, Sue
11
Wilson, Gil
9
* leave of absence July 2019 to 30 April 2020 ** elected to Council on 5 May 2020
9
Membership and Finance
68,985
TOTAL MEMBERS As at June 30 2020
Increase of 4,706 (7.3%)*
46,223
PUBLIC HEALTH SYSTEM (56.9%)*
7,156
10,074
RESIDENTIAL AGED CARE (56.0%)*
826
PRIVATE HOSPITALS (513.5%)*
JUSTICE HEALTH (513.5%)*
424
4,282
PUBLIC SERVICE INCL. FACS (619.5%)* 10 2019–2020 ANNUAL REPORT
FINANCIAL REPORT The Association remains in a sound financial position. Total membership income in 2019 was $42,519,824 (2018: $41,558,254), an increase of $961,570 (+2.3%). Net Assets as at 31 December 2019 were $45,706,209 (2018: $46,057,922). The overall 2019 result for the year was a loss of $298,383 (2018: $81,658 loss). This was in part due to the investment for future growth (new membership system), the 2018 ANMF NSW Branch service fee being significantly in excess of the previous year, as well as a one-off negative adjustment to member fees associated with the migration to the new membership system. The Audited Accounts for the year ended 31 December 2019 are summarised at the end of this report and the full financial statements are available to members online in Member Central. The unaudited accounts, five months to 31 May 2020, have a surplus of $606,702, a positive variance to budget of $318,229, and Net Assets of $46,492,050.
OTHER SECTORS (57.7%)* *Variance for the period 15 June 2019 – 30 June 2020
Communications
27,694
32,861
average visits per week to our NSWNMA WEBSITE
average visits per week to our LAMP ONLINE WEBSITE
7,260
106
NEWS REPORTS across print, TV, radio and online
+ 24.55% FACEBOOK PAGE GROWTH
+ 46.57% INSTAGRAM GROWTH
VIDEOS PRODUCED
+ 36.56% LINKEDIN GROWTH
1,562,494 Total Engagements
51,037 Inbound messages responded
11
COVID-19: AN EXTRAORDINARY CHALLENGE 782
WHS ISSUES relating to COVID-19
ISSUES relating to access to PPE
3,000
190
ADDITIONAL NEW CONTACTS from individual members on COVID-19 matters alone WITH UNION AGITATION AND SUPPORT The NSW Government and some private employers introduced special paid leave
12 2019–2020 ANNUAL REPORT
358
The NSW Legislative Council amended the COVID-19 Legislative Amendment (Emergency Measures – Miscellaneous) Bill to provide enhanced workers compensation protection for certain workers, including those in health
DAILY RECORD of new individual member inquiries regarding COVID-19 on a single day at the end of March The NSW Government introduced new laws, including $5,000 on-the-spot fines, for individuals who assault nurses, midwives, police, paramedics and other frontline staff
WHS RESPONSE
1363
INDIVIDUAL MEMBER ISSUES
The most common issues were: • an inability to access PPE in the workplace • requests for assistance in navigating constantly changing clinical advice • escalation and resolution of concerns in regard to inadequate infection control policies and/or inappropriate allocation of duties
KEEPING MEMBERS INFORMED With so much misinformation and conflicting advice, our priority was to ensure members had the latest information at their fingertips. The Association provided: ✔ information updated daily on thelamp. com.au, providing access to information and guidelines in regard to workforce issues and the proper use of PPE
Inconsistent and constantly evolving infection control guidelines and widespread shortages of PPE required constant advice and intervention from the Association to ensure observance of safe practice.
✔ weekly Facebook video information sessions focusing on Public Health System updates, aged care and PPE
World Health Organisation (WHO) guidelines were based on an international known shortage of PPE (particularly masks) and research that COVID-19 was droplet spread. NSW standards set by the Clinical Excellence Commission (CEC) and National Standards were based on initial WHO guidelines. The standards and information provided by the CEC evolved over the first 2 months of the pandemic. Scientific debate continues on the issue of aerosol versus droplet transmission.
✔ weekly emails to members from all sectors, providing important updates
One of our WHS Officers took the lead in research and immediately embarked on determining best practice in relation to Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and masks. As a result, resources were developed and distributed to educate and inform members on how to stay safe and protected at work. Resources can be downloaded here: www.nswnma.asn.au/safer-work-safer-care/ ppe-your-right-to-practice-safely
✔ FAQs on Member Central
ADVOCATING ON BEHALF OF MEMBERS The Association liaised frequently with NSW Health and the Clinical Excellence Commission to raise safety standards and improve infection control policies and guidelines to better protect members in the workplace. ✔ secured agreement from NSW Health for the introduction of quantitative/qualitative fit testing of P2/N95 respirators rather than simple fit checking
13
PUBLIC SECTOR MEMBERS The Association (along with other relevant public sector unions) were involved in extensive discussions and dialogue with the Ministry of Health and the Department of Premier and Cabinet (DPC) regarding the governmental and health system response to COVID-19.
These discussions (and debates) led to the introduction of: ✔ 20 days paid service leave* ✔ support for vulnerable workers ✔ remote working ✔ free parking for health workers in hospital car parks ✔ free accommodation / meals for health workers in certain situations ✔ specific WHS guidelines ✔ policies regarding PPE provision and use *The paid special leave currently available is subject to review, and the Association is in the thick of that debate.
AGED CARE AND PRIVATE SECTOR MEMBERS One issue confronting these members was the direction to isolate from work for 14 days as a result of COVID-19 risk factors, with members in many instances advised this was unpaid unless they accessed their own leave. The Association was largely successful in having employers acknowledge relevant members should either be returned to work or alternatively paid their wages for the isolation period. Further, in Aged Care especially, workers who had employment with differing aged care providers were being ‘told’ to cease any secondary employment. This was said to be due to concerns that working at multiple facilities exacerbates the chance of spread. However, there was and currently is no Commonwealth guideline (or recommendation by the Australian Health Protection Principal Committee) to adopt a single facility approach to employment. In many instances these were able to be resolved locally or at a peak level with the employer.
14 2019–2020 ANNUAL REPORT
In the private hospital sector, the announcement by the Federal Government that all elective surgeries (excluding category 1 or serious category 2 cases) were to be cancelled due to the outbreak of COVID-19 caused short term chaos. A number of private hospital providers moved to stand down significant numbers of employees across the state immediately. In many instances, the Association was able to stem that tide and keep members at work, and following intense lobbying by unions on behalf of the private hospital providers, the Federal Government subsequently announced private hospitals would be supported to complement the public health response to COVID-19 by way of partnership agreements that maintained their workers’ readiness to be at work and respond.
OUTBREAKS Five sites were reported as being affected by COVID-19. Four were brought under control within a short period of time minimising the spread but the fifth did not appear to have an effective plan in place and the virus continued to spread. This site was visited by the Association due to the concerns around staffing and PPE. The COVID-19 Pandemic has exposed the vulnerabilities of the aged care sector being under resourced. Early on the Aged Care Quality and Safety Commission (ACQSC) undertook an audit of facilities to identify their preparedness for a pandemic and while these results were never published, anecdotally members on the ground have expressed concerns relating to infection control.
