The Lamp September 2007

lamp the

magazine of the NSW Nurses’ Association

Print Post Approved: PP241437/00033

volume 64 no.8 September 2007

2,000

NURSES

PROTECTED

with new agreements in aged care

There’s a lifetime of difference between HESTA and some other super funds

Compare the Pair: ✓ Same age ✓ Same income ✓ Same super contributions ✓ Same investment returns Yet Jenny’s final super payout may be higher

$327,274*

$407,100*

Jane is with a Retail Master Trust

Why the difference?

Jenny is with HESTA, an Industry Fund.

A TOP RATED FUND

✓ We have low fees ✓ We don’t pay sales commissions ✓ We are run only to profit members *The amounts shown are not predictions or estimates of actual outcomes. The comparisons show projected outcomes based on certain assumptions, applying today’s HESTA fees and the average fees of 19 Retail Master Trusts as at 30 June 2006 (research and modelling by SuperRatings, based on an employer plan size of $150,000, commissioned by HESTA). Differences in fees may change in the future and this would alter the outcome.

Assumptions: This example is a comparison of two employees, one who keeps their super in HESTA’s Core Pool and one with their super in a typical Retail Master Trust, that assumes: same inflation (2.5%), same annual investment returns (7.225% after deduction of tax but before deduction of fees), same age of 35, same retirement age of 65, both continue working uninterrupted, same starting balance of $50,000, same starting salary of $50,000 (indexed at 3.5% p.a.) and that the only contributions are employer’s 9% superannuation guarantee (made quarterly in arrears). HESTA’s weekly administration fee is $1.25, the cost of Member Benefit Protection is 0.02% (based on 2005/6), and investment management fees of 0.53% (estimate for 2005/6). The average Retail Master Trust weekly administration fee is $1.10, ongoing administration fee is 0.65% - 1.19% p.a. (based on different member account balance) and investment management fee is 0.68%. Fees from members’ account subject to 15% tax allowance. Investment management performance fees are not included for the purposes of this comparison. Other fees, such as entry, exit and contribution fees, which may apply to Retail Master Trusts, have not been taken into account. Past performance is not necessarily indicative of future performance.

This information has been produced by H.E.S.T. Australia Limited ACN 006 818 695 AFSL No 235249 RSE No L0000109 and is about HESTA Super Fund Reg. No. R1004489 SPIN HST0100AU. Consider our Product Disclosure Statement when making a decision about HESTA – call 1800 813 327 or visit www.hesta.com.au for a copy.

2 THE LAMP SEPTEMBER 2007

s

ABOUT THE LAMP

C O N T E N T S

Cover story

LAMP THE

MAGAZINE OF THE .37 .URSES !SSOCIATION

VOLUME NO 3EPTEMBER

2,000 nurses protected with new agreements in aged care 14

0RINT 0OST !PPROVED 00

Cover

WITH NEW AGREEMENTS IN AGED CARE

From left: Michael Rosa, AiN; Liz Graham, DoN; and Debbie Thompson, RN and Branch President, at Wesley Heights Nursing Home Photography by Fiora Sacco

News in brief 8 8 8 9 9 9 9 11 11 13

Abbott yet to RSVP to Port Macquarie nurses Ex-minister still pushing privatisation Volunteers needed in Africa Nurses warned of super scams Nurses need their sleep Support for Fiji nurses’ strike Study aims to get to the point IT bugs nurses Liverpool nurses get FAST New ante-natal service at Liverpool Hospital

NSWNA education program 13 What’s on in September ’07

Industrial issues 18 Desperate Howard seizes hospital 19 Overcrowding at Hunter psychiatric facilities 21 Split shift discriminated against epileptic nurse 22 Backdown on parking fee increase 23 IR shorts

Occupational health and safety 33 Concerns over smoking ban

Special people

THE LAMP ISSN: 0047-3936

Obituaries 42 Farewell to a loyal comrade: Eon Keith Robinson 43 Nurse, lawyer and fighter: Kathy Taylor

Competition

26 Super wars 29 Consider salary sacrificing

29 Win a getaway to Port Stephens

Nurses getting active

40 25 double passes to see preview screenings of Forbidden Lies and 50 in-season double passes to The War on Democracy and Lady Chatterley

28

PRESS RELEASES Send your press releases to: T 9550 3667 E gensec@nswnurses.asn.au

5

39 Member’s tips 40 Movie reviews 45 Book me

Superannuation

18

THE LAMP PRODUCED BY Lodestar Communications T 9698 4511

Regular columns

Lifestyle

25 Workloads to ease at Coffs ED

31 NSWNA coming to a town near you

NSWNA COMMUNICATIONS MANAGER Noel Hester T 8595 2153 NSWNA COMMUNICATIONS ASSISTANT Russell Burns T 8595 1219 For all Lamp editorial enquiries, letters and diary dates: Editorial Enquiries T 8595 1234 E lamp@nswnurses.asn.au M PO Box 40 Camperdown NSW 1450

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

34 MERV rewarded for innovative men’s health service 35 Nurse helped expose swindle

Editorial

by Brett Holmes 6 Your letters to The Lamp 37 Ask Judith 47 Our nursing crossword 48 Diary dates

Workloads

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

Giveaways

34

40

General disclaimer The Lamp is the official magazine of the NSWNA. Views expressed in articles are contributors’ own and not necessarily those of the NSWNA. 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 NSWNA 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.

THE LAMP SEPTEMBER Individuals $60, Institutions $90, Overseas2007 $100.3

The biggest risk with the Federal IR laws, is thinking you’ll always be protected.

I]ZgZ ]Vh cZkZg WZZc V bdgZ ^bedgiVci ;ZYZgVa ZaZXi^dc [dg cjghZh# >[ i]Z ;ZYZgVa >G aVlh gZbV^c ^c eaVXZ ndj XdjaY WZ [dgXZY dcid Vc 6L6 dg V cdc"jc^dc V\gZZbZci# Ndj XdjaY adhZ ndjg eZcVain gViZh# I]Z eVn ndj gZan dc [dg hX]dda [ZZh! i]Vi ]Zaeh [ZZY ndjg [Vb^an! i]Z eVn i]Vi bV`Zh je V W^\ eVgi d[ ndjg ^cXdbZ l^aa WZ \dcZ# I]Z W^\\Zhi b^hiV`Z ^h i]^c`^c\ ndj XVccdi Yd Vcni]^c\ VWdji ^i# Ndjg kdiZ XVc ]Zae egdiZXi ndjg eZcVain gViZh# Id ÒcY dji bdgZ k^h^i djg lZWh^iZ lll#chlcjghZh#Vhc#Vj

4 THE LAMP SEPTEMBER 2007

s

E D I T O R I A L

BY BRETT HOLMES GENERAL SECRETARY

Cynical politics over sound health management g The federal government takeover of Mersey Hospital is more than just another election stunt. It shows the government can impose its agendas over any state government jurisdiction.

W

e have recently seen several examples where politicians have used our health system as a political football. There has been the federal takeover of the Mersey Hospital in Tasmania and the ongoing rows over funding between the federal and state governments.

The federal government’s intervention at Mersey Hospital may have some support at a local level but it could have serious consequences for the health system and nurses beyond North West Tasmania.

The takeover has been described as a ‘disaster’ by both the Tasmanian Liberal MP Stephen Parry and the AMA. Defence Minister Brendan Nelson, in his previous role as AMA President in Tasmania, had said the downgrading of the hospital was in the region’s best interests. Two independent reports commissioned by the State government found the hospital was unviable due to the shortage of medical staff in Tasmania. In fact, keeping open the Mersey threatened the survival of the other local hospital in Burnie.

It is hard to see who benefits out of this cynical political exercise except the local Liberal MP Mark Baker holding on by his fingernails in a marginal seat. It certainly looks like a very amateur way to run a health system.

There is a broader lesson to be learned from this exercise. It does show us how the federal government can impose its agendas over any state government jurisdiction.

In particular, this intervention by the federal government shows the vulnerability of public hospital nurses to the federal IR laws. If the federal government can dictate its will on funding to an individual public hospital in a state system, why couldn’t or wouldn’t it do the same in industrial relations?

government’s track record on public hospitals it has been steadily reducing its share of spending. In 2000, the Howard government contributed 50% of the cost of maintaining and running public hospitals.

By 2005, that share had dropped to 45%. In dollar terms this creates a shortfall of $1.1 billion a year, an amount that would fund an extra 350,000 admissions in our public hospitals.

While Tony Abbott has found plenty of time to organise the saving of a small Tasmanian hospital, it seems he has taken his eye off the much more important task of the funding of our entire public hospital system.

The NSWNA is very concerned that he has so far refused to enter into negotiations with the state governments for the next round of public hospital funding because he says ‘the important task at the present time is to get re-elected and that is where my energies are focused’ (Sydney Morning Herald, 25/7/07).

The real reason for the delay could be that the federal government is waiting for the election to be out of the way before linking health funding with the imposition of AWAs as has occurred in our universities.

In the run-up to this federal election, we must pressure the political parties to face up to the real problems confronting the health system.

In Australia, there are 700 public hospitals. Five hundred and fifty of these are in rural and regional areas with similar problems and issues to Mersey Hospital. We are consistently told we have never had it so good economically. The federal government has been awash with budget surpluses for some years now. There are no excuses for not properly funding our entire health system, especially as health is consistently put forward in polls and surveys as the public’s most important issue. n

If the federal government can dictate its will on funding to an individual public hospital in a state system, why couldn’t or wouldn’t it do the same in industrial relations?

In announcing this extraordinary intervention, the Prime Minister said it is the federal government’s role to ‘plug the holes’. Really! Surely it is the federal government’s role to adequately fund the public hospital system.

Yet, if you look at the federal

THE LAMP SEPTEMBER 2007 5

s

L E T T E R S

intelligence, especially when it is to the detriment of good non-political articles.

Philomena Brennan, RN, Nepean Hospital, Penrith

Dave Evans

Nothing to feel smug about I am delighted that Mr Quinn (Letters, The Lamp, August 2007) feels so smug and happy with his employment situation under the Howard coalition. He is fortunate that he is employed under a collective agreement in which there is a significant number of workers for whom a union can bargain.

I worked under an extreme set of individual contracting arrangements in New Zealand, under which all nurses working in health, who wanted more than a Registered Nurse salary, had to negotiate pay and conditions individually with their manager and renegotiate every year.

I was fortunate in that I had a sympathetic boss who valued my services, but even then, with no super contributions from the employer, no penalty rates for shifts or unsociable hours, and pressure from senior management to maintain any pay rise below the cost of living, there were many nurses in senior positions who struggled in financial terms and had very unfavourable conditions of employment.

It has taken the return of a Labour government to reverse some of these negative effects, but, as with all things, you never really recover all that you have lost.

Be content, Mr Quinn, with your favourable position in life, but reflect on your pay and employment conditions, think about how these were hard fought for and won, and consider how quickly they could be stripped from you if you lost the power of collective bargaining. To think that the nursing profession, pay and employment conditions are non-political is to bury your head in the sand.

Dave Evans, RN & Nurse Manager, Central Coast Mental Health Service

More non-political articles, please I am a senior nurse. For 20 years I have enjoyed reading The Lamp. I used to find so many of the articles educational, stimulating and enjoyable.

In recent years the magazine seems to be a relentless tool of the Labor Party, bombarding us with Labor propaganda, I am a so-called ‘swinging voter’ and resent this constant assault on my 6 THE LAMP SEPTEMBER 2007

Editor’s response: Philomena, I refer you to an editor’s note to a letter

by Brett Quinn (The Lamp, August 2007) for an explanation of Lamp content during this pivotal election year.

Stephen Langford

Protesting against the APEC legislation I was disappointed that our War Memorial Hospital branch resolution asking the NSWNA to call on the Iemma Labor government to cancel the new APEC legislation was defeated at the recent Annual Conference.

This new law, The APEC (Police Powers) Bill 2007, puts a stop to the right of assembly and freedom of speech in at least Sydney’s CBD for two weeks in September.

It has been condemned by the NSW Council for Civil Liberties.

On 17 May, The Daily Telegraph headline was ‘Fortress Sydney: Police State Powers To Be Enforced During APEC’, with its discretionary police powers and its ‘secret list’ of activists who may be arrested and jailed if found in their ‘restricted area’. It is legislation unworthy of a Labor government.

This attack on our freedoms goes to the heart of what we are about as a union – what makes unionism possible. While ‘more money, for more nurses, more often’ is no bad thing, it cannot be all that we are about as the NSWNA. We also have to protect the freedoms that unions have fought for.

We must defend our civil rights – especially the right to peaceful protest.

In speaking against the resolution, our General Secretary talked about the ‘good, honest policemen who would enforce these laws. After five of us were arrested for protesting peacefully at the time of the late Kerry Packer’s Opera House Memorial Service and spending eight days in court, over 14 months, I have no confidence in the NSW Police using their new powers honestly or responsibly.

LETTER of the month Looking older, looking great With the greatest respect for all my colleagues photos featured in The Lamp August 2007 issue, I’m wondering whether others noticed, or am I a tad self-conscious these days, that just about everyone ‘snapped’ seems to be at least as old as I am – 50 (and then some).

However, most look great, happy and vibrant and this is wonderful to see.

I look to The Lamp beyond the political ‘tennis match’ as a way of catching up with what’s happening in other corners of our vast dominion.

It’s always interesting to see how successful and far others go in this business. I like the vales and the biography profile features that highlight several outstanding characters and their careers.

My point about opening with the observation of the ‘pics’ is that it is clear that we are an aging (like good wine) profession and wonder whether enlistment of our up-and-coming younger colleagues into more active engagement with the Association is the way to go. (Personal photo withheld – you don’t need to see a mug shot of me as well!)

Tim Koning, RN, Shellharbour Hospital.

Tim Koning wins the prize for this month’s letter of the month, a $50 David Jones voucher.

I ask all members to think seriously about the authoritarian, anti-democratic turn this country is taking. Do we want our union to support laws that are there to intimidate? Laws that make freedom of speech, assembly and protest impossible?

Stephen Langford, EN & Delegate, War Memorial Hospital Branch

Editor’s response: You make good points here, Stephen, but to effect the legislative change you suggest would require a longterm, strategic campaign that this organisation could not prosecute in time for the APEC meeting.

EVERY LETTER PUBLISHED

RECEIVES A DELIGHTFUL

ABC CLASSICS CD – Paula Smith

Liberian adventure I am not an adventurer, I am an ordinary 45-year-old mother with three children aged between 12 and 17 and I have a wonderful husband who held the fort at home while I went to Liberia in West Africa for a month as a volunteer with Mercy Ships.

It was wonderful to see what more than 400 volunteers from around the world were doing in a range of programs on the ship and among the Liberian community. I was amazed at the health and development projects undertaken off the ship. On board, with its six operating theatres, volunteer medical teams carried out free surgeries.

One week I cared for women recovering from operations to correct fistula problems resulting from obstructed or prolonged labour in childbirth. Another week my work was associated with eye surgery and then children’s orthopaedics.

To play even a small part in helping someone to see who was blind, or walk after being crippled, is mind-blowing. It was difficult not to weep openly.

Mercy Ships is an international Christian charity that has operated hospital ships in developing nations since 1978.

Mercy Ships offers a range of health and community development services free of charge. Highly skilled surgeons on board the ships perform thousands of operations each year to correct disability, disfigurement and blindness. Medical and dental teams travel the countries and establish clinics to provide vaccination programs, dental treatment and basic health care for those with no access to these facilities. Local community health workers receive training in hygiene, nutrition and disease prevention.

Mercy Ships builds hospitals, clinics, training facilities and basic housing where none exist. Agricultural projects help replenish livestock in wartorn areas and boost food production. Working in partnership with local people, Mercy Ships empowers communities to help themselves. The result is a way out of poverty. (See www.mercyships.org.au) Paula Smith, RN, Shoalhaven District Hospital.

Pele Lutui-Palmer

Generous donation

by NUM’s Society The Executive Committee of the N&MUMS’ Society has donated a cheque of $3,000 for the NSWNA Drought Rural Fund. The executive wishes that this money to be divided into $1,000 allocations for each of the NSWNAnominated charity groups.

The NSWNA has been generous to the N&MUMS’ Society in mentioning our society at the recent NSWNA Annual Conference and in The Lamp. This money has become available from our advertising fund. The executive would like this letter to be published, because we challenge other organisations to donate funds to this worthy cause, be it $2, $200 or $3,000 – whatever can be afforded.

