Lamp June 2018 by NSW Nurses and Midwives' Association

AGED CARE

MPs to turn spotlight on aged care page 14

PUBLIC HEALTH SYSTEM

HEALTH FUNDING

REGULARS

Rallies for ratios

Study predicts big demand for nurses

page 18

page 20

Your rights and entitlements at work Nurse Uncut – your stories What nurses and midwives said Nursing research online

THE MAGAZINE OF THE NSW NURSES AND MIDWIVES’ ASSOCIATION VOLUME 75 NO. 5 JUNE 2018

AGED CARE RATIOS – MAKE THEM LAW Print Post Approved: PP100007890

p.33 p.35 p.37 p.39

COVER STORY

The right support and advice to help you

feel future ready

1300 650 873

Consider our PDS before making a decision. FSS Trustee Corporation ABN 11 118 202 672, AFSL 293340, trustee of the First State Superannuation Scheme ABN 53 226 460 365.

2 | THE LAMP JUNE 2018

CONTENTS Contacts NSW Nurses and Midwives’ Association For all membership enquiries and assistance, including Lamp subscriptions and change of address, contact our Sydney office. Sydney Office 50 O’Dea Avenue, Waterloo NSW 2017 (all correspondence) T 8595 1234 (metro) 1300 367 962 (non-metro) F 9662 1414 E gensec@nswnma.asn.au W www.nswnma.asn.au

VOLUME 75 NO. 5 JUNE 2018

Hunter Office 8-14 Telford Street, Newcastle East NSW 2300 NSWNMA Communications Manager Janaki Chellam-Rajendra T 1300 367 962 For all editorial enquiries letters and diary dates T 8595 1234 E lamp@nswnma.asn.au 50 O’Dea Avenue, Waterloo NSW 2017 Produced by Hester Communications T 9568 3148 Press Releases Send your press releases to: F 9662 1414 E gensec@nswnma.asn.au Editorial Committee Brett Holmes, NSWNMA General Secretary Judith Kiejda, NSWNMA Assistant General Secretary Coral Levett, NSWNMA President Peg Hibbert, Hornsby Ku-ring-gai Hospital Michelle Cashman, Long Jetty Continuing Care Richard Noort, Justice Health Advertising Danielle Nicholson T 8595 2139 or 0429 269 750 F 9662 1414 E dnicholson@nswnma.asn.au Information & Records Management Centre To find archived articles from The Lamp, or to borrow from the NSWNMA nursing and health collection, contact: Jeannette Bromfield, Coordinator. T 8595 2175 E gensec@nswnma.asn.au The Lamp ISSN: 0047-3936 General Disclaimer The Lamp is the official magazine of the NSWNMA. Views expressed in articles are contributors’ own and not necessarily those of the NSWNMA. Statements of fact are believed to be true, but no legal responsibility is accepted for them. All material appearing in The Lamp is covered by copyright and may not be reproduced without prior written permission. The NSWNMA takes no responsibility for the advertising appearing herein and it does not necessarily endorse any products advertised. Privacy Statement The NSWNMA collects personal information from members in order to perform our role of representing their industrial and professional interests. We place great emphasis on maintaining and enhancing the privacy and security of your personal information. Personal information is protected under law and can only be released to someone else where the law requires or where you give permission. If you have concerns about your personal information, please contact the NSWNMA office. If you are still not satisfied that your privacy is being maintained, you can contact the Privacy Commission. Subscriptions for 2018 Free to all Association members. Professional members can subscribe to the magazine at a reduced rate of $30. Individuals $84, Institutions $140, Overseas $150.

66,436

Average Net Distribution per issue. The Lamp is independently under the AMAA's CAB Total Distribution Audit. Publisher's Statement for the period: 01/04/2016 - 30/09/2016

8 14

COVER STORY

Profits up, staff down Speakers call for change at launch of aged care ratios campaign

AGED CARE RATIOS – MAKE THEM LAW MPs to turn spotlight on aged care

ANMF welcomes Senate inquiry into for-profit providers.

PUBLIC HEALTH SYSTEM Rallies for ratios

NSWNMA members have been connecting with their local communities about the importance of ratios.

PUBLIC HEALTH SYSTEM Ratios. It’s a matter of life or death.

The Association has launched a TV advertising campaign to show the NSW public the importance of ratios to patient safety.

20 22

PUBLIC HEALTH SYSTEM Heading for the exit

Staff shortages and workloads threaten to force many public system nurses and midwives out of nursing altogether, a union survey reveals.