Managers have responded to concerns by reassuring staff and ensuring that additional training was rolled out in infection control. The Association contacted a number of Facility Managers who expressed concern that in the event of an outbreak they would have inadequate staff to manage their facility if a large number of staff were forced to isolate. Managers also expressed concern that they didn’t have sufficient PPE. The shortage of staff and PPE lead to serious consequences at Anglicare’s Newmarch House which found it hard to staff the facility to ensure safe resident care. The Association also held concerns that such a large number of staff became unwell and referred Anglicare to SafeWork so an investigation could be undertaken. A site visit was also conducted.
15
BUSHFIRE RESPONSE
On top of usual daily demand, responded to
100+
ADDITIONAL NEW CONTACTS from individual members on the bushfire crisis engulfing NSW The Association responded to an intense period of crisis impacting members from unparalleled bushfires destroying NSW. A vast majority of the enquiries (public and private) related to leave entitlements, and in some cases employers were providing advice or direction that seemed either illinformed or misrepresenting worker entitlements. 16 2019–2020 ANNUAL REPORT
Members were provided advice and support for a number of scenarios, including: • workplaces evacuated and closed • unable to attend work due to road closures • unable to attend work because they were defending their homes • information on rights regarding volunteering during a declared emergency or providing assistance as members of the Australian Defence Force Reserves • the evacuation of residents from an aged care facility • unable to attend work because they were managing the aftermath of bushfire destruction In some cases, employers offered or directed employees to take annual leave, sick leave, rostered days off and leave without pay where employees were entitled to family and community services leave, special leave; natural disaster leave or some equivalent form of leave.
ORGANISING & CAMPAIGNING
17
STOP THE WAGE FREEZE In early May, just as COVID-19 restrictions were beginning to ease, it became apparent the NSW Government had plans to freeze the wages of public sector workers, including nurses and midwives. At a time when we should be stimulating the economy, nurses and midwives who had persevered through the pandemic were being asked to forgo their 2.5 per cent wage increase. 18 2019–2020 ANNUAL REPORT
100+
7,299
and passed a resolution to take action in their local communities and get commitment from MPs
sent to local MPs by members
BRANCHES MET
EMAILS
8,304 EMAILS
sent to the crossbench in the Upper House
54
BRANCHES held actions in their local areas
AS A RESULT:
842 tuned in to a
LIVE Q&A WEBINAR
369
MEMBERS SIGNED the selfie photo petition
with the Association
200+
BUSINESSES
support the campaign
2,700+
MEMBERS TOOK YOUGOV SURVEY to determine the economic impact of a wage freeze on nurses and midwives
We secured full support from the crossbench in the Upper House The NSW Upper House voted to disallow regulations to freeze public sector pay rises for 12 months At the time of this report, we were still giving evidence before the Industrial Relations Commission (IRC), pursuing a 2.5% pay increase
19
PPE: YOUR RIGHT TO PRACTICE SAFELY
A survey was sent to members to understand their experiences with PPE. Over 5,500 responded
The Association designed and distributed sector-specific PPE information for members, including social media tools and PPE workplace posters
Weekly WHS videos addressing ongoing member concerns around PPE were published on our Facebook
As the COVID-19 situation progressed, access to personal protective equipment (PPE) became an issue for many of our members. In addition to this shortage, advice around its appropriate use was confusing. The Association launched a campaign to put pressure on the NSW Government and employers to provide PPE and fit testing, where appropriate, for all health workers across the public, private and aged care sectors.
SafeWork NSW provided a written opinion to NSW Health supporting fit testing stating that “SafeWork NSW strongly recommends NSW Health consider ensuring all workers required to wear P2 equivalent masks undertake appropriate fit testing…” 20 2019–2020 ANNUAL REPORT
The Association secured an agreement from six LHDs in regard to fit testing of P2/ N95s, with further expansion anticipated
NSW Health issued a statement announcing a phased introduction of fit testing of P2/N95s in two Local Health Districts (LHDs)
NSW Health began providing weekly update reports on PPE stock levels
SAFER WORK, SAFER CARE
✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔
Educational resources were developed and provided to members, including: Workplace Bullying: A guide to assist NSWNMA Members (12 pages) Resolving a WHS issue Worksheet Become a Health and Safety Rep Guide Aged care incident reporting card How To Fill Out An IIMS: Staffing card How To Fill Out An IIMS: Violence card
✔ ✔ ✔ ✔
Campaign resources were produced and distributed to Branches, including: grey armbands posters badges Facebook profile frame
✔
Unfortunately, many members experience violence, harassment and bullying in the workplace. During Safe Work month in October, The Association launched a campaign to take a stand against violence towards health staff. We held a day of action on 30 October, encouraging members to wear a badge or armband in solidarity with all nurses and midwives who have experienced violence. In September, the Association surveyed members around psychosocial hazards, work-related violence and musculoskeletal disorders
✔ ✔ ✔ ✔
In October, we conducted 20 workplace visits to: Offer education sessions with CPD hours at no cost for members Deliver safety resources and tools Provide industrial and professional support Address current work safety issues
2020 ANNUAL REPORT
During October, weekly emails were sent to members around key areas of concern with resources and advice Branch meetings and lunchtime rallies were organised during the month
21
SAFE STAFFING A number of branches have been active in securing improvements in safe staffing levels by: • collecting data/evidence • building engagement among the majority of affected members • stepping through the Reasonable Workloads Committee process • taking some form of collective action, leading to focused negotiations with the employer. • using the Work, Health and Safety Act to interview, gather data, report and withdraw from unsafe practices
15 FTE
HIGHLIGHTS NSW’S FIRST EVER AGREED NURSE TO PATIENT RATIO Nolan House (Acute Inpatient and High Dependency Unit (HDU) Mental Health facility at Albury) won: ✔ 2 staff for 3 beds regardless of occupancy ✔ Acute beds 1:4-day shift and 1:6-night shift, with supernumerary in-charge for all shifts ✔ Patients cannot be admitted if the ratios are not met for the existing shift or subsequent 24 hours
7.9 FTE
5 FTE
Blacktown Hospital’s ED won:
Wyong ED won:
John Hunter ED members won:
✔ an extra 3 nurses per shift while a review is undertaken
✔ an increase of 7.9 FTE RNs for 12 months
✔ an additional 5 FTE above the Award minimum
✔ the ICU won an additional access nurse and in-charge per shift plus an additional 1 FTE of CNE; a total of 15 FTE to be recruited
✔ Density in Wyong ED grew from 54% to 74% through peer to peer recruitment
✔ Additional 0.5 CNE created in John Hunter Medical Imaging + filled vacancies, including a nurse manager position being permanently filled after three years of ‘acting’
✔ Five new member leaders added to the Branch executive
USING WHS Leeton Hospital won: ✔ additional staffing in their ED plus a Nurse Practitioner position using (Working in Isolation) ✔ Waratah Mental Health Unit acted using the WHS Act to secure additional staffing on each shift for their PECC unit
22 2019–2020 ANNUAL REPORT
AGED CARE CAMPAIGN MAY 2018
SEPT 2018
OCT 2018
ANMF gives evidence at the Senate inquiry
ANMF publishes Tax Avoidance by For-Profit Aged Care Companies report, which sparks Senate Inquiry into financial and tax practices of for-profit aged care providers
Four Corners two-part series airs with Association input and prompts Royal Commission into the sector 24 September 2018: Association conducts audits in aged care facilities to collect night duty staffing ratios data the night Four Corners episode airs
OCT 2019 RC interim report released
DEC 2019
Government attempt to privatise Aged Care Assessment Teams (ACAT) and Association launches campaign
FEB 2020 Government abandons ACAT privatisation
Royal Commission into Aged Care Quality and Safety established Senate Inquiry report into tax avoidance calls for stronger framework for transparency and accountability, yet fails to recommend tax dollar-to-care link ANMF gives evidence to Royal Commission (RC) on staffing and skills mix project findings
JULY 2019 Federal MP Rebekha Sharkie’s Bill proposes to mandate the disclosure of staff ratios at all nursing homes.