The N&MUMS’ Society is grateful for your support, and we hope this donation is well received by our nursing and midwifery colleagues.

Pele Lutui-Palmer, President Nursing & Midwifery Unit Managers’ Society of NSW

NSWNA working for its members I would like to thank the NSWNA for its support during my recent industrial matter, which was resolved with your professional and full assistance.

The NSWNA helped and guided me with this work-related matter and I appreciate everything they have done for me.

I strongly urge all nurses to belong to the NSWNA, as their support may be needed when you least expect it. My situation was handled with professional advice regarding a work-related matter. I was very pleased and am grateful with the way the NSWNA dealt with my issue.

Name witheld

Got something to say?

Send your letters to: Editorial Enquiries email lamp@nswnurses.asn.au fax 9550 3667 mail PO Box 40 Camperdown NSW 1450

FOR UPLIFTING ENJOYMENT! ABC Shops provide you with a window into the wonderful variety of programs seen 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

THE TROUBLE 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).

LETTER of the month The letter judged the best each month will be awarded a $50 DJ’s 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.

Please include a photograph along with your name, address, phone and membership number. Letters may be edited for clarity and space.

THE LAMP SEPTEMBER 2007 7

s

N E W S I INN BBRRI IEEFF

ABBOTT YET Ex-minister still

TO RSVP

pushing privatisation

ort Macquarie Base Hospital nurse and branch president, Michael Parrey, invited Tony Abbott to visit his workplace in light of the politician’s public remarks about nurses. Mr Abbott has not yet replied but Michael says the offer is still open.

‘I would like him to walk around and talk to the nurses and to see exactly what they do and the fundamental role they play – to come and have a chat,’ said Michael, a nurse educator.

‘I was appalled by his comments – Mr Abbott has not seen or spoken to the staff that he was describing. We work very hard at this hospital.

‘By avoiding the issue, it would seem that real people are not of concern to Mr Abbott.

‘He needs to get to the grassroots of the country and learn to properly communicate with others – as nurses we are very much about communicating,’ said Michael.

Macquarie Base Hospital currently boasts one of the lowest waiting list periods in the state. ‘We used to have one of the highest waiting lists,’ said Michael. ‘So to say waiting lists are blowing out of proportion due to ACTU indoctrination is simply wrong.

‘I have also extended the offer to the Deputy Prime Minister, Mark Vaile, who is our local member,’ said Michael.

Michael is yet to receive a response from Mr Vaile either.

ormer Australian Health Minister Dr Michael Wooldridge has joined the board of Aspen Medical, a fast-growing company Dr Michael Wooldridge that is riding the wave of privatisation of Australian health care.

Canberra-based Aspen Medical is a private medical company that manages the Emergency Department of a public hospital in Caboolture, just north of Brisbane.

According to the online news bulletin: crikey.com.au, the Queensland government pays Aspen more than $7 million a year to run the public hospital’s Emergency Department – ‘reportedly twice as much as it would cost if run by the public sector’.

Wooldridge was Minister for Health in the Howard government from 1996 until his retirement in 2001.

P

Michael Parrey 8 THE LAMP SEPTEMBER 2007

F

Asked if the privately run public Emergency Department could be a sign of things to come, Wooldridge told Crikey: ‘Private management in public hospitals is more acceptable than total and wholesale tendering out to the private sector’.

Established in 2003, Aspen provides medical services including fully-equipped mobile operating theatres to ‘remote, inaccessible areas or locations where the need for health services is at a premium’.

‘Private management in public hospitals is more acceptable than total and wholesale tendering out to the private sector.’

It has a number of federal government customers including the Customs Service, the Defence Force and Federal Police. It also provides dental services to rural Victorian schools.n

Volunteers needed in Africa

A

ustralian nurses are invited to volunteer their time and skills to restore the sight of blind people in the African nation of Tanzania.

The Ophthalmic Nursing Association Network is organising two-week eye camps in the Tanzanian capital of Dodoma in October this year and at various times next year.

In the past three years, 37 volunteers from various professional backgrounds have joined the eye camps serving more than 10,000 patients and establishing a low-cost optometry clinic.

Information, application forms and camp dates are available at www.onanetwork.org or by emailing Meg at qld@onanetwork.org n

NURSES WARNED

OF SUPER SCAMS urses and aged care workers are being targeted by superannuation scams that are robbing people of their hard-earned money.

The Australian Tax Office and the Australian Securities and Investments Commission have jointly warned Australians against the scams in which people are charged up to 30% of their total superannuation balance in return for gaining early access to their superannuation money.

ASIC advises that you can get early access to your superannuation in exceptional circumstances and that this should not incur a significant fee.

ASIC executive director, Greg Tanzer, warned that certain professions are being targeted including nurses and aged care workers. He advised people to always use financial companies that have an Australian financial services licence.

N

NURSES NEED

THEIR SLEEP urses are not sleeping well and their work is suffering as a result, according to a US survey of more than 2,000 nurses.

More than half the respondents battled to get a good night’s sleep with more than a quarter indicating they suffered from bouts of insomnia. Yet only 30% of the nurses sought professional care to improve their sleeping habits.

According to the survey’s findings, sleeping problems for nurses are most likely to cause the following problems within the workplace – medication-dispensing errors, deviations from standard charting practices and falling asleep on the job.

The survey highlighted the difficulty posed by shift work in combination with our increasingly busy lifestyles, and linked this to the development of insomnia.

‘These findings remind us that sleep is not a luxury – it is an absolute necessity,’ said Dr Mark Rosekind who conducted the survey.

N

Support for Fiji nurses’ strike

N

SWNA General Secretary Brett Holmes has called on the Australian government to object in the strongest possible terms to the Fijian military government’s policy of cutting nurse pay by 5%.

‘Countries like Fiji are already losing nurses to places like Australia, Europe and North America. Reducing pay for local nurses is a disastrous policy and suggests the victory of bean counters over genuine economic managers.’

Brett said that no government anywhere in the world should be cutting nurses’ pay.

‘Striking Fijian nurses have the full support of the NSWNA in their campaign to reverse these appalling pay cuts,’ Brett said.

Brett Holmes

About 1,500 Fijian nurses went on strike along with teachers and other government employees angered by the proposed wage cuts.

Brett said the Australian government should also warn the Fijian military government that any draconian or excessive action against the striking workers would be unacceptable to the international community.

‘Countries like Fiji are already losing nurses to places like Australia, Europe and North America. Reducing pay for local nurses is a disastrous policy and suggests the victory of bean counters over genuine economic managers.’n

Study aims to get to the point

T

he NSWNA is working with the University of Newcastle to investigate needlestick and sharps injuries among nurses.

The study aims to measure the occurrence of sharps injuries and associated health risks.

Research indicates that nurses have a higher risk for sharps injuries than any other health care professional group. The study will include nurses’ perceptions of risk and how injuries may be prevented.

Participation in the study is voluntary and anonymous, with a range of locations

and workplace categories included.

The NSWNA encourages its members to complete the survey if they are invited.

The union hopes this research can improve conditions for all nurses.

For more information on the study, email 07.sharps.study@newcastle. edu.aun THE LAMP SEPTEMBER 2007 9

'%4 0!)$ /0).)/. &/2 9/52

n

10 THE LAMP SEPTEMBER 2007

s

N E W S I INN BBRRI IEEFF

Liverpool nurses get FAST IT BUGS NURSES urses feel frustrated by difficulties in gaining access to, and using, computers at work, reveals a study by the Australian Nursing Federation.

N

While nurses recognise the benefits of IT in the workplace, they are frustrated by software and access limitations and a lack of adequate training opportunities.

The ANF surveyed 10,000 nurses on their access to information technology in the workplace.

The survey identified that while nurses recognise the benefits of IT in the workplace, they are frustrated by software and access limitations and a lack of adequate training opportunities.

The results indicate that IT use is generally of a low level, with the aged care sector scoring the lowest level of use. Nurses said they felt poorly informed about IT initiatives and their implementation.

The study recommended further research into the development of national IT competency standards for nurses and their incorporation into all nursing courses.

Other suggestions included 24-hour technical support, internet access for all nurses at work and consultation by governments and employers with nurses when planning health IT initiatives.

F

ocused Assessment with Sonography in Trauma (FAST) is the international best-practice ultrasound scan used by the emergency and trauma department at Liverpool Hospital. In a world first for nurses, the hospital is accrediting their nursing staff to use FAST. The technique allows for quick detection of internal bleeding in patients after severe trauma. Until now only doctors were accredited to use FAST. ‘Nurse-conducted FAST increases the number of staff qualified to give this scan to abdominal trauma patients and delivers consistent, efficient and immediate care on arrival, carried out by experienced trauma management nurses,’ said Dr Justin Bowra, Director of Emergency Medicine Training.

The pilot program has already trained and accredited eight senior nurses, who undertook a one-day course accredited by the Australasian College for Emergency Medicine. Nurses are then required to perform a number of supervised scans and a practical exam to complete their accreditation.

‘The program is running really well and it means we can speed up the process

of care and action on trauma patients,’ said Rima Mohammed, RN, who has been qualified to use FAST since February.

‘Nurse-conducted FAST increases the number of staff qualified to give this scan to abdominal trauma patients and delivers consistent, efficient and immediate care on arrival, carried out by experienced trauma management nurses.’

‘Another benefit is that we are branching out from strictly trauma patients – we are seeing a lot of females with abdominal pain and scanning them.

‘Such pain can be a range of things for women including ruptured ectopic pregnancies or their appendix,’ said Rima.

There are plans to introduce FAST accreditation programs for nurses at Campbelltown and Bankstown Hospitals.n Liverpool Hospital Emergency Department and FAST screen accredited nurses with Dr Justin Bowra.

THE LAMP SEPTEMBER 2007 11

D ra w n 30 Decem b 2007 er

SWITCH TO

DIRECT DEBIT & WIN A SIX-NIGHT TRIP FOR TWO TO BEAUTIFUL & PRISTINE

TASMANIA Spend six days exploring the hidden wonders of Australia’s island state.

Fly into the vibrant cities of Hobart or Launceston, then wander the stunning coastline surrounding Freycinet Lodge in the East, travel deep into World Heritage wilderness from Strahan Village in the West, and climb stunning glacier-carved mountain peaks before returning to Cradle Mountain Chateau in the state’s heart. The prize also includes flights to and from Sydney for two and 7-day car hire courtesy of Thrifty Rent-A-Car. 12 THE LAMP SEPTEMBER 2007

Here’s how you can win c cancel your payroll deductions and start paying your fees

through direct debit and you will go in the lucky draw and/or c convince your colleagues to convert from payroll deductions to

direct debit and you, and each of your colleagues who switch to direct debit, will go in the lucky draw and/or c sign up a new member using the direct debit method of

paying their fees and you, and the new member, will go in the lucky draw.

Membership Application forms or Direct Debit 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.

s

N E W S I INN BBRRI IEEFF

n

cation progr u d e a am swn

WHAT’S ON

IN OCTOBER ‘07 Karen Redrup (third from left) with Local MP Allison McGarrity (centre, in pink) and Day Assessment Unit staff on its opening on 11 May.

New ante-natal service at Liverpool Hospital

L

iverpool Hospital is giving pregnant women easier access to medical attention through a new ante-natal day assessment unit.

‘The outpatient service caters for women with complications associated with their pregnancy, and eases the pressure on the hospital’s ante-natal unit,’ said Karen Redrup, midwife and nurse manager of Liverpool Hospital’s maternity unit.

‘This service provides a dual benefit by easing the hospital load with less admissions and it also reduces disruption to patients’ lives – many of these women already have children so a stay in hospital is inconvenient for them,’ Karen said.

‘Our service means they can come into the unit at an appointed time, receive the attention they need and be home again within a few hours.’

The ante-natal assessment unit monitors women (on referral from a medical professional or midwife) with common complications associated with pregnancy including pre-eclampsia and ruptured membranes.

‘We also see women who are overdue and undertake the pre-booking work for caesareans, which used to

be done the day before a woman was scheduled for the procedure,’ Karen said.

‘This way women can come into hospital on the day of the caesarean, effectively reducing their time in hospital. This

‘This service provides a dual benefit by easing the hospital load with less admissions and it also reduces disruption to patients’ lives.’ is really improving the flow for inductions and caesarean admissions as well.’

Karen said the service also aims to offer women as much information as possible, giving them the chance to discuss their options with the midwives. ‘We are reminding women that pregnancy is not a sickness but in fact a normal event. By providing good evidence-based information, women can make the best birthing choices to suit their circumstances.

‘The service is a great model for teamwork and we have had a lot of support from everyone in maternity services.

It has certainly strengthened our working relationships.’n

s Legal & Professional Issues for Nurses 4 October, Bathurst, ½ day 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 15–16 October, Bathurst, 2 days VETAB-accredited course. Provides nurses with the competence to provide basic foot care.

Members $203 • Non-members $350 Branch officials $175 s Stress Management for Nurses FREE 19 October, Bathurst, 1 day Intended to heighten awareness of mental health needs of nurses and provide useful exercises to assist nurses to manage stress at work. s Drug & Alcohol Nurse Forum Please note date change 26 October, NSWNA, 1 day Seminar is suitable for all nurses.

Members $30 • Non-members $50 Branch officials $28 s Policy Writing New Course 29 October, NSWNA, 1 day Seminar is suitable for all nurses.

Members $85 • Non-members $95 Branch officials $74

For registration and more information: go to www.nswnurses.asn.au or ring Carolyn Kulling on 1300 367 962.

THE LAMP SEPTEMBER 2007 13

s

NO C E W V ES R I SNT O BR Y I E F

Members of the NSWNA Wesley Heights Nursing Home Branch 14 THE LAMP SEPTEMBER 2007

2,000

NURSES

PROTECTED

with new agreements in aged care g NSWNA negotiates new union collective agreements with major aged care providers.

M

ore than 2,000 aged care members are set to benefit from new union collective agreements (UCAs) that protect pay and conditions in the insecure environment created by the Howard governments’ WorkChoices legislation.

The NSWNA has negotiated proposed new agreements on behalf of members with three major aged care employers – UnitingCare Ageing, Presbyterian Aged Care and Salvation Army Eastern Territory Aged Care, which will lock in pay and conditions until July 2009.

As The Lamp went to print, members were about to vote on whether to approve the new agreements.

The agreements are based on the template agreement negotiated between the Aged and Community Services Association (ACS), the NSWNA and the Health Services Union (HSU).

‘We worked with ACS to negotiate

a template agreement to establish agreement on minimum standards in an enforceable document that covers a large number of nurses working for employers who are members of ACS,’ said NSWNA General Secretary Brett Holmes.

‘Some of the first employers to come on board are UnitingCare Ageing, the largest aged care provider in NSW

‘We worked with ACS to negotiate a template agreement to establish agreement on minimum standards in an enforceable document that covers a large number of nurses.’ with 90 facilities, Presbyterian Aged Care and Salvation Army Eastern Territory Aged Care.

‘It’s a move by these employers that shows they value their nurses and other aged care staff. They have heard messages c Continue to page 17

AGREEMENT PROVIDES PROFESSIONAL RECOGNITION iz Graham (back far right), DoN, and Michael Rosa (back far left), AiN, at Wesley Heights Nursing Home are among the NSWNA members about to sign a union collection agreement with their employer, UnitingCare Ageing.

‘Staff at Wesley Heights could not be happier. Our pay and conditions have improved,’ said Michael.

‘The inclusion of nine weeks’ paid maternity leave is a big win. I’m also very happy AiNs are getting better recognition. The provision for AiNs to be made team leader is a professional boost and recognises our skills.’

L

Liz agrees that the new agreement will provide a better career path and structure for staff and promotes their professional development. ‘There is recognition for nurses doing additional study, and the pay scales for EENs have been simplified,’ she said.

‘Importantly, staff are feeling a sense of security. We know what’s happening for the next two years.

‘It’s a good result and during the process of negotiating, management worked together with staff,’ said Liz. ‘People feel valued. It’s a move that will encourage people to stay with UnitingCare,’ she said.

THE LAMP SEPTEMBER 2007 15

Think you can’t lose your penalty rates?

Aged care nurses thought the same thing.