HEALTH FUNDING Study predicts big demand for nurses

REGULARS

5 6 6 28 32 33 35 37 39 41 43 45 46

Editorial Your letters Competition News in brief NSWNMA Education Ask Judith Nurse Uncut Facebook Nursing Research Online Crossword Book Club At the Movies Diary Dates

AGED CARE

MPs to turn spotlight on aged care page 14

PUBLIC HEALTH SYSTEM

HEALTH FUNDING

REGULARS

Rallies for ratios

Study predicts big demand for nurses

page 18

page 20

Your rights and entitlements at work Nurse Uncut – your stories What nurses and midwives said Nursing research online

p.33 p.35 p.37 p.39

THE MAGAZINE OF THE NSW NURSES AND MIDWIVES’ ASSOCIATION VOLUME 75 NO. 5 JUNE 2018

Health services will suffer if staff numbers and skills are reduced, report warns.

CHANGE THE RULES Reserve Bank boosts claim

for low paid workers Reserve Bank research shows minimum wage rises don’t cause job losses.

SHORT STORY AND POETRY COMPETITION The winners

We are pleased to announce the winner of this year’s Nurses and Midwives Short Story and Poetry Competition.

AGED CARE RATIOS – MAKE THEM LAW Print Post Approved: PP100007890

OUR COVER: Aged Care members rally at Parramatta Park. Photographed by Sharon Hickey THE LAMP JUNE 2018 | 3

ANNUAL CONFERENCE

IT’S TIME FOR SAFE STAFFING

25 JULY 2018

Rosehill Gardens Racecourse Grand Pavilion 9am to 5pm

KEYNOTE SPEAKER

Author, Journalist and TV Presenter

Biomedical engineer and inventor Intersection Between Technology & Humanity

TRACEY SPICER AM JORDAN NGUYEN

DONOVAN JONES Lecturer, School of Nursing and Midwifery, University of Newcastle

ABC National Medical Reporter

& SHANNA FEALY Early Career Researcher and PhD Candidate, University of Newcastle Applying Innovative technology to midwifery education and practice

SOPHIE SCOTT

SPEAKERS DR LISA NISSEN Professor and Head of the School of Clinical Sciences, Queensland University of Technology Quality Use of Medicines – the future for nursing and midwifery in medicines MARY CHIARELLA Professor of Nursing, University of Sydney

Insights into insight: understanding what is required to be satisfied a practitioner is likely to be safe

NEIL SHARWOOD Chief Operations Officer, Australian 3D Manufacturing Association Distributed Manufacturing – applications and impact for the Health Sector JACQUI CROSS Chief Nursing and Midwifery Officer, NSW Health Chief Nursing and Midwifery Officer Address

HANNAH DAHLEN Professor of Midwifery and Higher

Degree Research Director, School of Nursing and Midwifery, Western Sydney University Midwives reclaiming their heritage

COST EARLY BIRD PRICING (until 30 June) AFTER (1–17 July) Members $100 $150 Non-members $150 $225 Associate (student & retired) members $50 $75 Branch Officials Free Free WELCOME DRINKS

5:30 – 7pm following the conclusion of Professional Day Cost: $40 per person Branch Officials: Free

BOOK EARLY TO AVOID DISAPPOINTMENT AS NUMBERS ARE STRICTLY LIMITED

EDITORIAL

Brett

Holmes GENERAL SECRETARY

Make aged care ratios law now! For-profit aged care providers receive $2.17 billion in government subsidies annually yet the sector has been shedding significant numbers of full-time registered nursing staff for many years.

Australia’s aged care sector has a profound staffing crisis. Billions of dollars of taxpayers’ money is poured into the sector each year yet there was a 13 per cent reduction in registered nursing staff working full-time in aged care facilities between 2002 and 2016. Last year, owners of aged care facilities made over $1 billion in profits. The consequences have been catastrophic for residents and staff. Over the last 13 years there has been a 400 per cent increase in preventable deaths of elderly Australians with hundreds dying from falls, choking and suicide. It is unconscionable that these tragedies happen to our parents and grandparents who looked after us and loved us, who have paid their dues to society but who are now seemingly expendable in the drive for profit. Nurses and care staff are doing the best they can – often in impossible circumstances. But they are run off their feet and can’t provide the level of care they want to. There simply isn’t enough staff. This situation cannot be allowed to continue. It is our professional responsibility to ensure it doesn’t continue. We have just had the official launch of our campaign for ratios in aged care (see pp 8-11). This campaign is a statement by the NSWNMA and all the other branches of the ANMF that we are going to fight hard on behalf of the elderly Australians who are entrusted to our care.