NOV 2018
FEB 2019
MAY 2019 RC hearings visit Sydney and two Association member leaders give evidence
New Aged Care Quality Standards come into effect, outlining eight standards aged care providers must meet
APRIL 2020 RC announces submissions accepted relating to the impact of the coronavirus (COVID-19) on the aged care sector
NOV 2020 12 November 2020: RC final report due
23
AUGU ST 20 19 SE
PT
EM
BE
R 20
19
BUILDING COMMUNITY ALLIANCES
CAMPBELLTOWN MATERNITY COMMUNITY RALLY
TENTERFIELD HOSPITAL COMMUNITY FORUM
Hospital data revealed 45 full-time equivalent vacancies within the hospital’s maternity services. Macarthur Branch members held a lunchtime community rally.
The community held Hunter New England Local Health District (HNELHD) accountable for cutting nursing staff by 33%.
✔ Approximately 200 people attended with good media coverage ✔ SWSLHD finally advertised to fill 22.5 FTE vacancies
24 2019–2020 ANNUAL REPORT
✔ A local petition garnered over 1200 signatures ✔ This led to a Town Hall meeting attended by more than 300 people ✔ This Association initiative allowed the local community to hold HNELHD and NSW Government directly accountable for the unsafe staffing levels
F EB
RUARY 2020
JU
MACLEAN HOSPITAL RECONFIGURATION The Northern NSW Local Health District (NNSWLHD) put forward a proposal to reconfigure Maclean Hospital by downgrading and combining the two wards. It also became clear that the NSW Government’s promised enhancement to achieve 6.0 NHPPD was going to be met by recruiting a combination of 1.3 EN FTE and 3.5 AiN with no mention of RN recruitment. The new staffing profile would lower the skill mix, contrary to peer reviewed evidence for safe staffing levels. ✔ In late February the Clarence Valley Branch packed the Maclean Showgrounds for their community forum. NNSWLHD Executives and Clarence MP were invited however did not attend. NNSWLHD tried to hold their own forum, but their numbers were small ✔ By early March the Association received correspondence from the Clarence Health Service Executive that the ward reconfiguration proposal had been ‘deferred’ and in the interim, a Maclean Consumer Advisory Group would be set up ✔ This was all possible because members used their connections and trust within the community to fight for an issue the community cares about
NE
202
0
GLOUCESTER HOSPITAL’S RESIDENTIAL AGED CARE LICENCES TRANSFER Aged care services will transition to new premises later this year, run by Anglican Care. The staffing proposal within this privatisation sees a decrease in nurse staffing levels by almost 5 FTE. ✔ A call by the local Branch for community support has seen the development of a weekly vigil by community members who are holding the NSW Government and private provider to account ✔ The community engagement approach continues to build alliances in our shared goal of a world class healthcare system for all
The actions of member leaders across the public health system has been crucial to our success this year and as our numbers of member leaders grow we will see further wins.
25
YEAR OF THE NURSE AND THE MIDWIFE Nurses and midwives represent more than 50% of the current global shortage in health workers. For all countries to reach universal health coverage, The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates the world will need an additional nine million nurses and midwives by the year 2030. For this reason, WHO designated 2020 as ‘The Year of the Nurse and Midwife’.
THE ASSOCIATION HAS BUILT A PAGE ON OUR WEBSITE AND IS CELEBRATING THE YEAR BY:
Featuring a hero nurse or midwife nominated by colleagues each month on The Lamp online and our Facebook page
Designing a historical nurse/ midwife poster series that is distributed to members in monthly emails and published in The Lamp bimonthly
Collating over 50 special offers available to nurses and midwives to make them easily accessible to members
WE SUPPLIED THE FOLLOWING TO MEMBERS FROM 738 FACILITIES ACROSS NSW:
9,530
4,970
International Nurses’ Day/International Day of the Midwife posters
Year of the Nurse and the Midwife buttons
26 2019–2020 ANNUAL REPORT
A joint-sponsor initiative with First State Super, Nurses and Midwives Health and Health Professionals Bank, provided sponsored coffee vans and delivery of treats / snacks and hand creams to over 50 Hospitals: During the period 13 April – 12 May, over 22,000 units were distributed 7 sponsored coffee vans were sent out providing nurses and midwives with free coffee and hot drinks
Public Health System: Building to Win 5301
PHS NURSES AND MIDWIVES HAVE JOINED since 1 July 2019
1281+
NEW GRADUATE NURSES included
STRONGER BRANCHES In building the number of members who are active within their branch and developing member leaders, we are more effective in defending and improving safe staffing levels across the state.
NEPEAN MENTAL HEALTH Three member leaders from the Nepean Mental Health Branch were determined to remain active after the 2019 State election. They wanted to build a strong branch that would stand together and work collectively on workplace issues.
With support from their Organiser, Branch Officials and members met and agreed on a plan to: Map all units to identify non-members
Recruit and retain members
Branch density (percentage of nurses and midwives who are members) increased from 54% to 100%
Identify stewards on all units
10 members became Stewards, increasing the number of people active in the Branch
SHOALHAVEN DISTRICT HOSPITAL BRANCH
Branch Officials attended the Association’s AMT courses to help develop their skills and knowledge
Focused on creating a strong network across the facility
17 branch officials
Developed a practice of monitoring workloads and intervene when issues arise
Most wards have an active Steward
When they began in early 2019, Branch meetings failed to meet quorum, attended solely by the President and the Secretary. Attendance now sits at an average of 20-30
Independently ran two successful pay freeze rallies (in compliance with social distancing), gaining good media coverage, which they had arranged
27
Private Sector
816
PRIVATE HOSPITALS nurses and midwives have joined
1942
AGED CARE nurses have joined
106 site visits to 36 private hospitals
156 aged care site visits
address bullying and harassment issues
assist with collective workplace issues
assist in addressing staffing and workloads issues
member leader training
Branch education on writing resolutions, how a branch functions and how to address collective issues in the branch
WHS inspections and other matters
AT EVERY VISIT:
Education was provided in either a formal or informal way
28 2019–2020 ANNUAL REPORT
Identification was done for member leader potentials
Invitations for branch officials to attend Association Member Training (AMT) and Committee of Delegates (COD)
ELECTIVE SURGERY RESTRICTIONS During the pandemic, the Federal Government directed all private hospitals to cease elective surgery (excluding category 1 or serious category 2 cases) and prepare the hospitals with ICU beds to receive COVID-19 patients if needed. A number of providers moved to stand down staff without pay, unless staff opted to take personal leave. A significant number of calls were received and all 30 branches were in contact with their Organiser. Information was provided to members and branches were given assistance. A plan was implemented to run a campaign against these cuts. All 36 sites were returned to full duty within two days.