BVcn V\ZY XVgZ cjghZh i]dj\]i ^i XdjaYcÉi ]VeeZc# I]dj\]i cd <dkZgcbZci ldjaY Vaadl ZbeadnZgh id iV`Z VlVn i]Z^g eZcVain gViZh# I]Z eVn i]Vi bVYZ je V W^\ eVgi d[ i]Z^g ^cXdbZ# I]Z eVn i]Vi ]ZaeZY eji [ddY dc i]Z iVWaZ VcY i]Z^g `^Yh i]gdj\] hX]dda# HVYan! ^i ]Vh ]VeeZcZY# BVcn V\ZY XVgZ cjghZh i]gdj\]dji 6jhigVa^V ]VkZ ]VY i]Z^g eZcVain gViZh Xji# BVcn ]VkZ WZZc [dgXZY id aZVkZ! bVcn VgZ ldgg^ZY i]Zn l^aa WZ cZmi# >[ i]Z ;ZYZgVa >G aVlh gZbV^c! ^iÉh cdl cdi V fjZhi^dc d[ ^[! Wji l]Zc! Vaa cjghZh eZcVain gViZh \d je [dg \gVWh# Ndjg kdiZ XVc ]Zae egdiZXi ndjg eZcVain gViZh# I]^c` VWdji i]Vi i]^h ;ZYZgVa ZaZXi^dc# Id ÒcY dji bdgZ k^h^i djg lZWh^iZ lll#chlcjghZh#Vhc#Vj

16 THE LAMP SEPTEMBER 2007

s

HOW YOU CAN

NO C E W V ES R I SNT O BR Y I E F

2,000

NURSES

PROTECTED

with new agreements in aged care c From page 15 from nurses that there should be an AIN team leader classification and higher pay for endorsed enrolled nurses, and worked with the Association to negotiate a sound and fair agreement.

‘These employers are now seen as “employers of choice”. Nurses will be attracted to and choose to stay with employers that do right thing by their staff and come to the table to negotiate a fair agreement on pay and conditions.

an increased rate of accumulation for long service leave after 10 years’ service.

Other improvements include: c Recognition and a pay scale for Endorsed Enrolled Nurses; c Increased entry salary for newlyqualified RNs; c Updating the definition of an AiN with the provision for an AiN to be a team leader; c A requirement that RNs be given handover time at the beginning of their shift; c No overtime in unreasonable circumstances, such as when staff have family responsibilities; c Long-term casuals have the right

‘These employers are now seen as “employers of choice” by aged care staff. Nurses will be attracted to and choose to stay with employers that do right thing by their staff and come to the table to negotiate a fair union collective agreement on pay and conditions.’

NSWNA General Secretary Brett Holmes.

‘These new Union Collective Agreements (UCA’s) provide a strong benchmark for agreements across the aged care sector. Other employers will be now under pressure to also come to the negotiating table.

‘In such a climate of severe nurse shortages in aged care, aged care employers cannot afford not to offer their staff a fair agreement and security in pay and conditions,’ said Brett.

The new UCAs preserve nurses’ existing conditions and deliver a minimum 3.5% pay increase per year.

Members will also benefit from improvements in conditions including the introduction of nine weeks’ paid maternity leave and adoption leave, and

to apply for their position to be made permanent.

The agreements with UnitingCare, The Salvation Army and Presbyterian Aged Care will also include a union delegates’ recognition clause, which gives delegates the right to meet with management and members in the workplace, and a consultation clause, which places obligation on management to consult with staff over any planned workplace changes.

Importantly, the agreements include a dispute settlement clause that allows for court arbitration when matters cannot be resolved by talks between affected members and your employer. This makes members’ conditions legally enforceable in the WorkChoices environment.n

GET A UNION COLLECTIVE AGREEMENT AT YOUR WORKPLACE If your employer is a member of ACS If your employer is a member of ACS (one of the two NSW aged care employers’ associations, the equivalent of an employer’s union), they will have been sent a copy of the template agreement and encouraged by the Association to adopt it.

Talk to the Union contact at your workplace and ask to see the information the NSWNA has posted Branch Officials about the template or download a copy from the NSWNA website www.nswnurses.asn.au.

Talk to other nurses at your workplace about asking your employer to offer you a union agreement. Together, approach your employer with your request.

Arrange a meeting of nurses and all other staff and pass the following resolution at your meeting, or even collect a petition with everyone’s signatures: ’The staff of [insert your workplace name] ask that our employer give us security of wages and conditions by offering us the template union collective agreement negotiated between the NSW Nurses’ Association, the Health Services Union and the employers’ representative, ACS.’

Don’t worry if your employer is not a member of ACS The template agreement can apply at all workplaces that are now in the federal IR system – this is most aged care workplaces. You can still ask your employer to offer you a UCA. If you are still covered by the state IR system, the template can be renegotiated by the NSWNA and your employer to comply with these different laws.

Call the NSWNA on 1300 367 962 for more information and to find out which aged care employers in your area have offered pay rises and legally enforceable union agreements .

THE LAMP SEPTEMBER 2007 17

s

INNE DWUSS TI R N I AB LR II SE SF U E S

John Howard visited Mersey Hospital to announce his federal government takeover.

Desperate Howard seizes hospital g Move to grab votes is bad for health care, experts say

I

f you’re going to get sick, try to do so in a marginal electorate.

That’s the key message from the Howard government’s desperate move to seize control of a small State government-run hospital in Tasmania.

Howard chose the Mersey Hospital in the town of Devonport not for health reasons, but because it sits in the marginal Liberal-held seat of Braddon which, on current polling, is in great danger of falling to Labor.

We don’t know if the federal takeover will ensure Braddon stays Liberal. But, if a wide spectrum of health experts can be believed, the move is bad for health care.

Hours after the Prime Minister announced the takeover, which will cost $45 million a year, his Health Minister Tony Abbott invited communities across the nation to contact him if they wanted similar treatment. Anyone who felt their local public hospital was being mismanaged by the relevant state Labor government should ‘say so loud and clear’, Abbott told The Australian.

Mersey Hospital (96 beds) has battled to find and keep medical specialists. Two years ago a private operator handed it back to the State 18 THE LAMP SEPTEMBER 2007

Labor government, which recently decided to downgrade services to a level providing general practitioner care and a day-surgery unit. Locals needing major procedures would have had to travel to Burnie Hospital (160 beds, and 20 minutes from Mersey) or Launceston Hospital (350 beds and 80 kilometres away).

Burnie Hospital general manager Paul Arnold said Howard’s plan would result in three hospitals in a small geographical area competing for nurses and doctors. ‘You

adequately funded, adequately staffed, or adequately supported with technology and staff. Both have been marginally viable for some time. There have been seven external reports, usually produced at enormous cost, over the past 20 or so years, all of which have come out saying there needs to be just one viable and sustainable general hospital serving the northwest coast population.’

The Australian Nursing Federation’s Federal Secretary Jill Iliffe expressed

‘Howard’s plan would result in three hospitals in a small geographical area competing for nurses and doctors.’ can’t possibly try to fractionate the services in a small region like this, it really will ultimately spell the end of Burnie Hospital and probably the end of Mersey,’ he said.

General Practice Tasmania rejected the federal takeover as ‘misinformed, outrageous and unwelcome’ and at least one medical specialist, Mersey Hospital’s chief obstetrician, has resigned in protest at Howard’s decision.

Tasmanian AMA president Professor Haydn wrote: ‘Because of the realities of local funding and manpower constraints, neither (Mersey or Burnie) hospital is

serious concern at Howard’s ‘power driven political stunt’, adding that the takeover would not resolve the underlying problem of attracting medical specialists to the area.

The Australian Healthcare Association agreed, saying Howard was ‘gravely mistaken’ if he thought Mersey Hospital’s problems could be fixed with a cheque.

Even Tasmanian Senator Stephen Parry, from Howard’s own party, let slip to journalists while riding in a lift that Mersey Hospital was a ‘disaster’ and should be closed. n

MERSEY TAKEOVER

‘absolute

vandalism’ leading health economist Professor Jeff Richardson described the Mersey takeover as ‘absolute vandalism’.

‘It’s just the reverse of what the Prime Minister is saying: it’s utterly irresponsible. The state’s clinical services plan, put forward by a group of experts, was based on the fact that there is a limited population and limited capacity to attract specialists,’ he told The Australian.

Professor Richardson says that any attempt to operate intensive care units at Mersey Hospital as well as Burnie, 50 kilometres away, would result in patient deaths.

‘Tasmanians will pay with the quality of their care and with their lives. They will have blood on their hands,’ he said.

Investigations by Tony Abbott’s own department have exposed the opportunistic nature of the government’s intervention.

Abbott now refuses to guarantee an intensive care unit – a key promise when the takeover was announced – after investigations by his own department concluded that an ICU could be unfeasible and unsafe.

This revelation led to a tart response from AMA State President Haydn Walters.

‘Any open, transparent, objective review will say the same thing the last seven reviews have said over the past 30 years, which is that only one hospital can possibly be viable on the northwest coast providing broad, acute services. How many times do you need the same analysis?’

A

Overcrowding at Hunter psychiatric facilities

A

n Industrial Commissioner has inspected James Fletcher psychiatric hospital in Newcastle to examine nurses’ concerns that overcrowding poses a risk to patient and staff safety.

Nurses at James Fletcher, along with nurses at the psychiatric in-patient unit at Maitland Hospital, have been in dispute with Hunter New England Mental Health since October last year.

James Fletcher is gazetted for 64 beds but was sometimes 10-14 above that number, with up to 24 patients in a 20bed ward not being uncommon.

The dispute went to the NSW Industrial Relations Commission after nurses voted to ban patient admissions to already full acute wards.

Commissioner J D Stanton has so far held three hearings into the dispute plus the site inspection.

NSW Nurses’ Association branch secretary Greg Ribbons said Commissioner Stanton was able to see first-hand the impact of overcrowding such as patient lounge areas converted into makeshift bedrooms.

‘We are asking Commissioner Stanton to order management not to go overcensus in the interests of safety,’ Greg said.

‘Management say they are coming up with strategies to reduce the incidence of overcrowding, and gave us a written assurance that they wouldn’t go over census except in extraordinary circumstances.

‘They have just introduced a strategy of having some patients assessed by the treating team outside the unit if wards are full.

‘Over census is still occurring on a regular basis, though not at the extreme levels recorded last year.

‘We are working with management as best we can to find solutions, but a resolution to this issue is still some time away, according to our members.

However, they all remain committed to a successful outcome.’

The NSWNA carried out its own

Greg Ribbons (centre back) with nurses at James Fletcher Hospital

occupational health and safety inspection at James Fletcher and reported that many design features were not consistent with NSW Department of Health guidelines for acute mental health units.

The union’s OHS coordinator, Trish Butrej, reported: ‘There are no consultation/interview rooms, some units have no seclusion rooms, most bedrooms are shared and, when the unit exceeds 100% capacity, patient lounge/dining space falls far short of recommended levels.

‘The risk of violence in mental health facilities may be increased by crowding.

Research suggests that one reason for this is lack of privacy and personal space,’ she noted.

NSWNA General Secretary Brett Holmes said the union had received many complaints from members about workplace safety in Hunter Mental Health.

‘Violence remains a significant issue for mental health nurses,’ Brett wrote in a letter to Hunter New England Mental Health management.

He pointed to one survey finding that over 38% of workers’ compensation claims from mental health nurses were as a result of being hit by a patient and more than 2% were as a result of being bitten by a patient.

‘NSWNA stands by its members’ right to raise any concerns about risk factors for violence and expects that management will act to ensure their safety in accordance with OHS legislation.’n THE LAMP SEPTEMBER 2007 19

• NSWNA RECRUITMENT INCENTIVE SCHEME •

SIGN UP A NEW MEMBER FOR THE CHANCE TO

WIN A FABULOUS

FIJIAN

HOLIDAY

For every friend or colleague you sign up, you’ll receive a David Jones gift voucher and also go into the draw to win a fantastic holiday for two. You could be jetting off from Sydney return with Air Pacific to Denarau Island in Fiji for three luxurious nights at The Radisson Resort Fiji. After a relaxing stay in a Pacific Lagoon Guest Room, you and your guest will then enjoy a Blue Lagoon Cruise aboard MV Mystique Princess for a 4-day, 3-night Gold Club cruise. All onboard meals, cruise entertainment and shore excursions are included in this exciting prize.

$10 David Jones gift vouchers For the period from 30 June – 30 December 2007, recruiters will receive a $10, instead of a $5, David Jones gift voucher for every new member they sign up.

Membership application forms Hurry! Call the Association now for your recruitment kits and recruitment incentive scheme details.

Ph: 8595 1234 (metropolitan area) or 1300 367 962 (non-metropolitan area) or go to www.nswnurses.asn.au

Fiji tri p draw n 3 0 Jun e 200

20 THE LAMP SEPTEMBER 2007

8

s

INNE DWUSS TI R N I AB LR II SE SF U E S

Split shift discriminated against epileptic nurse g Magistrate awards $15,000 compensation

A

manager unlawfully discriminated against an epileptic nurse by requiring him to work a split shift â&#x20AC;&#x201C; despite his complaint that it would make him too tired and worsen his illness, the Federal Magistrates Court has found.

Federal Magistrate Matthew Smith found that management at Manly Hospital required the nurse to work a roster he could not comply with because of his illness, in breach of the federal Disability Discrimination Act. Mr Smith ordered Northern Sydney Central Coast Area Health Service to pay $15,000 compensation to the nurse.

Mr Smith said the nurse suffered at least two acute episodes of epileptic seizure and ill health during his employment, between 2002 and 2004.

Mr Smith said the nurseâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s employer apparently made no attempt to ensure that all his managers were made aware of his condition â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;and of the possibility that they might need to accommodate its reasonable requirements.â&#x20AC;&#x2122; Despite this, Mr Smith found that the manager in question was aware of the nurseâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s epilepsy.

The nurse complained that the manager required him to work a weekâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s roster involving a day shift â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;sandwiched in the middle of two 10-hour night dutiesâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;.

He told the court that he asked the manager to remove him from the day shift because of his illness. She agreed, he said, and he then altered the daily nursing diary himself to put himself on a night shift instead.

However, he later found a note from the manager stating that he would have to work the day shift.

The nurse claimed the managerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s action prompted him to resign and caused an epileptic seizure, which contributed to a long period of incapacity for work.

Mr Smith said that at the time he was required to work a split shift, the nurse was taking new anti-convulsant medicine that led to extreme tiredness, difficulty sleeping and susceptibility to seizures.

The split-shift roster would have seriously disadvantaged the nurse by aggravating his tiredness and sleep deprivation, Mr Smith found.

Mr Smith said the nurse, who represented himself in court, had not sought an order for reinstatement and had not produced evidence of any financial

loss or damage as a result of his employerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s unlawful conduct.

Magistrate Smith accepted that the conduct by management â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;produced highly distressing paranoid thoughts at the time, and caused him to believe that his employer wished to undermine his health and force his retirement from nursingâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;.

Mr Smith awarded $15,000 compensation for â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;intangible injury to feelings and personal distress, occasioned by conduct which Parliament has declared unlawfulâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;.n

<gZVi AZ\Va 6Yk^XZ [dg CjghZh 7dW L]nWjgc VcY ]^h iZVb VgZ egdjY id WZ i]Z aVlnZgh [dg i]Z CZl Hdji] LVaZh CjghZhÂź 6hhdX^Vi^dc# I]Zn ]VkZ ZmiZch^kZ ZmeZg^ZcXZ ^c l^cc^c\ :beadnbZci VcY >cYjhig^Va XVhZh# A^i^\Vi^dc Â&#x2122; :beadnbZci >cYjhig^Va AVl Â&#x2122; 8aVhh 6Xi^dch Â&#x2122; BZY^XVa AVl Â&#x2122; HjeZgVccjVi^dc >chjgVcXZ AVl L^aah EgdWViZ Â&#x2122; 8dckZnVcX^c\

8Vaa i]Z 6hhdX^Vi^dc ^c[dgbVi^dc a^cZ cdl id Ă&#x2026; cY dji ]dl id VXXZhh i]^h \gZVi hZgk^XZ# lll#bWX#Vjh#cZi

HnYcZn AZkZa '%! '%& :a^oVWZi] Hi! HnYcZn CHL '%%% E]dcZ/ %' .'+& &)-;Vm/ %' .'+& ((&CZlXVhiaZ AZkZa &! &,. 7gjc`Zg GY! 6YVbhidlc CHL ''-.

E]dcZ/ %' ).*( .*%% ;Vm/ %' ).*( .*&& K^h^i^c\ D[Ă&#x2026; XZ/ Ldaadc\dc\ 7n Veed^cibZci# E]dcZ/ %' .'+& &)--

THE LAMP SEPTEMBER 2007 21

s

INNE DWUSS TI R N I AB LR II SE SF U E S

Backdown on parking fee increase

M

anagement has scrapped a 250% increase in parking fees at Prince of Wales Hospital, following a strong protest from the NSW Nurses’ Association.