AGED CARE PROVIDERS NEED TO BE MADE ACCOUNTABLE There is a wealth of compelling evidence that shows the need for mandated ratios in aged care. We know residents are currently receiving around two hours and 50 minutes of care every day from nurses and carers, which is nowhere near enough time to shower, toilet, medicate, dress, feed, roll over, move, let alone talk to an aged care resident. We have strong independent evidence that residents need, at least, four hours and 18 minutes of proper care from trained nurses and carers. An important part of our campaign is to ensure that aged care providers are made accountable for the funding they receive out of the public purse. We are adamant that government funding should be prioritised

‘ This campaign for ratios in aged care is a statement by the NSWNMA and all the other branches of the ANMF that we are going to fight hard on behalf of the elderly Australians who are entrusted to our care.’ towards improving the quality of care. To this end we believe aged care ratios need to be enshrined in law to guarantee adequate staffing levels and skills mix for residential aged care across the country. Without mandatory minimum staffing levels in aged care employers can simply choose not to employ enough staff or cut nursing and care hours.

STRONG SUPPORT FOR OUR ADVOCACY ON RATIOS Ratios are important to nurses and midwives no matter what sector they work in. We have just conducted a comprehensive survey of members’ attitudes that found that 89 per cent of public health system members believe improved ratios would benefit patient care and patient safety. 69 per cent thought advocating for improvements to ratios was more important than a pay rise. This is strong support among the membership for our advocacy on ratios. Politicians - federal and state, government and opposition – need to acknowledge the severe staffing problems in aged care and in our public health system. As always, we will act strongly to bring about change. As The Lamp goes to print we have commenced TV advertising to educate the public about the importance of ratios (see pp18-19). Our slogan says it all: Ratios. It’s a matter of life or death. ■ THE LAMP JUNE 2018 | 5

COMPETITION

Win a $750 Shopper Travel voucher Shopper Travel is provided by UBookdirect, and offers a fantastic range of domestic and international travel packages to its members. Our travel consultants are available 24/7, perfect for nurses & midwives who work shifts

Visit unionshopper.ubookdirect.com to find your next holiday or call

1300 959 550

YOUR LETTERS

Have your

Say Good times in Yamba

I would like to say a big thank you to The Lamp. I was lucky enough to win a 2-night stay at Angourie Resort, Yamba, NSW. I have just returned from my getaway and had an amazing time. I thoroughly enjoyed discovering all that Yamba and its surrounds had to offer, particularly the pristine and relatively deserted beaches. The rainforest resort was truly beautiful with wonderful amenities. I feel so relaxed after my getaway. Once again, thank you very much. Jessica Holmes, RN

Listening to patients saves lives

WIN The Lamp is offering NSWNMA members the chance to win a $750 travel voucher. To enter the competition, simply provide your name, address and membership number and email your entry with the subject: Union Shopper competition to lamp@nswnma.asn.au

I have been a nurse for over 40 years and this is a plea to all the nurses and midwives out there. By all means use the newfangled coloured obs, charts and pathways; they serve a purpose and are there for a reason. But they are not a substitute for listening to your patients. Please don’t lose the art of talking to your patients. Patients, especially those with a chronic illness, often know when something is not right before their observations change or they fit the criteria for a pathway and valuable time can be lost if you are only relying on charts. Use all the tools available to you; coloured charts and pathways, and your senses, talking, listening and looking – and never ignore that gut instinct that you will develop over time. That feeling that something is not quite right could save a life. Annette Alldrick, RM

Letter of the month The letter judged the best each month will win a $50 Coles Group & Myer gift card! Union Shopper offers members BIG savings on a wide range of products! unionshopper.com.au 1300 368 117 *Conditions apply. Competition entries from NSWNMA members only and limited to one entry per member. Competition opens 1 June 2018 and closes 30 June 2018. The prize is drawn on 1 July 2018. If a redraw is required THE LAMP JUNE 2018 for6an |unclaimed prize it must be held up to 3 months from the original draw date. NSW Permit no: LTPM/18/0295

Union Shopper Letter of the Month.indd 1

23/02/15 11:53 AM

If there’s something on your mind, send us a letter and have your say. The letter of the month will WIN a gift card An act of global solidarity on IND When I learnt that the theme for this year’s International Nurses’ Day is “Healthcare is a human right” it made me consider the health disparity that occurs across the globe, as well as the various settings which nurses practice in globally. Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF)/Doctors Without Borders immediately came to mind as an organisation that enables access to healthcare for global regions which would otherwise miss out on adequate health care services. On my realisation that MSF relies primarily on donations to function, I decided it would be a great idea to celebrate International Nurses’ Day 2018 by selling chocolates to raise funds for MSF in acknowledging and promoting access to healthcare in line with “Healthcare is a human right”. MSF has been very helpful with providing posters, pamphlets and also arranging for an authority to be signed and issued for our fundraising. Along with other community nurses, we have decided to fundraise throughout the month of May and although I did originally make a pledge to MSF for $300 to be raised, we were all pleased to learn that we had exceeded that number by the second week of fundraising! We will continue to sell chocolates to see how much more we can raise. Sarah Bloomfield, RN

SEND YOUR LETTERS TO: Editorial Enquiries EMAIL lamp@nswnma.asn.au fax 9662 1414   MAIL 50 O’Dea Avenue, Waterloo NSW 2017. Please include a high-resolution photo along with your name, address, phone and membership number. Letters may be edited for clarity and space. Anonymous letters will not be published.