BARGAINING CAMPAIGNS
ESTIA The Estia Health NSW Enterprise Agreement had a nominal expiry date of 30 January 2020, with three bargaining meetings held from September to November 2019. Member leaders were passionate in driving this campaign and collective member action shifted Estia on a number of issues, most notably on pay increases. 431 new members recruited during the campaign Member leaders submitted questions and attended ABC’s Q&A episode Spotlight on Aged Care, which aired nationally 7 October 2019 180 survey responses to develop log of claims “My message to Estia” and “We’re worth more than 2.5%” photo campaign saw engagement from hundreds of members
Estia shifted on the initial pay offer of 2.5% per annum to the accepted offer of 3% in the first year, 2.75% in second year and 2.5% for the third year of the agreement
✔ ✔ ✔ ✔
Other improvements over the course of the bargain include: Improvements to safe staffing, including a clause for staff replacement Factors to consider when reviewing workloads Safe staffing as a standing agenda item at staff meetings Personal/carers leave balance to appear on payslips A 96.13% “Yes” vote occurred 20 December 2019, and the new agreement was approved on 24 March 2020, with an operational date of 31 March 2020
29
OPAL The Opal Aged Care Agreement expired on 30 June 2019. Opal requested a delayed start to bargaining and agreed to pay an administrative increase from 1 July 2019, with bargaining due to commence in October 2019. Opal management is still unable to commit to a commencement date. Members are increasingly frustrated with the delay.
RAMSAY HEALTH CARE The Association worked with members to secure employment during the COVID-19 disruption to elective surgery and ensure access to adequate PPE and safe screening processes. We implemented the following: ✔ Company-wide network videoconferencing meetings to determine next steps ✔ Branch meetings to discuss local management’s response, identify solutions and pass resolutions calling on local management to act 2.1% admin increase paid to staff effective 1 July 2019 85% of members engaging with claim development survey. Two main issues: staffing and pay The survey identified languages spoken by members, and bargaining communication was translated into Tagalog, Hindi and Nepali and distributed through member leaders’ networks Survey respondents willing to take further action were followed up Identification and development of member leaders, particularly around enforcement of current EA clauses such as staffing, equipment supplies and requirements of the Aged Care Quality Standards A second administrative increase of 2.25% will be paid from the pay period on or after 1 July 2020 Opal has agreed to meet in July 2020
30 2019–2020 ANNUAL REPORT
✔ Supported members to reject roster changes and forced leave ✔ Two Facebook live sessions hosted by Brett Holmes to address member COVID-19 concerns ✔ Company-wide and hospital specific member emails providing information and support to frequently asked questions As a result: Ramsay announced rostering guidelines guaranteeing restoration of all rosters for permanent staff and regular casuals, effective immediately Members would be paid for completing training online at home for COVID-19 where work was not readily available in the hospital Two Ramsay Branches secured adequate PPE for those in screening positions, one with the assistance of the local HSR. Other hospitals then followed suit 18 Branches networked following the Biennial General Meeting (BGM) process Growth in member numbers and the capacity of workplace leaders
ADVOCACY
31
SOCIAL ISSUES The Association continues to be recognised as the professional voice of nurses and midwives on social issues, including: Affordable Housing initiatives a number of nurses from St Vincent’s and Sydney Hospitals were assisted through our connections and have since gained affordable and comfortable accommodation
Abortion Law Reform Act 2019 we worked with a number of other agencies and professions for over 3 years to successfully decriminalise abortion in NSW Climate Change in Health we have worked hard to develop a Climate Change Action Reference Group which meets regularly and brings member issues to the forefront
AGED CARE ROUNDTABLE
AFFILIATIONS
The Roundtable has continued to develop consumerfacing leaflets for community members seeking residential aged care as part of its ‘10 Questions to Ask’ series. This highly successful initiative engaging key stakeholders will be developed for Affordable Housing and Maternity Services.
The Association is part of the broader union movement with its affiliations to organisations such as Unions NSW at state level, The Australian Council of Trade Unions (ACTU) at the national level, and the Public Services International (PSI) as well as Global Nurses United (GNU) at the international level. We are affiliated to other organisations that keep the Association informed and engaged on health aspects of issues such as climate change, trade, tax systems and privatisation. Judith Kiejda reports on these partnerships for the year:
UNIONS NSW The Assistant General Secretary is the President of Unions NSW and the Association has other Officers involved in a number of Union NSW committees. The Association often takes a leading role in any broad union campaigns and this is most recently demonstrated in the NSW government’s attempt to freeze the wages of our members after their harrowing time during the state’s worst bushfires and then the COVID-19 pandemic. Our members were right on the frontline in both of these historic events and they enjoy strong support from the community. Other public servants such as police, paramedics, public health unit staff, firefighters, 32 2019–2020 ANNUAL REPORT
teachers, public transport drivers and those drafting policies at government level that sought to get us through these emergencies are also entitled to be recognised for their invaluable work. So we fought together, explaining to the community that while a pay rise could seem to some to be ‘undeserved’ in a world where many other deserving people have lost their jobs – this is also about our economy. Austerity across the rest of world post the GFC did not assist economies. Money needs to be spent to rebuild our economy and public servants need to be recognised for their incredible work during this unprecedented time. The NSW government obviously has to be made to understand this.
ACTU The Assistant General Secretary holds one of the eight Junior Vice President positions on the Executive of the ACTU. This very privileged position allows your union to have a voice at a very senior level nationally and can influence debate. It is always my privilege to represent our members on the national stage whether it’s at the VP meetings, or federal government meetings and regular meetings of the federal Opposition Shadow front bench, where the Association’s views on issues such as trade, tax and climate change and their effects in the health arena can be strenuously put forward. As a large female dominated union it is essential for us to participate in debate and discussion around issues of importance to women. The Association is represented at Womens’ Committees at state, national and international levels. It is interesting to note that women’s issues, despite all the rhetoric to the contrary, really have not advanced as they should have in the last few decades. As the movement’s largest union, we have a responsibility to take part in all aspects of women’s lives – especially their work – paid and unpaid to ensure we pave a better way for our daughters and granddaughters. Inequality is still rife in so many aspects of women’s lives and we cannot sit by and not have a voice. Under the leadership of President Michele O’Neil and Secretary Sally McManus, the ACTU this year has undergone a huge makeover to ensure the movement has the education and therefore the tools to grow union power nationally and be campaign ready for any challenge with which we are presented. We will need all that power as governments and
businesses look to move into a new economy post COVID-19. The new world must be more balanced between worker and employer and as the federal government engages with the union movement going forward they need to know Sally and Michele have an army of empowered workers behind them to ensure a fair, just and more equal Australian society.