Management’s announcement of the increase for agency and casual pool nurses caused an outcry among staff.

The increase from a discounted $6.60 per day to the public rate of $16 was scrapped within 24 hours of the union protest.

NSWNA branch secretary at the hospital, Carolyn Hook, said agency and casual pool nurses would continue to receive vouchers allowing them to park for $6.60 a day.

She said parking fees for permanent

full-time staff would remain at about $30 per week, with a pro rata rate for permanent part-timers.

‘Management quickly changed its decision when they realised we were up in arms – there was a very strong reaction from members,’ she said.

‘If they didn’t have reasonably-priced parking and had to park in the street, their safety could be at risk – especially at night.

‘We have also arranged for oncall nurses to park

‘Management quickly changed its decision when they realised we were up in arms – there was a very strong reaction from members.’

‘Management also announced it would make an extra 150 parking spaces available to staff.

‘There is a six-month waiting list for parking spots for permanent staff, but we make spots available to all agency and casual nurses in order to backfill our positions.

in a section of the hospital car park reserved for hospital vehicles and to be escorted to their cars by security staff at night.’n

LIONS NURSES’

SCHOLARSHIP

Looking for funding to further your studies in 2008?

The trustees of the Lions Nurses’ Scholarship Foundation invite applications for scholarships for 2008.

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 regulatory 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

22 THE LAMP SEPTEMBER 2007

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 www.nswnurses.asn.au

Completed applications must be in the hands of the secretary no later than 28 November 2007.

Carolyn Hook

IR SHORTS ABBOTT TOO BUSY TO TALK ABOUT HEALTH FUNDING

F

ederal Health Minister Tony Abbott says he won’t discuss negotiating the Australian Health Care Agreement with state health ministers until after the federal election, even though the current agreement expires at the end of this year.

Abbott said: ‘The important task at the present time is to get re-elected and that is where my energies are focused.’

The agreement includes Commonwealth funding for public hospitals.

‘The important task at the present time is to get re-elected and that is where my energies are focused.’

NSW Health Minister Reba Meagher criticised significant under-funding by the Howard government saying that NSW was being ripped off by upwards of $330 million a year.

‘This could pay for 4,600 nurses per year or the running of a big teaching hospital such as Liverpool for a year,’ she said.

PM KNEW IR LAWS WOULD HURT WORKERS

J

ohn Winston Howard: The Biography, by academics Wayne Errington and Peter van Onselen, says Cabinet members who approved the introduction of new industrial relations laws in 2005 knew workers would be disadvantaged.

Mr Howard refused to pledge that no worker would be worse off.

Deputy Opposition Leader and Labor’s Industrial Relations spokesperson Julia Gillard said:

KIDS HOME ALONE THANKS TO WORKCHOICES

A

ustralia is at risk of raising a whole generation of children home alone because their working parents are unable to arrange childcare at short notice, according to the Women and Work Research Group at the University of Sydney.

The group’s report blames the federal government’s WorkChoices laws for situations where parents can be called in at an hour’s notice.

This report is backed by a study from the University of South Australia conducted by Professor Barbara Pocock, Director of the Centre for Work and Life.

‘A huge number of parents are making ad hoc arrangements to care for their children because they are on call, but they often feel they have no choice because their jobs are on the line,’ she said.

Professor Pocock said she found evidence strongly suggestive

of ‘greater managerial prerogative, more unfairness at work, loss of control over working time, weaker voice, lower unionisation and less capacity of workers to negotiate.’

‘These extreme laws, WorkChoices, were a cold-blooded, calculated, premeditated act,’ and added that ‘Mr Howard and his government knew they would hurt Australian working families, but they went ahead with them anyway’.

The study also found that students are no longer being paid penalty rates to work on Sundays and public holidays – the days they most frequently work.

They must therefore work more hours in order to earn the same income.

YOUNG WORKERS HIT HARD

BY WORKCHOICES

CHURCH ATTACKS IR LAWS

A

survey by the New South Wales Teachers Federation has found high school students are working longer and later hours in part-time jobs than ever before. Randall Pearce who conducted the survey said about 25% of students in a sample of 300 said they had signed an Australian Workplace Agreement.

The study found that students are no longer being paid penalty rates to work on Sundays and public holidays – the days they most frequently work.

‘A further 37% said that they had signed some kind of an employment contract, but they weren’t sure exactly what it was called,’ he added.

T

he Australian Catholic Council for Employment Relations (ACCER) criticised the WorkChoices laws as skewed in favour of the bosses and called for them to be changed. The laws failed to meet fairness requirements in the areas of minimum wages, unfair dismissal rights, ability of unions to represent workers and the provision of a fair safety net of minimum terms and conditions, ACCER said.

PUT STAFF ON AWAs, UNIVERSITIES TOLD

T

he federal government has intensified pressure on universities to use Australian Workplace Agreements with a new threat to withhold funding if they do not. Universities were required to offer AWAs to all staff last year when the federal government tied $400 million in funding to their compliance with certain workplace provisions, known as the Higher Education Workplace Relations Requirements. n THE LAMP SEPTEMBER 2007 23

BO

OK

7th

NO

W

NSW Nurses’ Association

PROFESSIONAL ISSUES CONFERENCE • Friday, 5 October 2007 • 9.00am – 5.00pm • Swiss-Grand Resort & Spa Cnr Campbell Parade & Beach Road, Bondi Beach • Parking available @ $8 for the day • Cost: Members $85 Non Members $100 UG Nursing Students Free (limited places)

: The future of nursing and midwifery

IT’S TIME TO ACT

Come to this important conference and have a say on the future direction of nursing and midwifery.

We want to hear your views on the 4 major themes that emerged at the April Nurse & Midwife Leaders Forum.

P R O G R A M • Nursing and Midwifery Leaders Forum report Brett Holmes, General Secretary, NSWNA

• Health Workforce Redesign John Menadue AO, Chair, Centre for Policy Development

• Workshop – Health Workforce Redesign • Cultural Change Dr Val Wilson, Director Nursing Research and Development Unit, The Children’s Hospital Westmead

• Workshop – Cultural Change • Leadership Adjunct Professor Debra Thoms, Chief Nurse, NSW Health

• Workshop – Leadership • Political Strategy Brett Holmes, General Secretary, NSWNA THE LAMP SEPTEMBER 2007 •24Workshop – Political Strategy

For further details Check our website www.nswnurses.asn.au and The Lamp for further details

Registration Download a registration form from www.nswnurses.asn.au or contact Carolyn Kulling on Metro: 8595 1234 Rural: 1300 367 962 NSW Health Department has approved one-day Special Leave to enable nurses in the public sector to attend this conference.

Authorised by Brett Holmes, NSWNA General Secretary

s

WORKLOADS

Workloads to ease at Coffs ED g More staff approved after union campaign

C

offs Harbour Base Hospital is getting a big staff increase after a long and persistent campaign by nurses.

North Coast Area management has approved four new permanent positions for the Emergency Department and one and a half full-time equivalent (FTE) positions in the operating theatre.

The campaign by the hospital’s NSWNA branch to reduce excessive workloads centered on the Emergency Department but received enthusiastic backing from nurses in all departments, said Sue White, NSWNA councillor and branch president.

‘We had really good support from branch members – each department was very supportive of the issues in the other departments,’ Sue said.

‘Members kept turning up to branch meetings which were well-attended. Even if their own department wasn’t under discussion on the day they would come along to make sure they were up-to-date with what was going on.’

Sue said the four new positions in the ED were costed at $314,000 per annum – an extra 24 hours per week for a clinical

initiative nurse, a fourth registered nurse on night duty, an endorsed enrolled nurse on morning shift, and an extra 14 hours per week for a ward clerk.

The branch is also seeking a nurse unit manager for the ED. Area management has asked for more information to support the request.

The additional one and a half FTE positions in the operating theatre will be filled by an RN with in-charge duties.

Sue White (right) with Coffs Harbour Base Hospital branch members

Sue said Christmas 2006 was extremely busy and stressful, prompting the branch to pass a resolution to seek extra staff through the reasonable workloads committee (RWC).

After a long process of identifying areas of the greatest staff shortages, the branch went to the RWC with a list of 10 positions it wanted filled.

Sue said union and management representatives on the RWC used the list as

‘We had really good support from branch members – each department was very supportive of the issues in the other departments.’

‘Our members are thrilled to bits – it’s a huge win, which has relieved a lot of pressure on nurses especially in the ED,’ Sue said.

She said the ED had a 50% increase in presentations in July this year, compared to July last year, and saw 33,000 patients in the 12 months to June this year.

‘Coffs Harbour’s population is growing fast and workloads have got heavier especially in holiday periods because we are a holiday town.

‘Holiday times are very difficult because we have a lot of working mothers who can’t do extra shifts.’

a basis to decide priority claims to be sent to area management with supporting statistics.

‘We got good support from management reps on the RWC – we worked very well together as a team and each side was respectful of the other’s position,’ she said.

She welcomed the area’s agreement to give priority to direct patient care positions before any management positions.

‘It makes a big difference to nurses working really hard on the front line if they know they are being listened to and supported by local and area management,’ she said.n THE LAMP SEPTEMBER 2007 25

s

SUPERANNUATION

SUPER

WARS

The Lamp looks at the silent war being waged on industry superannuation by the federal government, and union plans to make super even better.

NSW unions look for super increase

T

wenty years ago unions won super as a right for all Australian workers and set up industry super funds to look after the retirement savings of their members.

Now unions, including the NSWNA, are gearing up to campaign for an increase to the employer contribution.

The current ‘Superannuation Guarantee’ level of 9% employer contribution was reached in 2002 as a result of union bargaining in the 1980s.

The original idea, hammered out between the unions and the then federal Labor

15%

WOULD MAKE A BIG DIFFERENCE OVER A LIFETIME

26 THE LAMP SEPTEMBER 2007

government, was to gradually increase the employer contribution up to 15%. John Howard froze the amount at 9% when he came to office in 1996.

Older nurses often have better contributions if they are members of ‘defined benefit’ schemes, but nurses under 35 only get the basic 9% paid by their employer. So do nurses who’ve re-entered nursing after long periods out of the workforce.

Current evidence suggests that 9% is insufficient to fund an adequate retirement income to meet the needs and expectations of retiring workers.

This is particularly so for members who

Research by the Association of Super Funds of Australia (ASFA) and Westpac shows that a couple needs $47,824 a year to have a comfortable lifestyle in retirement.

A single person needs $35,731 per annum. This compares with the aged pension of $22,802 for a couple and $13,652 for a single.

The current 9% superannuation guarantee of average weekly earnings would produce, over 30 years, an income of $19,000.

Increasing the employer contribution to 15% will result in an increase to approximately $26,000 in today’s dollars.

‘We believe employers should adopt a policy to raise the level of employer contribution from the current 9% up to 15%.This could be done in increments. We will look to put this on the table as one of the claims in our pay campaigns next year.’ have not had access to super for their whole working lives due to broken work patterns. This is especially true of women, casuals and part-time employees.

‘We believe employers should adopt a policy to raise the level of employer contribution from the current 9% up to 15%. This could be done in increments,’ said NSWNA General Secretary Brett Holmes. ‘We will look to put this on the table as one of the claims in our pay campaigns next year.’

Research by Unions NSW shows that a gradual phased increase of 1% per annum over time for public sector workers would not increase the state government’s superannuation liabilities as it would coincide with a reduction of other liabilities as members from older, more expensive public sector schemes retire. n

THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN INDUSTRY SUPER FUNDS AND OTHER FUNDS

Industry super funds under threat g Industry superannuation is one of the great success stories of the Australian trade union movement. But the federal government’s ‘choice of fund’ laws threaten this gain for working families.

W

hile the federal government’s assault on workers’ rights through WorkChoices has been well documented, another war, less visible to the public, has been waged on another hard-won employee right.

In July 2005, the Howard government implemented its ‘choice of funds’ legislation, with the aim of undermining the industry super funds.

David Whiteley, CEO of Industry Funds Services, the peak body for industry super funds, said these ideological laws threatened what has been a remarkable union success story.

‘This model [Choice of Fund] delivers individuals less super and reduces national savings.’

‘The commercial reality for industry funds is that they face a hostile government and, in the banks and insurance companies, very well-resourced competitors,’ he said.

‘The ideology behind “choice of fund” is to treat super like any other financial service rather than an industrial right. At face value, the concept of having “choice” seems good. But the consequence is that, rather than joining the common industry fund at their workplace, people are forced, over time, to seek financial advice and be sold a super product by a financial planner. This model delivers individuals less super and reduces national savings,’ he said.

Undermining industry funds that have made super both accessible to a larger number of people and delivered enviable returns flies in the face of common sense.

According to SuperRatings – an independent superannuation analyst – for the five years to 31 December 2006, nine of the top ten super funds were industry super funds. The same survey shows that nine of the bottom ten funds are retail (commercial) funds.

David Whiteley said unions have been the foundation of success for industry funds, whether through the leadership of fund trustees or through their advocacy at workplaces.

‘The introduction of industry funds following union campaigns changed the

c $645,727 – retirement benefit for an average worker in an average industry super fund. c $494,021 – retirement benefit for an average worker in a retail fund.

(Source: SuperRatings)

MORE INFORMATION ABOUT INDUSTRY SUPER c ACTU Super Hotline 1300 362 223; www.actu.asn.au/super c Industry Super Hotline 1300 881 371; www.industrysuper.com.au

face of national savings in Australia,’ he said.

‘This year, less than 25 years later, there is over one trillion dollars in super.

Over half the workforce is an industry fund member. The industry super funds manage around $180 billion of workers’ retirement savings.’ n

The facts saubpoeurtfunds industry

by e established per funds wer per. su to ht c Industry su e rig all workers th y an d unions to give ha rs ke an 40% of wor th ss le , 83 pe 19 c In did. Su r was 25% of women e super and only l classes and th the manageria the preserve of n public sector. t over 5 millio nds now boas fu r pe su ’ ry rs st ke c Indu of wor age $180 billion members, man . ow gr inue to es super and cont wer average fe funds have lo r pe su ry ons to si is m m c Indust co y s and don’t pa than retail fund nts. rs or accounta an financial pl ne ly to profit on n ru e ar s per fund c Industry su members. te up to ry funds alloca c Most indust nable ai st nds to su 10% of their fu . lia ra st in Au infrastructure ts, overseas asse ng yi bu n he c W labour e th evaluate industry funds s. et rg ta l tentia practices of po rected di tly in jo e nds ar c Industry fu ctors, re employer di by union and . rs be ual num appointed in eq

s

SUPERANNUATION

Foresight pays off for Rosemarie

R

osemarie de Vries, an RN at Marianella Nursing Home, Albury, says she has been a nurse for 48 years from when she was 16 and is now looking to retire next year.

‘There was no superannuation when I started work. A private company started talking to me about super in 1985. Eighteen months later, Labor introduced compulsory super,’ she said.

‘Industry super is definitely a good thing. It should have been brought in earlier. I was already 40 when super came in.’

Rosemarie says she is thankful she made up for her late start by putting in a bit extra.

‘I haven’t put a lot in – $70 a week into HESTA (an industry super fund for the health

sector). If I hadn’t put in that bit extra I wouldn’t have much.’

Rosemarie says her advice to young people is to put extra money into super.

‘In a few years’ time there might not be a pension and you’ll have to rely on your super. If you can save extra from when you begin working you’ll have a comfortable retirement,’ she said.

‘I’ve always lived my life but I’m pleased I put away for a rainy day. I’m not going to be poor, I won’t be rich either. I’ll be comfortable. That’s all I want.’ n

R E P U S N O R O B A L S V LIBERAL LIBERAL The Howard government has made three major changes to superannuation.

Choice of fund Choice of fund aims to sever the relationship between super and industrial arrangements. At present, super contributions are treated as deferred wages and entrusted to mutually owned industry funds, which act as collective savings vehicles for the sole benefit of their members. The federal government’s laws open up the superannuation market to ‘retail funds’ – primarily banks and insurance companies – who operate for profit.

Voluntary co-contribution Under this scheme, a low- or middle-income earner who contributes up to $1,000 in super will receive an additional $1,500 from the government into their account. The ACTU says, while it is a positive initiative, the scheme should be extended to incomes of up to $80,000.

Simplified Superannuation Simplified superannuation was a government initiative which removed tax on any superannuation lump sum payout at aged 60. Those retirees who were receiving lump sum payouts of $130,000 or less were already getting the tax-free benefit anyway. The main beneficiaries were highincome earners with large accumulated balances.