LETTER OF THE MONTH 1:6 is too much The current nursing ratios at SERH surgical ward has increased from 1:5 to 1:6. This has come about by management choosing to select one RN to be in-charge of overseeing the ward, leaving the floor nurses working a 1:6 patient ratio. In some cases the in-charge nurse will collect patients from theatre, return them to the ward and do their admission. This appears to work well as the floor nurses can continue caring for their current patient load. However, some IC’s elect not to run things this way and spend many hours just sitting at the desk not providing any handson assistance, leaving the 1:6 ratio very difficult to manage. We are not getting time for tea breaks or lunch breaks, with no overtime payment. It is said that if we don’t get breaks it is poor time management on our behalf. However we were informed only yesterday that the drug count for change of shift had not been completed three times last week and we must improve on this. There is simply no time to always manage this when we are not even getting meal breaks. With 1:6 ratios, nurses struggle to get patient medication given on time. Patient care is extremely poor under these ratios, as is team nursing. Patients don’t get mouth care attended to, pressure area care, showers (unless they’re independent with Activity of Daily Living) and only yesterday

a patient said she spent five days in hospital without a linen change. I was informed by a physio that a patient was in a soiled bed and it took me 90 minutes to get help to change my patient. When I requested assistance the response was “there is none”. Eventually I persuaded Patient Transport Unit staff to assist prior to the transferring of one of my patients. The ‘acceptance of care’ and ‘patient progress note template’ that is a requirement of completion for each shift is repetitive and time consuming thus not allowing time for patient personal hygiene. During the recent Tathra bush fires many had to work double time and the hospital brought outside staff from other hospitals. I believe this was due to the number of staff living in Tathra, myself included. My frustration leads me to ask, during a disaster shouldn’t elective theatre be cancelled for a few days and the theatre staff be utilised on the wards as opposed to staff doing double shifts? This I believe would be a much safer practice. In my discussions with another health professional, I was informed elective theatre had been cancelled. However, I picked up an elective knee joint patient three hours prior to CODE BROWN stand down. Something needs to be done about staff ratios for both patient and staff safety. Name withheld

Advertise in The Lamp and reach more than 66,000 nurses and midwives. To advertise please contact Danielle Nicholson 02 8595 2139 / 0429 269 750 dnicholson@nswnma.asn.au

THE LAMP JUNE 2018 | 7

COVER STORY

Profits up, staff down Speakers call for change at launch of aged care ratios campaign.

wners of for-profit aged care facilities raked in more than $1 billion in profits last year while failing to address chronic understaffing, NSWNMA General Secretary Brett Holmes told a rally on International Nurses’ Day last month. Bret t joined nu r se s a nd community supporters in Parramatta Park to launch the NSWNMA campaign for guaranteed staff-toresident ratios in aged care. He said it was disgraceful that residents received only two hours 50 minutes of care per day on average, while a Flinders University and University of Southern Australia study in 2016 found each resident should get at least 4 hours 18 minutes of care per day on average. “While we welcome increased funding for home care in the 2018–19 Federal Budget, it is deeply disappointing to see nothing set aside for safe staffing ratios in residential aged care,” he said. “It is imperative the federal government put forward legislation to ensure the $2.17 billion in government subsidies given to forprofit providers is spent directly on residents’ care. “The urgent problem that needs to be addressed is not funding, but the declining quality of care from chronic understaffing. “There is no point in increasing funding without adequate measures to ensure that money is tied to care. “Without a mandatory minimum staffing level in aged care, employers can simply choose not to employ enough staff or cut nursing and care hours.” Aged care registered nurse Jocelyn Hoffman told the rally aged care had become a commodity traded on the share market since the 8 | THE LAMP JUNE 2018

‘ Our vulnerable elderly residents have been put at the mercy of whatever level of care companies will provide.’ — Jocelyn Hoffman Howard government deregulated the sector with the Aged Care Act of 1997. “This loosely worded legislation has led to most nursing homes being dangerously understaffed. Yet alarmingly, they manage to pass accreditation checks,” she said.