PSI The Association occupies the female positions on the PSI Executive for our region – Oceania. Association Public Health Organising (PHO) Team Manager, Michael Whaites, was until very recently the Oceania Sub-regional Secretary for PSI (part time) and he initiated the CICTAR tax report that exposed the many shortcomings of private providers in the aged care sector around government funding and how it was delivered – or not – to residents in aged care. PSI has also been very vocal about the lack of PPE globally and is running a high profile campaign called Safe Staff Save Lives. PSI was also instrumental in the International Labour Organisation (ILO) adopting Convention c190 on Violence and Harassment, which aims to eradicate violence and harassment in the world of work. The Association is a participant in the current campaign to get this Convention ratified in every country. There is some interest from the federal government, so I take this opportunity to encourage you to lobby your federal MPs, regardless of their political stripe, to ensure this happens. If a Convention is not ratified it means nothing – it is just a page of words. Please check the Association website for resources.
GLOBAL NURSES UNITED (GNU) This is a group of 30 plus nurses unions across the world who meet annually to discuss issues of importance to their members. We then use our global influence to make change. Most of the unions have had a truly devastating first half of the year. We have member unions in the US, Spain, Italy, Brazil and many other countries who have been much more affected by COVID-19 than we have. As this report goes to print we know approximately 350 nurses have died working during this time. Australian nurses and midwives held a vigil around the country to celebrate their lives on the evening of International Nurses’ Day.
33
WORK HEALTH AND SAFETY (WHS)
1,363
WHS ISSUES dealt with by the Association in the year
147
148
782
358
WHS issues relating to VIOLENCE
WHS issues relating to BULLYING AND HARASSMENT
WHS issues relating to COVID-19
WHS issues relating to ACCESS TO PPE
34 2019–2020 ANNUAL REPORT
OUR SERVICES INCLUDE: Support for members and follow up of incidents Over the previous 12 months, the Association has responded to more member inquiries and issues relating to WHS than ever before.
Supporting members to take action in their workplaces in response to occupational violence Increased involvement of SafeWork NSW in issues of concern related to WHS matters Review of Clinic facilities for Justice Health in jails Follow up at multiple aged care facilities of issues related to violence and aggression management, workplace design, musculoskeletal issues and other issues of concern
HSRs In line with our increased emphasis on empowering members in the workplace, the Association has commenced a process across NSW aimed at improving worker consultation around WHS issues through the election of Health and Safety Representatives (HSRs). Elected HSRs not only provide a channel for workers to escalate safety concerns to management, but are also able to exercise statutory powers to assist in securing the resolution of safety issues where agreement cannot be reached. So far, there have been numerous issues resolved by HSRs, through exercise of their statutory powers, including the issue of Provisional Improvement Notices to their employer requiring the employer to undertake
certain actions, which have been subsequently upheld by the safety regulator, SafeWork. To support this process, the Association has: ✔ Provided WHS entry permit holder training to Organisers, together with further training to increase the Association’s internal capacity to assist in election and ongoing engagement and support of HSRs across the state ✔ Made the election of HSRs and engagement of any existing HSRs a key focus in our strategy to improve workplace safety conditions for members ✔ Established workgroups and subsequent nomination and election of HSRs in workplaces across NSW
ONGOING SUPPORT OF HSRs THROUGH …
Streamlined process for HSRs seeking assistance on WHS matters and HSR duties through Safer Work Safer Care portal
… WILL LEAD TO IMPROVEMENTS IN:
Ability to build member power to resolve issues
Specific HSR webpage/portal containing up to date safety information. Plans for Zoom forums/online conferences/reference groups for HSRs to share news, current safety issues and wins
Safety of members, particularly in areas of greatest need such as mental health
35
OCCUPATIONAL VIOLENCE
Occupational violence remains the most significant safety issue facing members in many clinical areas, particularly mental health and aged care. The risk of occupational violence is exacerbated by the short staffing and inappropriate skill mix endemic across public, private and aged care. The Association has been working on multiple fronts to address the risk of workplace violence and ensure a safer workplace for members. We have increased engagement and involvement of the safety regulator SafeWork at all levels to address workplace violence through: • Formal submissions to Safework that resulted in the inclusion of occupational violence as a priority in the Healthcare and Social Assistance plan, and further recognition of health care as a priority industry • Ensuring all notifiable incidents are reported to SafeWork and that an inspector is appointed to attend sites where enforcement action is required • Liaising with SafeWork to press for investigations and prosecutions in relation to serious safety breaches and incidents investigations are currently underway in respect of the death of a member SLHD Community Mental Health, the further death of Liverpool Hospital Mental Health, as well as the stabbing of 3 nurses on an RPAH Renal ward and the serious assault of a nurse at Blacktown
36 2019–2020 ANNUAL REPORT
The Association has further focused on reducing risk of violence through improvements in the physical environment. WHS officers have made formal written recommendations and secured improvements in facilities including Blacktown, Cumberland, Shellharbour and Concord mental health facilities; Lismore ICU; together with Silverwater and Bathurst correctional centres. • In the case of Concord Hospital, SafeWork issued a prohibition notice in relation to changes to the physical environment proposed by SLHD. The Notice was challenged by SLHD, leading to a landmark decision in which it was held that “the safety of employees be preferred over the desire to enhance the therapeutic environment for patients”
INDUSTRIAL
1,200
300
Âą160
members supported during workplace fact finding/disciplinary processes initiated by management
members assisted with actual or threatened termination of their employment
restructures or workplace changes initiated by employers across public and private health, aged care and disability services we provided expert advice and input to
Âą400
38
400
240
individual members assisted with separate and individual payroll queries, most involving under/ overpayments of salaries and allowances
workplaces where we assisted members affected by an across the board under/ overpayment issue
members assisted with workers compensation issues, including help to obtain return to work/ suitable duties
members provided with referrals for specialist assistance from NEW Law for various workplace matters, including representation with declined workers compensation claims
EACH DAY
Âą 80 new contacts from individual members looking for advice and support are responded
37
THOUSANDS OF ADOs RETURNED Several systemic failings within StaffLink regarding the calculation of ADO accruals for nurses and midwives in the NSW Health Service.
WHAT WE DID: The ADO dispute before the Industrial Relations Commission of NSW (IRC of NSW) had its last remaining aspect resolved at the end of 2019, which resulted in thousands of further ADOs being returned to members and the elimination of claimed deficits.