28 THE LAMP SEPTEMBER 2007

LABOR Labor has provided bipartisan support to Simplified Superannuation.

Labor’s spokesperson Nick Sherry says it is in the interest of certainty and stability, that this and other changes are maintained. Labor has announced its own key policies for super.

Lost accounts Labor is proposing the rolling together of all ‘lost accounts’. There are now 5.7 million lost accounts containing $9.7 billion. Lost super is increasing significantly each year. Many people never collect their savings and /or pay multiple fees. Labor will introduce automatic rolling together of lost accounts into the member’s last active account using their tax file number. A member will have the right to opt out of the process if he or she wishes. It will not apply to defined-benefit funds or accounts with a significant exit fee.

Exit fees Exit fees will be prohibited.

Salary sacrifice and employer contributions Under Labor, the Superannuation Guarantee is to be calculated on pre-salarysacrifice income. Currently, when an employee opts to salary-sacrifice a contribution the employer can reduce the compulsory 9% super contribution by calculating it on the new lower pay. This will be prohibited under Labor.

Labor has also undertaken not to increase the employer SG contribution.

Higher contributions Labor says it will stimulate higher contributions by providing account forecasts. Australians have little idea what their final benefit is likely to be at their access age of 55 to 60 or pension age of 65. Labor will introduce a universal forecast that will include what a member’s account is likely to be. It is based on UK and Swedish practice, where it has had a significant impact on increasing contributions. n

C O M P E T I T I O N

Consider salary sacrificing

Here’s your chance to spoil yourself with a getaway to

g Salary sacrificing your compulsory superannuation contributions into SASS or SSS could reduce your tax bill and put more money in your pay packet.

R

ecent changes to superannuation law give nurses who are members of SASS and SSS the option to salary sacrifice their compulsory personal contributions into their scheme.

You can choose to pay your compulsory personal contributions: c entirely from your before-tax salary (salary sacrifice) or c entirely from your after–tax salary or c from a combination of before-tax and after-tax salary.

The following example shows the power of salary sacrifice contributions for a member earning $70,000 per annum and contributing 9% of salary into SASS or SSS.

AFTER TAX

SALARY SACRIFICE

Gross Salary

$70,000

Gross Salary

$70,000

Less income tax (excluding Medicare)

$15,600

Less salary sacrifice contributions (6,500 ÷ 0.85)

$7,647

Net Salary

$54,400

Adjusted Gross Salary

$62,353

Less Income Tax (excluding Medicare)

$13,306

Net Salary (after super & tax deductions)

$49,047

Less Super Contributions Net Salary (after tax & super contributions)

$6,500

$47,900

PORT STEPHENS The Lamp is offering NSWNA members the chance to win a relaxing break to Port Stephens, just 2 hours north of Sydney.

This month’s prize winner has the choice of two amazing packages:

Sahara Trails Horse Riding & Farmstays Two nights’ accommodation in a two-bedroom, self-contained cottage for up to six people and 2 x1 hour Aussie bush trail rides.

This picturesque location is the adventure capital of Port Stephens and only two minutes from the beach. A stay at Sahara Trails is not complete until you experience one of our scenic trail rides that depart hourly each day.

OR Peppers Anchorage B&B and Parasailing Two nights’ accommodation with breakfast at Peppers Anchorage Port Stephens and a tandem paraflight for two from Port Stephens Parasailing. This luxury hotel overlooks the Anchorage Marina and the waters of Port Stephens – the perfect seaside weekend escape.

Port Stephens Parasailing provides the most awe-inspiring view of the marine wonderland below. You can chose to fly solo or tandem, soaring up to 100m above the water.

To enter this month’s The Lamp competition, write your name, address, membership number and the package you would like to win on the back of the envelope and send to: Port Stephens Tourism Competition PO Box 40, Camperdown NSW 1450 Competition closes 30 September 2007.

Net contribution to personal account of $6,500 remains the same in both cases. In this example, making salary sacrifice contributions resulted in a $1,147 increase in annual after-tax salary or ($44 extra in your fortnightly pay packet).

You need to be aware that salary sacrifice contributions are treated as ‘employer contributions’ under tax law and attract the 15% contributions tax on entry to the fund.

Whether you receive more take-home pay if you make your contributions via salary sacrifice depends on your level of income so you should seek professional financial advice to help you decide whether to make salary sacrifice contributions. n

SPECIAL OFFER TO NSWNA S MEMBER

In addition to this great prize, Peppers Anchorage Port Stephens is also offering NSWNA members a special offer of overnight accommodation in an Anchorage room for just $256 per night including breakfast.* You will also receive 15% off any parasailing trip through Port Stephens Parasailing**.

Look and Book! If you haven’t already logged onto the Port Stephens website you don’t know what you’re missing!

All the accommodation and attractions you could wish for with some fantastic HOT DEALS which means that your break away is easy. Simply look and book on-line and its done.

Its that easy, so log on now to www.portstephens.org.au or ring the Visitors Centre on 1800 808 900 for booking and a free visitors guide.

* valid until 31 October 2007 – excludes Saturday nights, public holidays or long weekends, subject to availability. ** valid until 30 September 2008 – excludes Christmas School Holidays.

Direct bookings only.

THE LAMP SEPTEMBER 2007 29

30 THE LAMP SEPTEMBER 2007

s

NURSES GETTING ACTIVE

.EW %NGLAND Coffs Harbour

.ORTH #OAST 7ESTERN 2EGION

(UNTER #ENTRAL #OAST

Port Macquarie

Sydney

3OUTH 7EST

)LLAWARRA

3OUTHERN 2EGION

Eden-Monaro Tamworth

NSWNA coming to a town near you g The NSWNA has hit the road on our 2007 Nursesâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Roadshow, visiting members all over NSW to hear your concerns and discuss issues important to you in the up-and-coming federal election.

P

art of the Your Rights @ Work Campaign, the 2007 Nursesâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Roadshow will see officials from the NSWNA going out to where our members live and work across NSW. The Association is keen to meet members, hear your experiences and discuss issues that will be important in the up-and-coming federal election.

Members are already telling us the biggest issue concerning them this federal election is the impact of John Howardâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s new IR laws. â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re hearing first-hand the concerns of nurses about the new IR laws

and weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re explaining how nurses can best protect their rights in the new hostile IR environment,â&#x20AC;&#x2122; said NSWNA Assistant General Secretary Judith Kiejda.

First stop was the Mid North Coast and nearby inland centres. NSWNA officials visited over 15 workplaces and information evenings were held in local town halls.

Unions NSW Secretary, John Robertson, was also on hand to talk to members and listen to their stories and concerns.

Next stop on the Roadshow was the South Coast, where we visited five public hospitals, one private hospital and six

aged care facilities. New members have signed up and many current members converted from payroll deductions to the safer and more efficient direct debit method of paying their Association fees.

The seat of Eden Monaro in the South Coast region looks to be a key contest at the federal election. How nurses vote will play a major role in deciding the outcome in this marginal seat.

In September, the Nursesâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Roadshow will visit the Outer Western Sydney region. This leg of the Roadshow covers a large area and the NSWNA is looking forward to meeting and talking to nurses in this area.n THE LAMP SEPTEMBER 2007 31

Asthma Risk for Pregnant Women and Babies The prevalence of asthma among pregnant women is increasing. We know that over 50% of Australian women with asthma are likely to experience at least one exacerbation during pregnancy.

The greatest worry of pregnant women with asthma is whether their asthma medication will affect their baby.

Because of this concern, many women stop using their medications during pregnancy and as a result experience worsening asthma.

Good asthma control is especially important during pregnancy to ensure adequate oxygen supply to the foetus and the best possible outcomes for mother and baby.

Many pregnant women with asthma are not taking their asthma medications during pregnancy and are placing their babies at risk of poor outcomes.

For the last eight years, research conducted at the Hunter Medical Research Institute, has examined the effect pregnancy has on the severity of maternal asthma and its effect on the growth of the baby.

The research, funded by Asthma Foundation NSW, has highlighted that the likelihood of unhealthy outcomes occurring in pregnancies of women with asthma can be significantly reduced with a clearly defined written Asthma Action Plan and regular use of asthma medications during pregnancy.

To ensure these important messages are being delivered to women and health professionals Asthma Foundation NSW, with funding from the NSW Department of Health, has produced evidence based information brochures for pregnant women with asthma and for the health professionals who support them.

The health professional resource provides a clear summary of the latest evidence and practice tips for communicating and working with pregnant women with asthma.

Pregnancy & Asthma Facts Î

Current evidence from large studies indicates that maternal asthma increases the risk of low birth weight, pre term delivery and pre-eclampsia, and may increase the risk of perinatal mortality.

Î

These risks are highest for women with more severe asthma and those who experience asthma exacerbations during pregnancy.

The risk is lower among those with well controlled asthma, especially where managed with inhaled corticosteroids. The use of inhaled corticosteroids during pregnancy appears to protect against low birth weight.

Î

Uncontrolled asthma has been associated with both maternal death and foetal death.

Asthma and Pregnancy resources are available from Asthma Foundation NSW. Download a copy at www.asthmansw.org.au or call 02 9906 3233.

For information about asthma: 32 THE LAMP SEPTEMBER 2007

Freecall 1800 645 130 | ask@asthmansw.org.au www.asthmansw.org.au

s

OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH AND SAFETY

Concerns over smoking ban g Consultations needed before making mental health units smoke-free

N

SW Health has delayed the introduction of a total ban on smoking in mental health units in response to concerns raised by the NSW Nurses’ Association.

After the NSWNA raised concerns with NSW Health, the Department asked Chief Executives to put the ban on hold until it could thoroughly research the implications, consult with stakeholders including the union, and develop best practice guidelines.

NSW Health has progressively introduced a smoking ban in health care environments, including outdoor areas.

The ban extends to staff, patients and visitors with provisions for permanent exemptions for certain patient groups, including mental health patients.

Despite this, some health services such as Hunter New England Area Health Service have introduced complete smoking bans in mental health units.

North Coast Area Health Service has convened a consultative committee to help plan their move to smoke-free mental health units, with a pilot expected at Coffs Harbour Base Hospital.

‘This has to be a work in progress – the right answer will not come quickly.’

Maureen Bunt

NSW Health policy is to provide patients with nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) and information on how to quit.

However, an apparent lack of funding for NRT is one issue raised by the NSWNA. ‘We are concerned that other services may be cut in order to pay for NRT, which raises the issue of nursing

workloads and safety,’ said Assistant General Secretary Judith Kiejda.

‘The NSWNA fully supports providing staff with NRT training and offering NRT to patients who smoke – our concerns lie in the funding of such training and the implementation process,’ Judith said.

The NSWNA has received mixed responses to the ban, with some nurses unsure whether the benefits will outweigh the risks.

‘I agree with this policy in principle, although it is impractical for the severely

‘I am beginning to feel like the smoke police.’

Peter Quist

and chronically mentally ill – the negative outcomes are far exceed the positive outcomes,’ said Peter Quist, a clinical nurse specialist at Morisset Hospital, where the ban is already in place.

‘We have witnessed an increase in threats of violence and aggression towards staff and other patients – I am beginning to feel like the smoke police and it is even harder with some patients who don’t understand the ban,’ Peter said.

Peter was happy to see one patient quit smoking when offered NRT, but this was one patient out of 28.

‘We are seeing patients sneak off to smoke or even smoking in their rooms – lighters and matches are being snuck into the unit and as a result the fire risk has increased exponentially,’ he said.

Maureen Bunt, RN, works at Richmond Clinic in Lismore where mental health patients are still exempt from the ban. ‘At this stage I think the concept is there but not necessarily the strategies and support to see the policy through,’ she said.

‘In mental health units, patients are going through a lot of stress. Making them stop will be difficult as it is the process and ritual of

smoking as much as their addiction that needs to be broken.

‘This has to be a work in progress – the right answer will not come quickly and everyone needs to provide input and be open to ongoing tweaking and changing.’

Jeff Hardcastle, a nurse practitioner at Coffs Harbour Base Hospital, believes the positives will outweigh the negatives if a total ban is introduced at his workplace.

‘Ceasing smoking will allow for better efficiency of the patients’ medication and will be better for them economically,’ Jeff said.

‘Most of our patients smoke a pack a day which really cuts into their pension. A smoking ban will encourage them to better look after themselves and hopefully improve aspects of their health such as their teeth and recurring chest infections,’ he said.

While Jeff agrees that this is the best plan for patients long-term, he believes there will be initial problems implementing such changes. ‘Stress levels are likely to increase and the ban could pose a threat of violence,’ he said. n

THE LAMP SEPTEMBER 2007 33

s

N PE EWC SI A ILNP EB O S R PI EL F E

Andrew Whale receiving a 2007 Hesta Nursing Award

MERV rewarded for innovative men’s health service g Andrew Whale has landed a HESTA Nursing Award for his innovative approach to addressing men’s health issues.

N

SWNA member Andrew Whale has received the HESTA Innovation in Nursing Award for his work promoting men’s access to health services.

Andrew, a community nurse from Mudgee Community Health Centre, is the creator of an award-winning service, MERV (or Men’s Educational Rural Van), which visits male-dominated workplaces and schools offering free general health check-ups and education.

Part of the HESTA Nursing Awards, the Innovation in Nursing Award acknowledges nurses/teams who have initiated innovative products, services or processes that benefit patients and/or the community.

Each year the HESTA Nursing Awards celebrate and reward the hard work and

34 THE LAMP SEPTEMBER 2007

The MERV van and staff

achievements of Australian nurses. There were over 700 entries for this year’s awards, which are divided into three categories – Nurse of the Year, Innovation in Nursing and the Graduate Nurse of the Year. Many of this year’s nominees were NSWNA members.

Andrew told The Lamp that men’s health is not addressed in a lot of health services, especially in rural areas where geography and occupations can hinder men seeking health care and advice.

‘We try to get out to male-dominated workplaces and schools once every week

– we offer a free general health check-up including blood pressure, glucose and cholesterol checks, as well as general information and advice,’ he said.

‘The blokes are time-poor and really appreciate the service and we have even loaned out the van to neighbouring areas.’

MERV was launched in 2005 during Men’s Health Week and to date it has seen over 15,000 men.

Andrew and his team have also held information nights and through their work a new dad’s group has been established as well as a local support group for prostate cancer sufferers.

‘We have identified some more serious health problems in some of our clients that have gone on to be rectified and probably wouldn’t have been detected otherwise – the word is spreading and slowly but surely the men are opening up more about their health.’

Andrew has plans to start up a ‘men’s shed’, a permanent site that men can visit for health checks and advice.n

Nurse helped expose swindle g Honoured for work with elderly

A

Sydney nurse who helped save an elderly patient from a million dollar property swindle has been also commended for her high standard of care.

Ann Kelly, an aged care consultant at Prince of Wales Hospital emergency department, was chosen from 700 nominees to be the NSW representative at the HESTA Australian Nursing Awards.

Ann, who was nominated for the award by her ED colleagues, has been a community nurse with the South Eastern Area Health Service for most of the past 20 years.

Ann did her training in Ireland, had two children and migrated to Australia at the age of 28. She did night duty at Prince Henry Hospital when her kids were young then moved into community nursing.

Colleagues at Prince of Wales ED decided to nominate her for the award after she went out of her way to help an elderly Maroubra woman who arrived at the ED in a confused and anxious state.

Ann was not at the hospital when the woman named Elizabeth came in, but staff noted her condition and Ann, acting on instinct, decided to follow it up.

‘I phoned various services but she wasn’t known to anybody, and the chemist hadn’t known her for long and couldn’t tell me much either,’ Ann said.

‘Eventually I discovered the phone number of a niece. She told me she had never been inside Elizabeth’s flat. She was

an eccentric lady who had never married and lived a very private life. She visited her niece twice a year, but would always insist on being picked up at the bus stop.

‘I phoned Elizabeth and convinced her to see me. She said she was hungry so I took her a sandwich, and when I arrived at her house she was still wearing the hospital gown.’

Ann and the niece arranged to visit Elizabeth twice a day. Ann eventually gained Elizabeth’s confidence and arranged services for her.

One day Elizabeth told her nephew she wasn’t sure if she still owned her property, a block of four units. He went to her solicitor who did some searching and discovered that an unscrupulous lawyer and real estate agent had convinced Elizabeth to sell her property for a million dollars below market value.