RNS ARE CRUCIAL TO SAFE, QUALITY CARE Nursing homes suffered a 13 per cent reduction in registered nursing staff working full-time between 2003 and 2016. “Our vulnerable elderly residents have been put at the mercy of whatever level of care companies will provide,” Jocelyn said. “RNs are crucial to the delivery of safe quality care. We assess, we plan and we implement the complex care given to residents. “ We p r ov id e le a d e r s h ip by directing, supporting and supervising the care given by

personal care workers. “Without registered nurses, who will assess and intervene when our residents’ conditions change? When they show signs of delirium, dehydration, swallowing difficulty or undiagnosed depression? “Without nurses, who will provide palliative care? Who will assess and ensure that they are not in pain when they cannot communicate verbally?” Jocelyn said the federal Coalition government had established an “Aged Care Workforce Strategy Taskforce” including six CEOs, but not one worker representative. She said staff had seen enough reviews of the sector, with 15 inquiries and 11 reviews since 2005. “How many more heartbreaking scandals do we have to endure before our government will act on the staffing crisis?” she asked. ■

COVER STORY

‘Fraudulent and abusive’ Providers blasted over treatment of elderly.

argaret Zanghi visited her husband Ramiro in a nursing home every day for more than three years, until he died. Ramiro entered the home suffering from Lewy Body Dementia with a Parkinson’s element. He lost coordination, was prone to falls and suffered frequent urinary tract infections. After Ramiro died, Margaret joined the Quality Aged Care Action Group (QACAG). She is now the group’s president and spoke at the aged care rally. “Like my husband, the majority of residents were in need of high care, with multiple illnesses quite apart from dementia,” Margaret told the rally. “They were, in fact, in need of hospital-level care, but the care they received was not at the level they required. “The major issue was that there was simply not enough staff ... The nurses were run off their feet.” She sa id as a result of u nder s t a f f i n g , “ob s er vat ion s of r e s ide nt s ’ de t e r ior a t i n g health were missed with all the attendant consequences”. There were frequent falls and residents were “left in situations that were lacking in dignity regarding toileting”. “And residents were often in danger from other residents who wandered and became aggressive. “Some of us relatives, innocent as we were at the time, asked, ‘What is the ratio of nurses to residents?’ “Of course, we were told that there were no ratios.” Margaret said she joined QACAG because she wanted to become active in lobbying for better quality in aged care.

‘ Nursing home providers are paid quite handsomely to take care of vulnerable residents.’ — Margaret Zanghi “Nursing home providers are paid quite handsomely to take care of vulnerable residents. “Doctors and other health professionals make care plans for their patients’ treatment, so there is no mistake about their needs. “A prov ider who accept s responsibility for a resident’s care with full knowledge of their needs – and then fails to provide the necessary care – is both fraudulent and abusive.” ■

Ways you can help Visit the Ratios For Aged Care – Make Them Law Now website for more information and sign up to help our campaign: www.MoreStaff ForAgedCare.com.au

THE LAMP JUNE 2018 | 9

COVER STORY

‘ Too many politicians are followers rather than leaders so they will only act with public pressure.’ — Warren Ross

Time to care for elderly “Living in a nursing home should be about more than just having your physical needs met. There’s a mental and spiritual side to life as well,” says Assistant in Nursing Warren Ross. “Emotional support is just as important to residents as the physical care they need. You can only give them that support if you have the time to get to know them.”

supporter. I happened to remember the old Manly football song and when I sung it with him he would calm down.” Warren says the only way staff will be able to spend more time with residents is to increase staff numbers, “and for that we need mandatory staffing ratios”.

Warren works at a Blue Mountains nursing home where, he says, staffing levels are better than many other facilities.

“With current staffing levels, you always feel pressured and feel you have to rush. Residents can sense when you are not able to give them your full attention.

“However, we are often working short because aged care nursing is demanding physical work that results in a high rate of sick leave.

“If you have to rush to get onto the next task it doesn’t allow you to provide the level of care that residents need and that I would like to give.”

“Usually, there is not enough time to socialise with, and get to know, the people we are looking after.

He says it makes no sense that society mandates staffing ratios for child care but not for aged care.

“It’s all very well to care for people’s physical needs but it is equally important to make a connection on a one-to-one level.

“The early and final stages of life are when you are most in need of care. People who have given their whole lives to society deserve as much care as children.”

“For example, by talking to a resident in my own time, I found out she grew up in the same suburb as me. That wasn’t in the paperwork but suddenly we had a connection. She started to relax and I was able to relate to her more easily. “I learned from another fellow, who was inclined to be aggressive, that he was a Manly Sea Eagles

10 | THE LAMP JUNE 2018

Warren says the aged care campaign’s TV ads are “very powerful” and should help to create a groundswell of community support for ratios. “Too many politicians are followers rather than leaders so they will only act with public pressure.” ■

COVER STORY

Time for action Our Ratios for Aged Care. Make Them Law Now campaign is now in full swing. If you haven’t already joined our campaign, join the thousands of supporters across Australia who have.

Watch A registered nurse, an aged care resident and a family member share their perspectives on the state of aged care in some interviews broadcast by the ANMF at www.morestaffforagedcare.com.au/.