The journey to resolution of a dispute can sometimes be complex, time consuming, labour intensive … but oh so worth it!
2014
2015
1 Contact from members that something was amiss with their ADO accruals. The computer said no but members were adamant – something was not right. 2 Association takes the matter to the IRC of NSW, which imposes the status quo while issues are properly identified and rectified. As a result, ADOs remain allocated as per normal during the dispute, despite any alleged negative balance. 3 Extensive audits undertaken to establish the discrepancy, being a flawed methodology for calculating ADO accruals. The computer may have said no, but it was wrong!
4 Tens of thousands of ADOs returned to members after the first lot of problems identified in StaffLink resolved.
2016
2017
2018
7 New functionality of accrual rolled out in October/November, which liberated thousands more ADOs to nurses and midwives. 38 2019–2020 ANNUAL REPORT
5 Extensive audits and reviews undertaken to identify the last remaining flaw, being the 19 shift count system for ADO accrual in StaffLink, which while effective for those who work either an 8 or 10 hour shift regime, was inadequate in a mixed shift setting. This produced inappropriate negative ADO balances. 6 Software design and system testing undertaken to establish a new approach to replace this faulty methodology, with a capacity to retrospectively go back to when StaffLink was introduced.
2019
CCLHD RESTRUCTURES: A POWERFUL STRATEGY In the first half of 2019, the Central Coast Local Health District (CCLHD) commenced a number of restructures, which had a general theme of removing nursing supervisory/management positions district wide and/or in units and replacing them in some instances with non-nursing (generic) positions. By the second half of 2019, the CCLHD had ‘retreated’ or modified its approach thanks to multiple approaches and skill sets used by the Association and members, which included: ✔ involvement in relevant USCC and consultation meetings
✔ ensuring professional / clinical nursing and midwifery perspectives were made known ✔ escalating to the IRC of NSW by way of dispute proceedings ✔ involving, in some instances, the Ministry of Health in specific disputes meetings Association Officers were mindful of COD and Annual Conference resolutions passed during 2019 which required all available efforts to be made to retain nursing and midwifery positions (in general) and to also ensure the most optimal nursing and midwifery management structures remain in place.
OVERPAYMENT RECOVERY DISPUTE: STANDING UP FOR MEMBERS The Association identified some members (and entire workplaces) had been subject to recovery action for alleged overpayments without prior notification or warning, and no ability to verify/ dispute the basis and amount of the overpayment. This also negated the ability to arrange a recovery process that considered the financial impact upon the employee. A number of public health agencies (PHOs) were approaching these so called one-off recoveries under the guise that they ‘fell outside’ provisions in the Public Health System Nurses’ and Midwives’ (State) Award as they were a “roster adjustment” or “negative adjustment”. Some PHOs were particularly resistant to concede they were not within their rights to treat employees in such a manner.
The Association took up the battle locally and then made detailed representations to the Ministry of Health on behalf of all public health unions. The representations pressed to ensure Award rights (and those set out in the Health Share NSW Fact Sheet entitled “Recovery of overpayments ~ Factsheet for employees”) were adhered to by PHOs. The Ministry concurred with the Association that alleged overpayments require prior notification to employees, and reminded PHOs of their Award obligations.
39
SERVICE CHECK REGISTER REVIEW (AT LONG LAST) Persistent peak level representations by the Association, along with individual disagreements with public health agencies over what was believed to be the inappropriate use of the Service Check Register (SCR), has led to a Ministry of Heath review and now likely change to the SCR Policy Directive in
the NSW Health Service. Work continues but it does seem our representations and advocacy will result in the SCR hopefully being reserved for the most serious of matters and incidents in the workplace (not a routine act).
NORTHERN BEACHES HOSPITAL: MAKING MEMBERS’ VOICES HEARD An Inquiry was established by the NSW Legislative Council to examine the operation and management of the Northern Beaches Hospital. To ensure the voices of members were directly heard, the Association undertook a survey of all members working at the Northern Beaches Hospital. The survey largely targeted two of the Inquiry’s terms of reference, being: (d) “standards of service provision and care at the hospital”; and (e) “staffing arrangements and staffing changes at the hospital”. The survey generated significant feedback from members, and became the cornerstone of the Association submission to the Committee. The submission reflected the experience of members that, yet again, demonstrated it is ultimately the patients and staff who carry the burden of risk associated with privatising public health services. This was reinforced in the Association’s appearance before the Committee at its first hearing into the matter on 26 August 2019.
40 2019–2020 ANNUAL REPORT
A number of recommendations in the Committee’s Final Report, released in February this year, reflected member feedback, for example: “That the NSW Government take immediate steps to engage directly with Northern Beaches state Members of Parliament, community leaders and other stakeholders to investigate the ways and means to restore a public level 3 emergency department to the Mona Vale Hospital as soon as possible.” [Recommendation 9] The Committee also recommended that the sites of Mona Vale and Manly Hospitals remain in public hands for health and medical related activities [Recommendation 16] and that when asbestos has been removed, the demolition of the Mona Vale Hospital main building should cease so it can be retained for future use [Recommendation 17]. The NSW Government response to all the recommendations is due 27 August 2020.
LEGAL The Association’s Legal Officers provided assistance to members during the last financial year in a wide range of matters including: Advice and representation for members involved in CORONIAL INQUESTS
154
requests for Statements Advice and representation for members where they are the subject of a notification or complaint to the HEALTH CARE COMPLAINTS COMMISSION (HCCC)
74
issues created Advice and representation for members to the NURSING AND MIDWIFERY COUNCIL (NMC)
140
issues
41
EDUCATION
New graduate face to face education prior to COVID-19
Other courses delivered face to face
Online Education
COVID-19 Webinar
participants
2,177
attendees
3668
145
4
142
11
81
courses
total courses scheduled:
views
registrations
new online videos
21
new courses
62
cancelled due to COVID-19
25 new full time members
48 upgraded memberships 42 2019–2020 ANNUAL REPORT
The sudden event of COVID-19 required the Association to deliver education to members via online videos and webinars.
650+ nurses and midwives ENGAGED IN THE CPD SERIES
ASSOCIATION MEMBER TRAINING (AMT) AMT assists our leaders to develop the confidence to lead others and has been instrumental in some of our campaign success. The Association delivers twoday workshops building on the role of member leaders as branch officials and single day or part day sessions that focus specifically on leadership development and campaign planning.
4
AGED CARE MEMBERS from Coastal Waters Aged Care were identified and trained. They mapped a plan to increase staffing: Stood together to address staffing and work health and safety issues
Educated the branch and included other members as branch executive to boost the strength of the branch
1,264
PUBLIC SECTOR MEMBERS attended an AMT course
22
AGED CARE MEETINGS WERE HELD OFF-SITE for members and branches who were too afraid or didn’t feel confident meeting the union at their workplaces
28
RESTRUCTURE VISITS were attended in aged care between September 2019 and January 2020
Held discussions with management
Mapped their workplace
Spoke to other colleagues
Attended the four education sessions held at the facility
Escalated the matters when they did not receive satisfactory responses
Implemented a media strategy to gain community support
= Collective action resulted in an additional four RN FTEs.