Elizabeth’s nephew told Ann that, without her intervention, Elizabeth would

bread and washing powder in a green container with five holes on the top. I spent a couple of hours going from one supermarket to another and eventually found it was Ajax he was after.’

Ann said it was an overwhelming feeling to be selected as the NSW finalist in the HESTA awards.

‘I know there are thousands of nurses who deserve this award and to be picked out as somebody special is just amazing,’ she said.

‘A lot of community nurses do far more for their patients than they are expected to do.

‘I was talking to a nurse the other day who had spent the previous two hours mopping someone’s floor because their house was so filthy.’n

‘A lot of community nurses do far more for their patients than they are expected to do.’ likely have remained isolated and would surely have been swindled.

Going out of her way to help patients in her own time is not unusual for Ann. She has taken a housebound patient’s canary to the vet, and once talked a patient into letting her take blood – ‘but only after I promised to bring him four bananas, black Russian

Ann Kelly

Nurses helping care for children!

As a professional in the nursing field you have the knowledge and skills needed to provide care. You can utilise these skills as a foster carer whilst continuing in your career. Your commitment can range from caring for a child one weekend a month through to permanent care. For more information please call Centacare on 8709 9333 or visit www.fosterkids.com.au THE LAMP SEPTEMBER 2007 35 Centracare.indd 1

13/7/07 12:44:48 PM

Make a fashionable statement Place your order now for NSWNA merchandise

$10 $20

$10

$20

‘NURSES RIGHTS AT WORK’ NEW CAMPAIGN T-SHIRT ORDER FORM Name of the facility:

Name:

Address:

Contact number:

(M)

(PH)

PLEASE TICK SIZE AND NUMBER OF EACH SIZE REQUIRED Total cost of order:

c NURSES RIGHTS@WORK black s/sleeved t-shirt $10 Size 10

Size 12

Size 14

Size 16

Please include $5 postage & handling Method of payment:

Size 18

Size 20

Size 22

Size 24

Cheque

Money Order

Visa

MasterCard

Name of Card Holder: c MY RIGHTS@WORK white child’s s/sleeved t-shirt $10 Size 2

Size 4

Size 6

Size 8

Size 10 Expiry Date: _____ / _____

c BOXING ANGEL long-sleeved t-shirt $20 (white/ black) Size s W:

Size m B:

Size xl W:

B:

W:

B:

Size xxl W:

B:

Size l W:

B:

Size xxxl W:

B:

Signature: To order, fax the order form to Glen Ginty (02) 9550 3667 or post to: NSW Nurses’ Association PO Box 40 Camperdown NSW 145 Merchandise order forms available on our website www.nswnurses.asn.au

36 THE LAMP SEPTEMBER 2007 Authorised by Brett Holmes, General Secretary, NSWNA

s

Q & A

ASK

JUDITH

WHEN IT COMES TO YOUR RIGHTS AND ENTITLEMENTS AT WORK, NSWNA ASSISTANT GENERAL SECRETARY JUDITH KIEJDA HAS THE ANSWERS.

Pay according to hours worked I am an RN working part-time in a public hospital. I have been trying to work out the correct rate of pay I should be receiving based on the hours worked at my current and previous positions. Can you advise me how many hours make up a year, and can I include overtime, extra shifts etc in this calculation?

To calculate the correct year of service you need to work 1,982 hours each year to move up the incremental scale. (This figure is 1,976 for the private sector).

As a permanent part-time employee you can include extra shifts worked, not exceeding 38 hours per week. That is, it is not possible to reach the 1,982 hours under one calendar year. All paid leave is counted in this formula as time worked.

You should receive a statement of service from each employer on termination of employment, which should state the hours worked with that facility. If you don’t have a statement of service, and the facility is no longer contactable, you can provide your current employer with a statutory declaration, signed by a JP, giving the hours worked to the best of your knowledge. It is good practice to keep a work diary with all your shifts recorded in it, including

sick/annual/long service leave etc, along with your pay slips. This allows for back checking where necessary.

Can I be refused leave without pay?

I work in a public hospital and would like to take six months off to spend time with my ill mother. I was considering applying for leave without pay rather than resigning, can my employer refuse to grant this leave?

Who pays for police checks?

I am an RN in an aged care facility and have been instructed by my employer to pay for a police check. Some of my colleagues have already paid yet some of us feel that it is not up to us to pay for the check. Does the Association recommend we pay?

NSW Health has issued a policy directive called ‘Leave Without Pay’ (PD2006_ 091), which should be read by employees considering applying for leave without pay (LWOP). Section 7 addresses the issue of when LWOP should be granted and states the following: Good and sufficient reason for the leave must be shown and the employer must be satisfied that the employee intends to resume duty on the expiration of his/her leave. The granting of such leave is in all cases subject to the convenience of the employer.

Employers may grant up to three years of leave without pay, and there is no provision that staff must use up annual or long service leave before having such leave granted (that is, you can conserve your annual and long service leave whilst on LWOP).

To download a copy of the policy directive, go to www.health.nsw.gov.au and follow the links to Publications & Documents.n

The reasons the health department has decided to implement criminal history checks are varied, the main purpose is to ensure the safety of residents. Another reason is to protect your colleagues from criminal activity. This becomes an OHS issue.

Section 8 of the Occupational Health and Safety Act 2000 states, that an employer must ensure a safe and healthy workplace. In doing this, it is stated in section 22 that an employer must not charge an employee for things that ensure your safety.

Therefore the Association believes that the employer should pay for the checks.

However, the issue is with our solicitors and the Association is advising members to pay if their employer insists. There could be a possibility of refunds in the future.

Keep reading upcoming issues of The Lamp for further details.

N O R T H E R N

S Y D N E Y

I N S T I T U T E

PART TIME CASUAL TEACHER OF NURSING Location: Meadowbank & North Sydney Colleges • Salary: $62.37 per hour • Status: Part Time Casual • Ref: PT2007/91 • Duties: As listed in Statement of Duties for Teachers, available with Information package.

Selection Criteria: Degree, Diploma or equivalent for registration as a nurse with NSW and hold a current authority as a Registered Nurse in NSW. Post-Graduate/post-registration studies in relevant Health Studies area. Three (3) years relevant and current full-time (or equivalent) post graduate industry experience working with Enrolled Nurses, student Enrolled TAFE-Casual teacher.indd 1

Nurses or Assistants in Nursing. Demonstrated commitment to relevant ongoing professional development. Enrolment in, or completion of, or willingness to undertake Certificate IV in Training and Assessment or equivalent. Common selection criteria also apply.

Note: Teaching includes classes during the day.

Information Package: http://nsi.det.nsw.edu.au/1182/Employment or Recruitment Officer (02) 9942 3967.

Inquiries: Maryjane Mullarkey (02) 9942 0955

Closing date: Friday, 28 September 2007.

Applications (quoting JRN) to: Recruitment Coordinator, TAFE NSW Northern Sydney Institute, Human Resources Services Unit, Locked Bag 1453, Meadowbank NSW 2114.

9/8/07 1:44:59 PM37 THE LAMP SEPTEMBER 2007

ADVERTORIAL

STATE SUPER SAS Trustee Corporation

Now your super’s even better SASS members SSS members No doubt you’ve heard a lot about the Commonwealth Government’s changes to superannuation known as Better Super. And it’s good news for SSS and SASS members. Unless otherwise stated, the changes summarised below take effect from 1 July 2007.

TAX-FREE AFTER AGE 60 For taxed schemes such as SASS and SSS, all superannuation benefits whether in pension or lump sum form paid to members over age 60 will be tax free (subject to an adjustment for any surcharge or other debt).

aged less than 50 or $100,000 if you’re more than 50, will generally be taxed at a total of 46.5%. However special conditions apply to members of defined benefit schemes such as SASS and SSS as explained in the relevant Fact Sheets sent to members and now available on the website.

NON-CONCESSIONAL CONTRIBUTIONS CAP Non-concessional contributions are after-tax contributions members may make to an STC Scheme or a super top-up fund.

The non-concessional cap is set at $150,000 a year. Contributions exceeding this cap are taxed at 46.5%.

RBLS ABOLISHED Reasonable Benefit Limits (RBLs) have been abolished. If you were affected by RBLs you need worry no more. There is now no limit on the amount of super you can build up.

Like more information?

?

FACT SHEETS See the Fact Sheets on the web www.statesuper.nsw.gov.au or call Customer Service for a copy.

TOUGHER TFN RULES CO-CONTRIBUTION BOOST Members who received a Commonwealth Government Co-contribution for the year ended 30 June 2006 will receive a one-off bonus up to a maximum of $3,000 instead of $1,500.

There’s a Fact Sheet on our website explaining how the Commonwealth Government’s Co-contribution works.

CONCESSIONAL CONTRIBUTIONS CAP Briefly, concessional contributions exceeding $50,000 for people

More than 96% of members have provided their Tax File Number (TFN). However that small percentage of members who have not provided their TFN may be adversely affected by the continued tightening of the Commonwealth Government’s TFN regime. There’s a TFN Collection Form on our website or you can call Customer Service and a copy will be sent to you.

CUSTOMER SERVICE (8.30 am to 5.30 pm Monday to Friday) SASS members: call 1 300 130 095 SSS members: call 1 300 130 096

STC_SUPBETT_LAMP_0807

www.statesuper.nsw.gov.au

38 THE LAMP SEPTEMBER 2007

Reasonable care has been taken in producing the information in this advertorial and nothing in it is to be regarded as personal advice. If there is any inconsistency between the advertorial and the relevant scheme legislation, the scheme legislation will prevail.

Neither the SAS Trustee Corporation nor its respective Boards or officers will be liable for any decision taken on the basis of information shown or omitted from this advertorial. Members should seek professional advice before making decisions which may affect their future.

s

L I F E S T Y L E

! it in w to it in e b to t o g You’ve

Fit for fun: (from left) Karen Bayliss, Sue Trotter, Judy Saul, Donna King, Sonia Guest, Karen Blanchard, Clare O’Rouke, Ruth Starr.

g Kempsey Health Campus gears up for the Inter-Hospital Mini Olympics – and proves that fitness can be fun.

we come to work with a clear head and we have found it also enhances our teamwork.

‘We are always trying to get our colleagues to join in. It keeps us fit but it is also fun – we shy away from being too competitive.’

Sonia said the steering committee, which started from scratch financially, has held a strong fundraising drive and received generous donations from the NSWNA and Hesta Super fund.

‘After overheads and prizes, the leftover funds are put back into Kempsey health services,’ said Sonia.

Local businesses have also been very supportive, sponsoring individual events and donating the use of venues for free.

Sport is not the only thing to look forward to during the Olympics – the Kempsey team have some impressive social activities planned as well.

‘We are having a “meet and greet” at the local bowling club and an op-shop themed ball at the RSL,’ said Sue. ‘There will also be a traditional Aboriginal smoking ceremony – we wanted to respect and involve the local Aboriginal community and felt this was a great way to open the Olympics.’

The two-day event is shaping up to be a lot of fun and a great way to show off your sporting prowess while supporting the Kempsey health services.

‘We want everyone to spread the word as the Olympics are always a great event and it is important for health professionals to promote health and fitness to the community. Spectators are welcome too – the more the merrier,’ said Sonia.

For more information call Sonia Guest on (02) 6562 0218 or go to www.ncahs.nsw.gov.au/ihmon

he Inter-Hospital Mini Olympics will celebrate its 31st year of competition in October, with the Kempsey Health Campus playing the enthusiastic host. The games are open to all NSW Health and NSW Ambulance employees and volunteers.

This year’s meet is being organised by a dedicated team from Kempsey Hospital.

‘Things are hectic in organising the event – previously there have been up to 1,200 competitors and we are expecting the same this year,’ said Sonia Guest, RN and treasurer of the steering committee.

‘There are 17 sports in this year’s games and we are introducing a new sport, bass fishing, which is a catch and release competition and a local pastime here in Kempsey,’ she said.

T

Sonia has been involved in the InterHospital Mini Olympics for seven years, as a member of the Kempsey Health Campus netball team. The team boasts five out of eight original members who pride themselves on their undefeated run in Nowra during the 2005 Olympics.

Sue Trotter, CNS, is also a member of the steering committee and a member of the netball team. ‘Like Sonia I have played netball since school and also play in a social comp,’ Sue said.

‘Even though I have always enjoyed netball and played throughout my life, I never thought to enter in the Olympics.

A colleague found some information and we decided to give it a go and have participated for the last seven years.

‘Sport is a great stress relief from work and we love the social element. It means

TIPS TO GETTING FIT

c Park your car further away or get off the bus a stop earlier and walk to your destination – these short clusters of time will soon add up. c Opt for the stairs – this is a good cardio activity and great for toning. c Take advantage of your breaks and warm yourself up by going for a walk. You will be energised and go back to work with a clear mind. Even get your colleagues to join you. c No one enjoys the cleaning and housework but by putting in that extra effort and elbow grease you can make your chores a workout – this doesn’t make them seem so bad after all!

If you have neglected your fitness for a long time, are working unsocial hours and would rather be inside than out in the cold, you are not alone. But starting out doesn’t have to be hard – it is best to start simply and increase your activities as your fitness improves.

THE LAMP SEPTEMBER 2007 39

s

L I F E S T Y L E

The War on Democracy g John Pilger’s first feature film provides a gripping and informative behind-the-scenes insight into the United States’ backyard – Central and South America.

J

ohn Pilger has made over 50 documentaries for television.

This, his first feature, is well made. Although it couldn’t be described as entertaining, the 90 minutes did not drag.

It exposed my lack of knowledge of the geography and history of Central and South America – as opposed to that of the USA (where it’s known as America’s ‘backyard’).

The film details Venezuela’s President, Hugo Chavez, elected in 1999 on a social justice platform, who proved to be both popular and clever. Lambasted by some American media and politicians for leftist tendencies, he has continued to supply the US with 15% of their daily oil supply

(one and a half million barrels), while channelling the income into free health care clinics and literacy classes for all.

The shot of 95-year-old Mavis Mendes, learning to read and write for the first time, was particularly memorable.

Chavez provides citizens with a copy of their constitutional rights on the back of soap powder packets (sold in supermarkets subsidised by oil revenue). He is popular with the poor but not the middle-class social elite, who lost control over the oil income, though not their share. Therefore they continue to live very well but are threatened by Chavez.

He was deposed in 2002 by an army coup. Whereupon people of the Caracas barrios (cliffside shanty towns on the outskirts) streamed in, surrounded the presidential palace, and remained there until the army relented and returned Chavez from imprisonment (and probable assassination).

This story ends on an upbeat note before moving on to discuss America’s involvement in the deposing of democratically elected leaders in many Latin American countries who didn’t govern to its satisfaction, or threatened their business interests. There’s good use of archival footage,

Wayne Lynch, RN, Kirketon Road Centre, Kings Cross, and CNS, Concord Hospital Drug Health ConsultationLiaison Team.

The Lamp’s rating

WANTED 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 Editorial Enquiries now on 02 8595 1219 or email lamp@nswnurses.asn.au

dating back to the 1950s, Nixon and the CIA, and documents obtained under FOI. The film, a lot darker now (the interviews with the Chilean torture victims are harrowing), explains where the term ‘Banana Republic’ came from. More important is who caused them to be so and why.n The War on Democracy opens nationally on 27 September.

TICKET GIVEAWAYS FOR NSWNA MEMBERS

Forbidden Lie$

(in cinemas 13 September)

Norma Khouri is a thief, a saint, a seductress and a sociopath – depending on who is talking. Men want to marry her, Islamic extremists want to kill her, and the global publishing industry wishes she would just disappear.

Khouri won fame and fortune with her ‘true story’ Forbidden Love, about the honour killing of her best friend Dalia in Jordan. The novel was a 40 THE LAMP SEPTEMBER 2007

runaway bestseller, translated into many languages, and Norma was the toast of the literary world. That was until July 2004, when well-respected Sydney journalist Malcolm Knox exposed the novel as a work of fiction.

Weaving between London, Jordan, Queensland and the Chicago backstreets of Norma’s dubious past, Forbidden Lie$ pits Norma’s tale against the stories of those she duped. Who do you believe? Forbidden Lie$ lets you be the judge.

The Lamp has 25 double passes to see a preview screening of Forbidden Lies and 50 inseason double passes each to The War on Democracy and Lady Chatterley. To enter, email lamp@nswnurses.asn.au with your name, membership number, address and contact number. First entries win!

Lady Chatterley fails to excite g Yawn! Yawn! Do we really need another film about the infamous Lady Chatterley? wonders Jan Page.