Like us on Facebook: https://www. facebook.com/ agedcarenurses

Read

TAX AVOIDANCE BY FOR-PROFIT AGED CARE COMPANIES: PROFIT SHIFTING ON PUBLIC FUNDS PROPOSALS FOR TRANSPARENCY ON GOVERNMENT SPENDING May 2018

The ANMF report on how aged care operators are putting profits before their responsibility to care.

A Tax Justice Network – Australia Report “Any company that receives tens of millions of dollars in annual government subsidies must be required to be transparent and held publicly accountable.”

Contact us The NSWNMA has produced a campaign kit to help you spread the message in your workplace and the community: nswnursescomms@nswnma. asn.au THE LAMP JUNE 2018 | 11

COVER STORY

‘ I'm so disappointed about what’s going on in aged care; we don’t have enough staff to care for residents properly and give them quality care.’ — Nada Milenkovic

It's all about respect For Assistant in Nursing Nada Milenkovic, satisfactory staffing of nursing homes is all about respect. “We need adequate nurse-to-resident ratios because residents need protection and respect,” Nada says. “Also, aged care workers' safety needs to be protected.” “I'm so disappointed about what’s going on in aged care; we don't have enough staff to care for residents properly and give them quality care." As a Certificate IV AiN, Nada is responsible for giving medication to 21 residents. However, insufficient staffing means she is often pressured to rush even this vital task. “I hope ratios will become law, but it is not only about staff numbers. It’s also about getting staff with the necessary skills and qualifications who can do the job properly.” Nada thinks ratios would help to attract more staff who are passionate about helping others. “I am happy when residents are happy and have a smile on their face. “People who are going to do this job need to love this job and want to help other people by giving them really good care.” ■

12 | THE LAMP JUNE 2018

Unions NSW Secretary Mark Morey was one of a number of union representatives who lent their support to the launch.

COVER STORY

It was wet and windy but plenty of aged care members rallied for ratios in Parramatta Park on 12 May. Fellow ANMF members joined rallies throughout the country on the same day.

Our campaign has cross-generational support!

Labor MPS Trish Doyle (Blue Mountains), Julie Owens (Parramatta) and Julia Finn (Granville state MP) pledged their support for our campaign. Joining them were GP Dr Aileen Smith and Margaret Zangi from QACAG. THE LAMP JUNE 2018 | 13

COVER STORY

MPs to turn spotlight on aged care ANMF welcomes Senate inquiry into for-profit providers.

Senate committee will examine the financial and tax practices of Australia’s for-profit aged care providers. This follows revelations that the top six for-profit providers received $2.17 billion in government subsidies but paid little or no tax. A report by the Tax Justice Network showed many for-profit providers, some with foreign ownership, use a variet y of corporate loopholes in order to avoid or aggressively minimise tax. The report was commissioned by the Australian Nursing and Midwifery Federation (ANMF), which represents nursing unions in every state and territory. Following the report’s release, the Senate Economics Reference Committee announced it would investigate the for-profit sector’s tax strategies and their effect on the quality of service delivery. The inquiry will also look at whether the government is getting value for money and whether the sector is sufficiently accountable for spending taxpayer money. The top six operators – Bupa, Opal, Regis, Estia, Japara and Allity – control about 20 per cent of the aged care market and get about 70 per cent of their revenue from government. The ANMF’s Acting Federal Secretary, Annie Butler, welcomed 14 | THE LAMP JUNE 2018

‘ If the government is serious about ensuring quality service provision, it needs to shift its focus from company tax cuts to company tax collection by closing the loopholes.’ — Annie Butler the inquiry on behalf of aged care nurses and the nursing home residents they care for. “Aged care residents receive one and a half hours less care than they should, every day. Yet there are no rules to ensure the $2.17 billion in government subsidies given to these for-profit providers is spent directly on their care,” she said. “The Tax Justice Network report revealed these providers have the financial capacity to employ more nurses and carers but are placing their profits and shareholders before safe care for their residents. “Many providers do not employ enough staff to adequately feed, wash, toilet, change or give medication to their residents. “Companies that receive millions of dollars via government subsidies should be required by law to meet higher standards of transparency in financial reporting.