43
SCHOLARSHIPS OLDER PEOPLE’S WELFARE COUNCIL (OPWC)
LIONS NURSES’ FOUNDATION 2019, 2020 academic year
37 scholarships awarded to the value of
$4,070 162
$52,900
A number of scholarships in Category A (short course or attending a conference) have been affected due to COVID-19 and conferences have been postponed or cancelled altogether. Those who were affected are either rolling over their funds to use when the conference has been rescheduled, or have returned the funds and been placed on a priority list for 2021.
195
As per above, some have been affected due to COVID-19.
applications
25 scholarships awarded to the value of
EDITH CAVELL TRUST 2019, 2020 academic year
The scholarship covers the cost of a one-year subscription to the ANMF online Aged Care Training Room to access 60 online CPD courses.
applications
44 scholarships awarded to the total value of
$89,650 ROZ NORMAN
25 applications
2 scholarships awarded to the total value of
Only five applications went to consideration as the remainder did not fit the criteria to apply or did not submit complete applications.
$5,000 BOB FENWICK MENTORING GRANTS PROGRAM
44 2019–2020 ANNUAL REPORT
Due to the impact of COVID-19, the Program Steering Committee recommended postponement of the 2020 Program round. The 30 mentee and 16 mentor applications for the 20 positions will be reviewed later this year, with successful applicants undertaking placements in 2021, if NSW Health COVID-19 restrictions allow.
PROFESSIONAL RESEARCH
Submissions AGED CARE
OTHER SUBMISSIONS
• Royal Commission into Aged Care Quality and Safety Submission of the ANMF on program redesign • Royal Commission into Aged Care Quality and Safety Submission of the ANMF on workforce matters • Royal Commission into Aged Care Quality and Safety Submission of the ANMF on the interface between the aged care and healthcare system • Department of Health review into allocation of residential aged care places • Submission into the Department of Health trial of aged care navigators • Background briefing paper – Newmarch House Coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak 2020
• Response to the review of the National Framework for Action on Dementia 2015-2019 • Response to the Australian Commission for Safety and Quality in Healthcare Consultation draft - National Safety and Quality Health Service Standards (second edition) User guide for health service organisations providing care for patients from migrant and refugee backgrounds • Australian Government Attorney-Generals Department Inquiry into co-operative workplaces • Submission to the Joint Select Committee on Sydney’s night time economy • Submission to the Special Commission of Inquiry into the Drug ‘Ice’ • Submission to Senate Inquiry into the current barrier to patient access to medicinal cannabis in Australia • Submission to the National Environment Protection Council on the proposal to vary the National Environment Protection (Ambient Air Quality) Measure Standards for NO2, SO2, and O3, August 2019 • Inquiry into the Sustainability of Energy Supply and Resources in NSW. April-May 2020
A Professional Officer also represented the views of members by participating in an Australian Government Department of Health consultation forum. This was facilitated by a consortia of PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC), the Centre for Health Services Research at the University of Queensland and the Royal Australia College of General. The purpose was to develop quality indicator (QI) measures for residential aged care services as part of the National Aged Care Mandatory Quality Indicator Program (QI Program).
45
ANNEXURE 1
Summary of Financial Information for the Year Ended 31 December 2019 The financial statements of the New South Wales Nurses and Midwives’ Association have been audited in accordance with the provisions of the Industrial Relations Act 1991, and the following summary is provided for members in accordance with Section 517(2) of the Act, as applied by section 282(3) of the Industrial Relations Act, 1996. A copy of the Financial Statements, including the independent Audit Report, will be supplied free of charge to members upon request. Certificates required to be given under the Act by the Accounting Officer and the Committee of Management have been completed in accordance with the provisions of the Act and contain no qualifications. SUMMARY STATEMENT OF PROFIT OR LOSS AND OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2019
2019 ($) Membership revenue 40,393,833 NursePower fund subscriptions 2,125,991 Other income 2,926,166 Total income 45,445,990 Less total expenditure (45,744,373) Result for the year (298,383) Remeasurement of retirement benefit obligations (53,330) Total comprehensive income attributable to members (351,713)
2018 ($) 39,480,339 2,077,915 2,413,995 43,972,249 (44,053,907) (81,658) 56,477 (25,181)
SUMMARY BALANCE SHEET AS AT 31 DECEMBER 2019
Total equity Represented by: Current assets Non-current assets Total assets Current liabilities Non-current liabilities Total liabilities Net assets INFORMATION TO BE PROVIDED TO MEMBERS OR REGISTRAR
In accordance with the requirements of the Industrial Relations Act, 1991 [NSW] the attention of members is drawn to the provisions of Sub-Sections (1) and (2) of Section 512 which read as follows: (1) A member of an organisation, or the Industrial Registrar, may apply to the organisation for specified information prescribed by the regulations in relation to the organisation. (2) An organisation must, on the making of such an application, make the specified information available to the member or the Industrial Registrar in the manner, and within the time, prescribed by the regulations. 46 2019–2020 ANNUAL REPORT
45,706,209
46,057,922
21,864,135 30,734,698 52,598,833 6,600,552 292,072 6,892,624 45,706,209
13,471,942 39,871,118 53,343,060 7,166,069 119,069 7,285,138 46,057,922
REPORT OF THE INDEPENDENT AUDITOR ON THE SUMMARY FINANCIAL STATEMENTS TO THE MEMBERS OF THE NEW SOUTH WALES NURSES AND MIDWIVES’ ASSOCIATION
OPINION The summary financial statements which comprise the summary balance sheet as at 31 December 2019 and the summary statement of profit or loss and comprehensive income for the year then ended are derived from the audited financial report of New South Wales Nurses and Midwives’ Association for the year ended 31 December 2019. In our opinion, the accompanying summary financial statements are a fair summary of the audited financial report.
SUMMARY FINANCIAL STATEMENTS The summary financial statements do not contain all the disclosures required by section 510 of the Industrial Relations Act 1991 [NSW] or Australian Accounting Standards. Reading the summary financial statements and the auditor’s report thereon, therefore, is not a substitute for reading the audited financial report and the auditor’s report thereon. THE AUDITED FINANCIAL REPORT AND OUR REPORT THEREON We expressed an unmodified audit opinion on the audited financial report in our report dated 7 April 2020. Our Independent Auditor’s Report to the members on the Financial Report did not contain any particulars of any deficiency, failure or shortcoming as referred to in the Industrial Relations Act, 1991 [NSW], as applied by section 282(3) of the Industrial Relations Act, 1996. COMMITTEE OF MANAGEMENT’S RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE SUMMARY FINANCIAL STATEMENTS The Committee of Management is responsible for the preparation of the summary financial statements. AUDITOR’S RESPONSIBILITY Our responsibility is to express an opinion on whether the summary financial statements are a fair summary of the audited financial report based on our procedures, which were conducted in accordance with Auditing Standard ASA 810 Engagements to Report on Summary Financial Statements.