S

et in 1921 post-WWI, this is the story of the affair between Lady Constance Chatterley, a sexually unfulfilled young woman and the gamekeeper, Parkin, who manages an estate owned by the wheelchair-bound war veteran Sir Clifford Chatterley.

One has to ask: does the world really need another film about the infamous Lady Chatterley? Apparently DH Lawrence wrote three different versions of this erotic story more than 80 years ago – this new film is based on one of these and is the first ‘Lady Chatterley’ directed by a woman, Pascale Ferran.

The story is told simply and true to the writer’s intention of showing sexuality as an integral part of a romantic relationship.

Little of the infamous soft-core titillation that is usually associated with this tale is evident in this film.

Instead the story is more focused on Constance, a young and naive aristocrat

who has a sad and sterile relationship with her invalid husband but whose body and spirit are both awakened by the equally lonely but handsome, mature gamekeeper.

These two socially and emotionally isolated people meet and discover freedom and joy within their sexual relationship, breaking away from the strict social codes of the time.

The role of Oliver Parkin is played by a newcomer to French film Jean-Louis Coullo’ch, who I felt has an uncanny resemblance to a young Marlon Brando!

Young Constance is played by Marina Hands – a role for which she won the Cesar award for Best Actress.

Unfortunately, I found her

Jan Page, RN, Immunisation Coordinator for the City of Ryde The Lamp’s rating

Our reviewers & tipsters receive a delightful ABC Classics CD – 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.

characterisation both irritating and lacking in depth. The awkward dialogue and even worse subtitles didn’t engage me. It was unusual to watch a French film set in England.

The film is visually beautiful in costume and setting. The large estate of Wragby and the changing of the seasons is used effectively to reflect the passing of time and the experience of the lovers.

In France, this film has received critical acclaim and has won five 2007 Cesar Awards for Best French Film, Best Actress, Best Literary Adaptation, Best Cinematography and Best Costume Design.

But I don’t think it’s one for the boys and I think even my mum would be disappointed!n Lady Chatterley opens on 6 September.

THE LAMP SEPTEMBER 2007 41

s

O B I T U A R I E S

Farewell to a loyal comrade EON KEITH ROBINSON • 1952 – 2007

E

on Keith Robinson, RN and NSWNA President of the Gladesville and Macquarie Branches, passed away on 16 March 2007 at home without prior illness. A chapel service was conducted at Rookwood Cemetery on Thursday 22 March attended by his family and many friends.

Eon was a good friend and colleague, a loyal trade unionist who fought the good fight for all of us and lived his life dedicated to his workplace, his community, his friends and, most of all, to his family.

to speak his mind and act accordingly. He reinforced a fundamental belief of Labor politics that a fair go and justice were important for all, not just the few.

In the late 1980s, due to new union coverage rules, Eon left the H&REA and joined the NSWNA. He held various positions in the Gladesville/Macquarie Hospital Branch in the following years and that of Branch President & Delegate for the last 10 years.

Eon supported anyone who needed assistance, always defending the worker, believing that the Union’s responsibility was to protect the rights and conditions

Eon gave a working lifetime commitment to the union movement, to the Labor Party and to protecting workers’ rights.

Eon began his nursing career at Gladesville Hospital on 24 February 1975.

He was 22 years of age and his political beliefs and social values were already wellestablished. He quickly became involved with the Health & Research Employees Association and an active member of the H&REA Gladesville branch executive.

In his generation of trade union history, Eon was involved in one of the longest strikes in NSW in 1985 to campaign for the retention of public health services for the mentally ill and intellectually disabled. He was very much a leader of that campaign, standing beside all his workplace colleagues and trade union comrades. He would refer to us always as ‘comrades’, encouraging his members to greater levels of activism and engagement with the issues and problems of working life and of society. He was always talking about how society had a responsibility to provide for people less fortunate and to give a hand up to those who fell behind.

Eon was, and always will be, a socialist in this life and the next. He was a true believer of ‘the light on the hill’, a member of the Labor Left, an active communityminded person ready to be involved and to make a difference in any way he could, always in for the long haul and never afraid 42 THE LAMP SEPTEMBER 2007

of nurses and other workers everywhere.

No issue was too big or too small because in Eon’s mind everything mattered in the larger scheme of building the good life.

He gave a working lifetime commitment to the union movement, to the Labor Party and to protecting workers’ rights. He took part in every industrial action he could, marching in the streets at union campaigns, May Day rallies, environmental and peace marches. Eon was there with banner in hand marching proudly to ensure the message was heard.

He was campaigning and supporting Labor candidates for this recent State election, always part of the action, always involved.

His sense of humour was always apparent by the branch notices printed on red paper. He had a lightness of heart and a philosophical mind, playful and serious at once; wearing his colourful display of Doc Martens and his humorous quotes and expressions. If you asked Eon what he thought of dying, he’d most likely say: I’m not across that one yet, comrade, but we’ll put it to the vote.

Eon was a lover of modern music and keen record collector and had a prodigious memory for details of albums and performers. He enjoyed good writing as well and was always quoting and recommending good books to read. He inspired us with his wit and wisdom.

He leaves us overall with a sense of the good citizen, contributing to his community, mindful of the need to be involved with others for the common good. Eon’s humanity and thoughtful commitment to society and family life is a reminder of the best we can be for our allotted time together, for he chose a life of living dedication to others. We honour and remember him with love and sorrow at his leaving.

We express our deepest sympathy to his family, Karen his wife, Clair his daughter and Eamon his son. Eon is also survived by his mother Norma and sister Kim. Farewell, Comrade. You will dwell in our hearts and in our best and most fond memories, farewell good friend. n Linda Stewart, Patient Flow Manager, Mental Health NSCCHS

Nurse, lawyer and fighter KATHY TAYLOR • 28 June 1953 – 19 July 2007

K

athy Taylor had two successful careers, one as a nurse and one as a lawyer hell-bent on serving the nursing profession she loved so much.

One of four daughters to Keith, a butcher, and his wife Norma and schooled at St John’s college in Auburn, Kathy subsequently followed her big sister into nursing at Bankstown Hospital.

After stints at Prince of Wales and Netherleigh Hospitals as a RN, Kathy completed her Associate Diploma in Nursing Education at Cumberland College and spent the next five years putting her education to good practice as a nurse educator at Royal Prince Alfred Hospital (RPAH).

Kathy steadily moved up the ranks at RPA to Assistant DoN of Ongoing Education and later Acting DoN. At the same time, Kathy was studying part-time at the University of Technology, graduating in 1989 with a Bachelor of Laws (Honours).

It was pure determination that drove Kathy during this time because it was then that she was diagnosed with phaechromocytoma – the disease that was to fracture her career and define her life for many years to come.

Adversity was set aside as Kathy commenced her next career at the NSW Nurses Association, first as an Assistant Industrial Officer doing workers compensation and professional welfare and in 1993 as Industrial Officer.

With her extensive nursing background as a frontline nurse, educator and administrator, and a brand new law degree under her arm, Kathy was perfectly placed to make a big difference to the nursing profession and the union.

Her knack for the written word went well beyond submissions to courts and government. She was instrumental in rolling out a legal resources kit for nurses and spent a lot of time taking her law seminar series to nurses right across NSW. Her delivery was succinct, informative and nurses usually sat goggleeyed at her horror stories. They may not have always ‘got the law’ but they certainly ‘got the message’.

Getting the word out also meant writing for the Association’s magazine, The Lamp. Kicking off in 1992 with Workers Compensation, Kathy wrote 35 articles in all, covering a huge range of topics from restraint in residential aged care facilities to the Health Care Complaints Act. Kathy would always find something to write about for the magazine that would impact on nursing practice. Her day-to-day work brought her many challenges and she was keen to keep the law firmly implanted in the hearts and minds of working nurses.

Her brilliant work at the Nurses’ Association was acknowledged in the late 90s when she was appointed as a Commissioner for the Legal Aid Commission.

In 1999, the doctors finally diagnosed the return of the phaeo and it was back with a vengeance. Resection and debulking of the tumours followed with extensive surgery to the spine, liver and femur.

Though retiring in 2002 from the Nurses’ Association because of her health (she was made a Life Member in 2005), Kathy was commissioned to write the online resources for the 5th edition Nursing and the Law and spent nine weeks labouring over every chapter to deliver the consummate tool for nurses.

Always at Kathy’s side was the love of her life, Sylvana. Her unyielding spirit and optimism through Kathy’s tough times were legendary. Together they chose to live very much in the present and every day they celebrated their 34 years together and their love for each other.n Julie Venamore

Simply Midwifery

MIDWIVES!!

SAVE YOUR ENERGY FOR WHERE YOU WANT TO WORK! At present Staffing Synergy has more work available than we can handle and we need your help! We can offer you full time, part time or casual hours.

We have full indemnity insurance (including Delivery Suite), an ongoing education program, great rates of pay and flexible hours. Why not call us today and become part of the Number 1 midwifery agency?

Call Kay at Staffing Synergy Sydney on (02) 9575 3901, Marc at Staffing Synergy Melbourne on (03) 9857 3544 or visit us at www.staffingsynergy.com.au 10334 THE LAMP SEPTEMBER 2007 43

CAREGIVERS a change is as good as a rest

use your nursing background to work as a temporary live-in care giver Do you want to Work and Travel?

Are you capable of providing housekeeping support, have some care-giving experience or have trained as a nurse and are you eligible to work in the UK? Then we can help you work and travel in the UK. Placements involve live-in care for older people in their own homes.

Depending on experience the pay is between $1000 and $1200 a week.

All placements are short-term and include free board and lodgings, making them a great way to augment your cash in between travel excursions.

Visit our website for more information about this fantastic opportunity – not only the great pay and conditions but also the good time off, holiday pay, free training and professional friendly support.

To be eligible to work for us in the UK you must have one of the following: • A valid British or European Union Passport • A Working Holiday Visa for commonwealth citizens aged 30 or under • An Ancestry Visa by virtue of having a UK grandparent Email us on: enquiries@oxfordaunts.co.uk or visit our website at: www.oxfordaunts.co.uk

OXFORD AUNTS CARE 3 Cornmarket Street Oxford OX1 3EX UK Phone: ++ 44 1865 791017 Fax: ++ 44 1865 242606

"O JOEFQFOEFOU $ISJTUJBO $IBSJUZ DPNNJUUFE UP FYDFMMFODF BOE JOOPWBUJPO JO BHFE DBSF TFSWJDFT

º/ Ài`Ê vÊLÕÀi>ÕVÀ>VÞÊ> ` Ü> ÌÊÌ Ê}iÌÊL>V ÊÌ ÊV>À }¶» º ÌiÀiÃÌi`Ê Ê > >}i i Ì] ÕÀà }Ê> `Ê >ÀiÀÊÀ iö»

U > i } }Ê> `Ê`Þ > VÊÀ ià U ÌÌÀ>VÌ ÛiÊÃ> >ÀÞÊ«>V >} }

vÊÞ ÕÊ >ÛiÊ>Ê«>Ãà Êv ÀÊV>À }Êv ÀÊ `iÀÊ ÕÃÌÀ> > ÃÊ > `ÊÞ ÕÊÜ> ÌÊà i iÊÌ ÊÌ> iÊ>Ê}i Õ iÊ ÌiÀiÃÌÊ Ê`iÛi « }Ê Þ ÕÀÊV>ÀiiÀÊV> Ê > `Ê >ÀiÊÌ `>ÞÊ Ê£nääÊäÈÓÊxÓxÊ­vÀiiÊV> ®Ê v ÀÊ ÀiÊ v À >Ì °Ê ÌiÀ >Ì Ûi ÞÊi > ÊÞ ÕÀÊÀiÃÕ iÊÌ Ê ÕÀÊ*i « iÊ -iÀÛ ViÃÊ`i«>ÀÌ i ÌÊÛ >Ê ÕÀÊÜiLà ÌiÊÜÜÜ° > `°V °>ÕÊ 44 THE LAMP SEPTEMBER 2007

LÞÊV V }Ê ÊÌ iʼ LÃ½Ê °Ê

s

L I F E S T Y L E

SPECIAL INTEREST TITLE

The Government Giveth and the Government Taketh Away: Tax Welfare Churning and the Case for Welfare State Opt-Outs.

Book me Williams Obstetrics (22nd edition)

by F. Gary Cunningham, Kenneth J. Leveno, Steven L. Bloom, John C. Hauth, Larry Gilstrap and Katherine D. Wenstrom, McGraw-Hill (Medical Publishing Division), RRP $182.95: ISBN 0-07-141315-4 Rigorously referenced and cohesively written, the hallmarks of Williams Obstetrics are its thoroughness and practical applicability for the obstetrician at the bedside.

The book continues to maintain its strong evidence-based approach whereby management guidelines and recommendations are evaluated on analysis of the scientific literature. This is the ideal text for anyone who provides maternal and foetal health care. Now offering state-of-the-art diagnostic ultrasound images throughout, it is rigorously referenced and clearly written.

Healing Presence: The Essence of Nursing

by JoEllen Goertz Koerner, Springer Publishing Company (available through Elsevier Australia), RRP $54.00: ISBN 978082611575-1 Through this book, JoEllen Koerner explores ways – scientific, creative, and spiritual – of understanding the power and impact of this ‘healing presence’ on both the caregiver and

on those receiving care. Whether an established nurse or a passionate student, this inspirational work will help balance both the practical and emotional aspects of patient care.

Nursing and Midwifery Research: Methods and Appraisal for Evidence-based Practice (3rd edition)

by Zevia Schneider, Dean Whitehead and Doug Elliott, Elsevier-Mosby Australia), RRP $68.00: ISBN 978-0-72953791-9 (pbk) Nursing and Midwifery Research reflects today’s dynamic health care environment, and supports nurses and midwives in their quest to understand research data and processes and apply research findings in practice. The content of this third edition has been updated to reflect the ever-changing and widening scope of nursing and midwifery research, especially in relation to how we seek to develop and improve clinical practice on the basis of systematic and rigorous research.

Social Policy for Nurses and the Helping Professions (2nd edition)

by Stephen Peckham and Liz Meerabeau, McGraw-Hill Education, RRP $52.95: ISBN 978-0-335-219-629 (pbk.)

This book examines the relationship between welfare and health and includes discussion of key policies issues such as:

by Peter Saunders, Centre for Independent Studies Limited, RRP $29.95: ISBN 978-1-86432-165-4 (pbk.)

The Government Giveth and the Government Taketh Away asks why the government is spending more than ever on the welfare state when increasing numbers of people are earning enough to take care of themselves. This book is a roadmap to what can and should be done to restore individual self reliance to the great bulk of the community while making sure that those who need assistance can be helped more appropriately. changes in health care delivery, regulation of professionals, privatisation, welfare pluralism and health and social inequalities. Social Policy for Nurses and the Helping Professions equips students with a lively, readable and well-illustrated introduction to social policy. The reader is guided through the material with the help of chapter summaries, further reading and a glossary, as well as new examples and case studies to reflect the different client groups within nursing. n

WHERE TO GET THIS MONTH’S 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 Please note these publications can be purchased by going directly to the publisher’s websites: McGraw-Hill: www.mcgraw-hill.com.au Elsevier Australia: www.elsevier.com.au THE LAMP SEPTEMBER 2007 45

Join over 500,000 members! to find out how visit www.firststatesuper.com.au

everyone!

Flexible contribution options N Comprehensive death, and disablement insurance cover N Range of 10 investment strategies N Choice of 2 retirement income streams N

Low fees

Simple

Open to everyone*

More information Website: www.firststatesuper.com.au Phone: 1300 650 873 Email: enquiries@firststatesuper.com.au

*Open to anyone who is eligible to be a member of a superannuation fund (age restrictions apply).

Please consider the First State Super Product Disclosure Statement (PDS) having regard to your own situation before deciding whether to become a member or continue membership. A copy is available by calling us or visiting our website. The information contained in this document is current as at July 2007.

Prepared by FSS Trustee Corporation ACN 118 202 672, AFSL 293340, RSE L0002127, the trustee of First State Superannuation Scheme RSE R1005134.

46 THE LAMP SEPTEMBER 2007

KEY JOIN 07/07

First State Super has something for

CRoSSWoRD Test your nursing knowledge with this month’s Lamp crossword.

1

2

3

6

4

5

7 8 9

11

10

12

13 14

15

16 17 19

20

18

21

22 23

24

25

s

ACROSS

s

DOWN

1.

6.

Thyrotoxicosis (15) Hypersensitivity to normally harmless substances (7) Gastrointestinal, abbrev (1.1.)