“They should not be given subsidies unless they can show that government money is being directly spent on the care of elderly residents. “If the government is serious about ensuring quality service provision, it needs to shift its focus from company tax cuts to company tax collection by closing the loopholes.” ■

Find out more Read the ANMF and Tax Justice Network’s report on tax avoidance by for-profit aged care companies: http://anmf.org.au/ documents/reports/ ANMF_Tax_Avoidance_ Full_Report.pdf

COVER STORY

Budget’s big aged care fail The federal Coalition government’s latest Budget ignores the urgent need for safe staffing in nursing homes.

he May Budget included an inadequate increase in the long-overdue funding for additional home care packages but contained nothing to ensure aged care providers employ enough nurses and carers. The Australian Nursing and Midwifer y Federation (ANMF) said the big for-profit nursing home operators had the financial capacity to improve staffing but chose to focus on maximising profit. Corporate giants that increasingly dominate the sector were making strong profits from government subsidies. “We know that the number of qualified nursing staff working full-time in aged care fell by 13 per cent from 2003 to 2016,” ANMF Federal Secretary, Annie Butler said. “Over the same period there has been a 400 per cent increase in preventable deaths in nursing homes. “The chronic staffing crisis has led to dangerous workloads for nurses and carers resulting, too often, in missed care for vulnerable nursing home residents. “The only way to guarantee safe staffing levels in aged care is to tie government funding to the provision of care. And the best way to achieve this is through mandated minimum staff ratios.” ■

Sign our aged care petition The ANMF has launched a national petition calling for greater transparency and accountability in government funding of the for-profit aged care sector. The online petition calls on all political parties to: • Make for-profit aged care operators accountable for how they spend billions of dollars of taxpayer money; • Ensure that government subsidies are invested in caring for our elderly rather than earning profits for shareholders. To sign the petition go to :

https://www.megaphone. org.au/petitions/ aged-care-providersare-putting-profits-beforetheir-responsibility-to-care

THE LAMP JUNE 2018 | 15

PUBLIC HEALTH SYSTEM

Rallies for ratios NSWNMA members have been connecting with their local communities about the importance of ratios.

Campbelltown Hospital, Melissa Vowell, Emergency Department, NUM

Blacktown Hospital, Maureen Buckley, Aged Services Emergency Team, clinical nurse consultant “When we started to discuss the ratios campaign, our branch members came up with this idea of asking nurses here to write on an egg what their issues were. There were dozens of eggs and people put all sorts of things on them. Then we had to stand on a plank of wood balanced on bricks and put the egg on the end. Invariably the eggs got broken, and the broken eggs with the messages on it symbolised the current broken system without improving ratios. We had a rally at the beginning of May with around 100 people, just outside Blacktown Hospital. We drew attention to the fact that we support all our colleagues throughout NSW public health facilities in this new campaign to increase ratios. At Blacktown we have areas that don’t have any mandated ratios, such as the Emergency Department and the special care MAU (Medical Assessment Unit). Usually when ratios are employed they are a minimum. Skills mix is still an issue: like for like are rarely replaced.” 16 | THE LAMP JUNE 2018

“I work at Campbelltown emergency as a NUM and I’m concerned about ratios in ED. We don’t actually have ratios in ED, so the best ratios we probably have are one to four, and that can blow out to one to five. One to three would be a reasonable workload in the acute area, and speaking to staff they would fight more for the ratios than for a pay rise. If we had ratios in ED, it will just make it safer for the staff and safer for the patient. Other parts of the hospital have worse ratios; in sub-acute it is one to six, and in some areas there are no ratios. At the end of April we wore red tape around our arms just to highlight the issue of ratios for 24 hours, then we gathered at Park Central for a rally. Everyone is supportive of having ratios: they know it means they are going to get better care in the emergency department.”

PUBLIC HEALTH SYSTEM

Changing the rules includes hospital staffing Nurses and midwives were prominent at rallies around Australia on May Day advocating for “Change the Rules” on hospital staffing to improve safe patient care.

Illawarra May Day march Wollongong Hospital, Sarah Morton, nurse and midwife

Sydney May Day march Prince of Wales, Patrick Gould, mental health nurse “I attended the May Day rally with about 100 other nurses to support the Change the Rules campaign. It was just really good to see people from diverse backgrounds coming together to try to get our voices heard with other unions, in true solidarity. Unionisation has always been very important to me. It is about protecting your rights, making sure we have a safe workplace, are well paid, and making sure we can have the best quality of work and life. A lot of our patients in my mental health area are in there because of unemployment or recent unemployment, or issues with their jobs. When people are being underpaid, getting stuck in that poverty cycle, and living pay cheque to pay cheque, they are in constant financial stress. The biggest issue at Prince of Wales we wanted to march for are ratios: at least one to three in EDs, and also counting mothers and their babies as separate individuals and patients.”

“I attended the May Day rally in Wollongong. There were about 40 nurses and midwives. It was my first May Day rally so I wasn’t sure what to expect, but everyone was really positive and enthusiastic. Change the Rules means we’re fighting for a fair go at work. For the nurses and midwives it is really about the ratios campaign, and midwives really wanting babies to be counted in the ratios. At the moment there are high rates of readmission of babies and poor breastfeeding rates, which probably contributes to some women’s feelings of postnatal depression and anxiety. We have got almost equal nurses to midwives in the postnatal ward, but the women there need specialised midwifery assistance and breastfeeding assistance, and it is outside nurses’ scope of practice to offer this. A lot of the Shellharbour staff members know they can have a successful campaign after they saved Shellharbour Hospital from being privatised.” THE LAMP JUNE 2018 | 17

PUBLIC HEALTH SYSTEM

Ratios. It’s a matter of life or death.