Daley Audit
Stephen Milgate
Partner
7 April 2020, Wollongong Liability limited by a Scheme approved under Professional Standards Legislation
A copy of the Financial Report, including the Independent Audit Report, is available to members on the Member Central portal accessed via www.nswnma.asn.au. Members can obtain a hard copy by emailing the General Secretary, NSWNMA at gensec@ nswnma.asn.au or calling 1300 367 962.
ANNEXURE 2
New Agreements finalised by Association Over the past year the Association has negotiated 34 agreements for 266 sites. In addition, the impact of COVID-19 resulted in Administrative increases in 88 agreements, covering 259 sites. Name of Employer
No. of Sites
Sector
Admin. increase
Abel Tasman Village Association Ltd
1
Advantaged Care Pty Ltd
6
Aged Care Quality and Safety Commission
1
Allity Pty Ltd
15
Anglican Care - Diocese of Newcastle
15
3
Arete Pty Ltd
3
3
Ashford Ageing Care Facility Inc
1
3
Astoria Platinum Villages (Aged Care) Pty Limited
1
Australian Croatian Cardinal Stepinac Association Limited
1
3
Australian Nursing Home Foundation Limited
4
3
Autumn Lodge Village Inc
2
3
Banksia Villages Ltd
1
3
Bankstown City Aged Care Limited
4
3
Barraba and District Retirement Homes Association Inc.
1
3
Berrigan and District Aged Care Association Ltd
1
3
Booroongen Djugun Aboriginal Corporation
1
3
Bundaleer Care Services Ltd
3
Catholic Healthcare Limited
43
3
Charingfield Limited
1
3
Christadelphian Homes Limited
6
Christian Brethren Community Services
3
3
Christophorus House Retirement Village
1
3
Clarence Village Ltd
1
3
Coffs Harbour Legacy Welfare Fund
1
3
Cooinda Coonabarabran Limited
1
3
Cootamundra Health Care Co-operative Limited
1
3
Cowra Retirement Village Ltd
1
3
Crookwell/Taralga Aged Care Ltd
2
3
Cypress View Lodge Limited
1
3
Deniliquin Nursing Home Foundation Ltd
1
3
Dougherty Apartments Retirement Housing Project
1
3
Dubbo RSL Aged Care Association
2
3
Estia Health
18
3
Aged Care
3
47
Name of Employer
No. of Sites
Sector
Admin. increase
Fairlea Aged Care
3
3
Finley Regional Care Limited
2
3
Great Lakes Aged & Invalid Care Association Ltd
1
3
Gulgong Hostel Association Inc
1
3
Gundagai and District Hostel Accommodation Inc
1
3
Hay Senior Citizens Association
1
3
Illaroo Co-operative Aboriginal Corporation
1
3
Illawarra Diggers Aged and Community Care Ltd
1
3
Inasmuch Community Ltd
1
3
Indochinese Aged Care Limited
1
3
Japara Health
10
Juliana Village Association Ltd
1
3
Kanandah Retirement Ltd
1
3
Koonambil Aged Care Ltd
1
3
KOPWA Limited
1
3
Korlim Pty Limited
1
3
Kurrajong & District Hospital Society Inc
1
3
Lee Hostel Committee Inc
1
3
Little Company of Mary Healthcare Limited
12
Lutheran Aged Care Albury
3
3
Maroba Limited
2
3
McLean Care Mackellar Ltd
3
Mercy Aged & Community Care Ltd
2
Aged Care
Merton Living Limited
1
Moran Australia (Residential Aged Care) Pty
3
Moss Care Group
2
3
Multicultural Aged Care Illawarra Ltd
1
3
New Horizons Enterprises Limited
2
Opal Specialist Aged Care
42
3
Our Lady of Consolation Aged Care Services Ltd
1
3
Palms Aged Living Management Services Pty Ltd
1
3
Pathways Aged Care Pty Ltd
6
3
Port Stephens Veterans and Citizens Aged Care Ltd
2
3
Presbyterian Aged Care NSW and ACT
9
3
Quirindi Retirement Homes Ltd
1
3
Regis Aged Care Pty Ltd
7
Residential Gardens for Spanish Speaking Frail Aged Limited
1
3
Roseneath Aged Care Centre Pty Ltd
1
3
23
3
S'Antonio de Padova Protettore di Poggioreale Syd N/H
1
3
Sapphire Coast Community Aged Care Ltd
3
3
Seventh-day Adventist Aged Care (North New South Wales) Ltd
3
3
Sir William Hudson Memorial Centre
1
3
Royal Freemasons Benevolent Institution
48 2019–2020 ANNUAL REPORT
3
Name of Employer
No. of Sites
Sector
Admin. increase
Sisters of Mercy of the Parramatta Congregation
1
3
Sisters of Our Lady of China
5
3
St Andrews Village Ballina Ltd
1
3
St Ezekiel Moreno Limited
1
3
St Joseph's Aged Care Facility for Religious Limited
1
3
Stroud Community Lodge Inc
1
3
TBG Senior Living Services Pty Ltd
1
3
Tenterfield Care Centre Limited
2
3
The Willows Private Nursing Home Pty Ltd
1
3
Thompson Health Care Pty Ltd
13
Timbrebongie House Inc
1
Tocumwal Lions Community Hostel Limited
1
3
Touriandi Inc
1
3
Trustees of the Roman Catholic Church Diocese of Lismore
11
3
Trustrees of the Maronite Sisters of the Holy Family
2
3
United Protestant Association of New South Wales Limited
21
3
Uralba (Carcoar) Incorporated
1
3
Waratah Respite Centre (Mid North Coast) Inc
1
3
Woolgoolga and District Retirement Village Ltd
1
3
Yass Valley Aged Care Ltd
1
3
Alwyn Holdings Pty Ltd
1
St John of God Health Services
3
St Vincent's Health Australia
3
Wolper Jewish Hospital
1
Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA)
1
Government State NSW - Other
2
Government State NSW - NSW Ministry of Health
1
NSW Department of Family and Community Services (ADHC)
46
Australian Red Cross Lifeblood
24
Family Planning Association
3
Eastern Heart Clinic Pty Limited
1
Little Company of Mary Healthcare Limited
2
Lithgow Community Private Hospital Limited
1
Catholic Healthcare Limited
3
Coal Services Pty Limited
5
Serco Asia Pacific
19
Western Health Alliance Ltd
6
Aged Care
3 3
Private Hospitals
Public Service
Private Sector Specialist Services Private Sector Day Procedure Centres 3
Other 3
Note: Employers may have separate agreements that cover staff at different sites 49
NSW NURSES & MIDWIVES’ ASSOCIATION 50 O’Dea Avenue, Waterloo NSW 2017 PHONE 8595 1234 (METRO) 1300 367 962 (NON-METRO) FAX 9662 1414 EMAIL gensec@nswnma.asn.au
www.nswnma.asn.au Authorised by B.Holmes, General Secretary, NSWNMA