Dryness of the throat from lack of water (6) C-section (9) Episodes of dyspnoea, asthma …… (6) Bone at the base of the spine (5) Sudden involuntary contraction (7) Acid that builds up after exercise (6) Registered nurse, abbrev (1.1.)

Knee cap (7) Leukocytes (5,5,5)

1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

9.

10.

12.

13.

14.

15.

18.

19.

20.

21.

Migraines (9) Vomiting (6) Leaves out (5) Finger or toe (5) Where the uvula is found (5) Lotion (5) Where insulin is produced (8) Cast out, expel (5) Squander, litter (5) Astound (5) Units of weight measurement (9) Conjunctivitis, common name (3,3) Joint of the arm (5) Expandable tube inserted into a vein (5) Wash hands for surgery, ….. in (5)

7.

8.

11.

14.

16.

17.

22.

23.

24.

25.

Solution page 49 THE LAMP SEPTEMBER 2007 47

DIARY DATES

Conferences, seminars, meetings SYDNEY, HUNTER & ILLAWARRA Discharge Planning Assoc. Meeting 13 Sept, Sydney Adventist Hospital Contact: Kerrie Kneen, 9487 9750, kerriek@sah.org.au The Institute of Health Care Fire Safety Bi-Annual Conference 14 Sept, Quality Resourt Sails. Cost: $350$450 members, $550-$650 non-members.

Contact: Wendy McCaig 0423 027 648 wendy.mccaig@sesiahs.health.nsw.gov.au History Week: Exhibition to Celebrate Nursing & Midwifery History 18–22 Sept, University of Sydney, Contact: Lynette Russell, 9351 0635, lrussell@nursing.usyd.edu.au www.historycouncilnsw.org.au NSW 30th Infection Control Conference 19 – 21 Sept, Star City Darling Harbour Contact: 9745 9613/ ica@nursing.edu.au NSW Trauma Conference ‘Trauma in the Mountains‘ 20–21 September, Blue Mountains.

Contact: Kerry Quinn, 4734 2518, quinnk@wahs.nsw.gov.au NSW Day Surgery Nurses Assoc.

Education Session + AGM 22 September, 321 Kent St, Sydney.

Contact: Julianne Thynne, 4226 6955, jthynne@wollongongdaysurgery.com.au Enrolled Nurse Prof. Assoc. Annual Conf. – ‘Enrolled Nurses Flying High’ 24–25 Sept, Panthers Leagues Club, Penrith Registrations & abstracts, contact 0500 500 187/ president@enpansw.org.au APHEDA Gala Sydney Dinner 26 September, Paddington Town Hall, 6.30pm for a 7pm start.

Cost: $60 or $550 for a table of 10.

Contact: 9264 9343, office@apheda.org.au

Chronic Pain Association Inaugural Conference. ‘Driving Change in Persistent Pain: Revelations’ 26–27 Sept, Mary McKillop Place, North Syd Contact: Sally Lane-Brittain, 6628 2901, sally@ppleducation.com.au, www.chronicpainassociation.org.au The Children’s Hospital Westmead Paediatric Nursing Seminar 2 Oct, cnr Hawksbury Rd & Hainsworth St, Westmead. Cost: $50 ($40 early bird) Contact: Adrienne Woods, 9845 0000, adriennb@chw.edu.au NSWNA 7th Professional Issues Conf.

5 October, Swiss Grand Resort & Spa, Campbell Parade, Bondi Beach.

Cost: members $85, non-members $100 Contact: Carolyn Culling 8595 1234 Hope Healthcare Palliative Care Seminar – ‘Palliative Care: There is more than cancer’ 5 Oct, Neringah Hospital, Wahroonga.

Contact: Angela Doran, 9488 2200 Mental Health Week Free Movie Screenings: ‘Drug & Alcohol and Mental Illness on the Silver Screen’ 6 Oct, from 12:30pm, UTS Kuring-gai Campus. RSVP on 9887 5597 Introduction to Renal Nursing 18 & 25 October, Concord Hospital, Riverside Room Contact: CEWD, 9515 4370 or wards@email.cs.nsw.gov.au stewartg@email.cs.nsw.gov.au Kempsey Health Campus 31st Inter-Hospital Mini Olympics.

25–26 October, Kempsey, NSW Contact: Sonia Guest, 6562 0218, sonia.guest@ncahs.health.nsw.gov.au www.ncahs.nsw.gov.au/ihmo Midwives on the Tweed Educ. Day 26 October, Tweed Heads Bowls Club Contact: Jenni Sullivan, midwivesonthetweed@hotmail.com

TAX RETURNS

NSW Lactation College Conference ‘Good Better Best: Clinical Perspectives in Breastfeeding’ 26 –27 Oct, Coogee Crowne Plaza Hotel Contact: Lynne Hall, 9664 4315 or 0419 245 966, halls4@bigpond.net.au Wound Care Assoc. of NSW State Conf. – ‘Becoming a Wizard in Wound Care’ 2–3 Nov, Wollongong Entertainment Ctr Contact: Debbie Blanchfield, 4295 8203, Debbie.blanchfield@sesiahs.health.nsw.gov. au, www.ciap.health.nsw.gov.au/wcansw St Vincent’s & Mater Health Sydney Nursing Research Symposium ‘Innovations: Forming Research Ideas from Clinical Practice’ 9 Nov, St Vincent’s Private Hospital, Darlinghurst. Cost: $50 Contact: Anne Fallon, 8382 6451, afallon@stvincents.com.au Enteral Tube Feeding Workshop 10 Nov, 8.30am –2pm, Westmead Hosp.

Cost: $25 (incl. morning tea and lunch.)

Contact: Sally Piggott CNC, 9845 6715, sally.piggott@swahs.health.nsw.gov.au Assoc. of Nurse Continence Advisors Workshop – “Secret Men’s Business” 23 November, St George Leagues Club Contact: Cheryl Meade, 9570 1273, cherylmeade@msn.com/ rhonda. brownlow@sesiahs.health.nsw.gov.au Cardiovascular CT at Concord Conf.

23–25 May 2008, Grand Pavillion, Rosehill Gardens Event Centre Contact: Tara Montgomery, 9518 7725, taram@conexion.com.au, Web: www.cctatconcord.com

The Mental Health Services (The MHS) 17th Annual Conference ’20-20 Vision: Looking Toward Excellence in Mental Health Care in 2020’ 4 – 7 Sept, Melbourne Convention Centre Contact: 9810 8700, info@themhs.org

Specialised Service for Nurses and Hospital Staff Maximum Tax Refund Within 14 Days sub. to ATO

Over 15 years experience Michael Todd JPCFP FTIA, FTMA

Call Mike (02) 9808 3166 Austwise Tax Accountants and Reg Tax Agents 34/ 99 Anzac Avenue, Cnr Victoria Road, West Ryde NSW 2114 48 THE LAMP SEPTEMBER 2007

9th National Conf. Older, stronger wiser 19 – 21 Sept, Crowne Plaza, Alice Springs Contact: Susan Day, 8850 8317, days@wyeth.com 3rd Annual Australian Nurse Practitioner Association Conf. – ‘Nurse Practitioners: Change, Choice & Challenges’ 21 – 22 September, Sheraton Hotel, Perth.

Contact: 9954 4400, anpa@dcconferences.com.au, www.dcconferences.com.au/anpa2007 5th International Meeting On Intensive Cardiac Care 14–16 October, Tel Aviv, Israel.

Contact: Rachel Weiner, seminars@isas. co.il, www.isas.co.il/cardiac-care2007 Australian Assoc. of Gerontology 40th National Conference – ‘Beyond 2007, Ageing: Evolution & Revolution” 21 – 23 November, Hilton Adelaide, SA Info: Jane Howarth, www.aagconference. com, aag@eastcoastconferences.com.au

Reunions Manning Rural Referral Hosp. Taree 8 September Contact: Merle Wright, 02 6552 2956 Email: mhicks@tpg.com.au Children’s Ward Mt Druitt Hospital – 25 Year Staff Reunion 22 Sept, 6.30pm, Woodruff Rm Penrith Panthers, Penrith. Cost: $55 BYO drinks.

Contact: Wendy McCredie, 4754 3326.

INTERSTATE AND OVERSEAS RPAH Renal Unit Reunion

REASONABLE PRICE

• Fees from Refund & Fully Tax Deductible • Professional, efficient, Personal Service, 7 Days • Negative Gearing, Shares/ Property, Capital Gains Tax • Overdue & Late Returns • Tax Planning

ANF Victorian Branch: Stop the Silence 12 Sept, 540 Elizabeth Street, Melbourne Contact: Yiota Paraskevopoulos, 03 9275 9333, records@anfvic.asn.au

•• •• •• •• •• •• ••

40th anniversary year luncheon, 25 Sept Contact: Jane Mawson, 9515 7630, jane.mawson@email.cs.nsw.gov.au Pioneer Lodge Nursing Home Reunion 29 September, Griffith, NSW Contact: Joyce Moorhouse, 6962 4454

Diary Dates

Tamworth Base Hospital Graduate Nurses 40th Reunion 13 Oct, Hosp. Chapel, then Frog & Toad Function Ctr. RSVP by 1 Oct, Cost: $35.

Contact: Di Bushell, 6765 2226 Marrickville District Hospital 20 October, 2pm, NSW Masonic Club Contact: Evelyn Kelly, 0411 331 023

Social event Kenmore Hospital Museum Goulburn Open Day Weekends 15–16 & 22–23 Sept, 10am–4pm, 197 Taralga Road, Goulburn.

Contact: Jenni Aubrey 02 4827 3412 (bh) or 02 4821 2587 (ah).

Other notices NSWNA Recruitment Incentive Scheme From 30 June – 30 Dec 07, the NSWNA Recruitment Incentive Scheme prize increases from a $5 voucher to a $10 voucher for all new applicants recruited

by NSWNA members.

Contact NSWNA Communications Team at lridge@nswnurses.asn.au or 8595 1234.

Leichhardt Library. RSVP: 9367 9266/ localhistory@lmc.nsw.gov.au Exhibition runs until 28 Oct during Library hours. Contact: www.lmc.nsw.gov.au

Correction We would like to point out an error in the August edition of The Lamp on page 15. In the article ‘Local heroes: Standing up for nurses’ rights’ we wrongly attributed the activism at President Private Hospital to Sharon Pippen. In fact, Sharon had addressed the NSWNA annual conference on behalf of Cecelia McNeil, a member formerly employed at President Private, who was sick and unable to attend the conference. Our apologies for the confusion.

Crossword solution

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: Editorial Enquiries Email: lamp@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 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 try to publish them.

Careers Health currently has positions available for RNʼs & EENʼs in the following areas: x x x x

Orthopaedics - Nth Shore Scrub / Scout - Inner West & Nth Shore Theatre - West Subs & Nth Shore Anaesthetics & Recovery - Inner West

For more information, contact Leslie Hall on (02) 8741 0409 or email leslieh@ccjobs.com.au

Broughton Hall – Private Prosperity: Public Vision Exhibition opening: 19 Sept, 6.30pm,

The time is right! Work in the UK or Ireland.

At Hays, we make working in the UK and Ireland so easy, you’ll have more time to get on with enjoying your stay.

Ireland We have a great selection of permanent contracts across Ireland for Theatre, ICU, General and Mental Health RNs. Your skills and experience are currently in demand!

United Kingdom Exciting opportunities across the UK in both permanent and temporary contracts.

Theatres, ICU, Mental Health and General Nurses work in Central London, Wales or locations across the South East or South West of England. We offer excellent benefits and a heavily discounted ONP (conditions apply).

For further assistance, information and to join our team, call now.

We also have immediate opportunities Australia-wide!

T 1300 305 687 E

aus.healthcare@hays.com

Specialist Recruitment hays.com/healthcare THE LAMP SEPTEMBER 2007 49

.523).' -)$7)&%29 5.)4 -!.!'%23 3/#)%49 /& .37 ).# PO Box 463, Randwick NSW 2031 ABN 68 014 575 993 â&#x20AC;˘ www.numsociety.org.au

ANNUAL CONFERENCE The Nursing and Midwifery Unit Managersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Society of NSW (Inc.) extends a warm welcome to all Nursing Unit Managers and nurses, interested in pursuing a management career path, to attend.

â&#x20AC;&#x153;Unleashed & on the Prowl!â&#x20AC;?

Friday, 19 October, 2007.

Taronga Zoo Function Centre, Sydney Watch out for details on our website: www.numsociety.org.au or contact Jan Montgomery: info@numsociety.org.au or Ph: 9399 8679

NUM-Sept07.indd 1

Master of Science in Medicine (Psychotherapy) course â&#x20AC;˘ 2008 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 2010 â&#x20AC;˘ University of Sydney The University of Sydney, through the Department of Psychological Medicine, Westmead/Cumberland Campus, is offering a 3-year part-time course of training in psychodynamic psychotherapy, leading to a Master of Science in Medicine (Psychotherapy) degree. For the ďŹ rst time this program is being made available to non-medical graduates in the health sciences.

This course provides a unique opportunity to students to gain in-depth training in psychodynamic psychotherapy and an academic qualiďŹ cation that is recognised by major professional psychotherapy organisations in Australia.

The course is open to Psychologists, Social Workers, Mental Health Nurses and allied practitioners with a basic degree in the health sciences who have clinical experience working in the mental health ďŹ eld and who are professionally registered with professional indemnity allowing them to practice in NSW. The number of places on the course is limited.

Course Fee: $4,300 per semester (approx.)

Applications close deďŹ nitely on 17 December 2007 Interviews will be in late January 2008 Inquiries and application forms can be obtained from: Dr A. Korner 9840 3335 / Professor R Meares 9840 3335 Fax: 9840 3572 â&#x20AC;˘ Email: Anthony_Korner@wsahs.nsw.gov.au

8/8/07 12:48:44 PM UniofSydney-mono.indd 1

6/8/07 1:15:20 PM

ARE YOU AN RN (DIV1), AN EN (DIV2), A MIDWIFE, OR A NURSE PRACTITIONER?

YES? ....THEN YOU NEED

A COPY OF THE :

NATIONAL COMPETENCY STANDARDS CODE OF PROFESSIONAL CONDUCT CODE OF ETHICS To download free copies of these and other ANMC publications, as well as keeping up to date on the work of ANMC visit our website:

w w w. a n m c . o r g . a u (02) 6257 7960 â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Facilitating a national approach to nursing and midwifery regulationâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;

50 THE LAMP SEPTEMBER 2007 ad for LAMP Nov 6 resized.indd 1

24/11/06 10:36:47 AM

Discounts for nurses.

We’ll look after you!

FREE Nurse’s Protection Pack: With every car sold. Bring this advert with you.

Window tint • Headlight protectors • Floor Mats • Weathershields

6 year warranty on all new vehicles.

†

Easy Finance • Fast Approvals • Ask for an obligation-free assessment today.

FREE Power Pack

Fiesta

24990

$

$15990*

From

From

Mazda2

XS Auto *

$14990*

From

Focus

$19990*

From

Mazda3

$20790

*

From

Hills Ford 64-72 Pacific Highway Hornsby

Your independent Ford Dealer.

9372 3000 www.hillsford.com.au

Hornsby Mazda

64-72 Pacific Highway Hornsby

1800 643 091 www.hornsbymazda.com.au

19990

$

From

XR 3 Door *^

HORNSBY.

Northside European 53 Pacific Highway Phone 9487 4344 Fax 9489 9137 www.northsideeuropean.com.au

#All finance to approved applicants. Price includes metallic paint. *Price plus $1895 dealer charges plus Govt charges. ^Manual only. †3 years factory warranty plus a further 3 years dealer warranty, conditions apply.

DL 11283 MD11283

X20312

THE LAMP SEPTEMBER 2007 51

Low cost banking for members

I said goodbye to my old bank.

They didn’t reply.

As an NSWNA member, I had heard about Members Equity Bank and knew it was a bank, but I didn’t realise it offered all the benefits of the big banks, but with lower fees and better interest rates. Then I found out and moved everything across – home loan, credit card, savings account and a personal loan. I started saving straight away. Needless to say, I don’t miss my old bank!

membersequitybank.com.au

Call 1300 309 374 and switch to Members Equity Bank Applications are subject to credit approval. Fees and charges apply. Terms and conditions available on request. This is general information only and you should consider if these products are appropriate for you. Members Equity Bank Pty Ltd ABN 56 070 887 679 AFS Licence: 229500.

68343 AD33/0807

52 THE LAMP SEPTEMBER 2007