Alayne Dwyer

The Association has launched a TV advertising campaign to show the NSW public the importance of ratios to patient safety.

‘Ratios are something I am really passionate about’ Alayne Dwyer is the nurse who features prominently in our TV commercial. She tells The Lamp why she put up her hand to be in our ad, why she thinks the ratios campaign is important and the value of being in the union. Alayne says you can feel the difference ratios make when you step onto a new ward for the first time. “I’ve worked in three major Sydney hospitals, and also in London in a variety of hospitals as an agency nurse, so when I go into a new place, or I start a new job, you can get a feel for that ward, for that department, and for staff morale. “If a ward is staffed well and has safe ratios, it becomes a magnet ward that attracts people: so there is staff retention, people enjoy coming to work and there is a sense of satisfaction that you have completed your task.” Alayne says she understood the importance of being in the union from early in her nursing career. “Since I graduated and became a registered nurse I’ve always been a member of the union. When I first graduated I was involved in a root cause analysis to try and find out where things went wrong. Anyone can become involved in that. “The first thing a senior nurse said to me was “Call the union and they will help you through”. So that’s what I

18 | THE LAMP JUNE 2018

did, and the union helped me through and supported me. “When I got my current job I became a more active member of the union. I joined the branch first as a delegate and then as an assistant secretary for the branch. “The department that I’m working in has had a lot of issues. We’re a stroke centre and we’re doing a lot of endovascular clot retrieval – and there are workload issues associated with that. “So when someone from the union called me and asked if I would be in the ad of course I said yes because ratios are something I am really passionate about.”

MAKING A DIFFERENCE IN ANOTHER WAY Making an ad was a new experience but it is another way of contributing, she says. “It was a really enjoyable, fun day. I’ve never done anything like this before: it was really nice to spend a day almost being like a movie star and enjoying something totally different, and knowing if nurse-topatient ratios get passed it will make a huge difference. “You never think how much time goes into making an ad and I really got an appreciation for that industry and the producers and how they work. “It came on TV last night; my husband was on the lounge watching TV and he yelled out to me and said “Quick, quick, you’re on TV”. I ran into the lounge room in my pyjamas and it was a really crazy moment – seeing yourself on TV for the first time.”

PUBLIC HEALTH SYSTEM

Share the ad with family and friends View our ad and share it with family and friends: www. ratioslifeordeath.org.au

UNSAFE NURSE-TO-PATIENT RATIOS INCREASE THE RISK OF DYING.

The research that backs up our ad Large scale international studies show that better nurse-to-patient ratios decrease the risk of dying. Here are two:

Hospital nurse staffing and patient mortality, nurse burnout, and job dissatisfaction. Aiken LH, Clarke SP, Sloane DM, Sochalski J, Silver JH. JAMA. 2002;288:1987-1993

SAFE NURSE-TO-PATIENT RATIOS. IT’S A MATTER OF LIFE OR DEATH.

www.ratioslifeordeath.org.au

Nurse staffing and education and hospital mortality in nine European countries: a retrospective observational study. Aiken, LH et al. The Lancet , Volume 383 , Issue 9931 , 1824–1830

THE LAMP JUNE 2018 | 19

SAFE STAFFING

Heading for the exit Staff shortages and workloads threaten to force many public system nurses and midwives out of nursing altogether, a union survey reveals.

lmost seven in every ten NSW nurses and m idw ive s s ay t he y have thought seriously about leaving nursing/midwifery as a profession in the past year – mainly because of poor staffing levels. In an NSWNMA survey of member attitudes conducted by an independent research company, 67 per cent say the following statement applies to them: “There are times in the past 12 months that I’ve thought seriously about leaving nursing/midwifery as a profession.” Of those who had thought seriously about leaving, 96 per cent gave workload and staffing issues as the reason. Breaking that figure down, 74 per cent say staffing levels are inadequate, 62 per cent believe the skill mix is inappropriate and 62 per cent say the workload is too high. An alarming 60 per cent of those who had pondered quitting are worried about patient safety with even more – 64 per cent – worried about standards of care. More than a quarter (26 per cent) are concerned about “being asked to do things that compromise

20 | THE LAMP JUNE 2018

‘ An alarming 60 per cent of those who had pondered quitting are worried about patient safety with even more – 64 per cent – worried about standards of care.’ my registration.” Eighty nine per cent of members responding believe proper ratios would benefit patient care and patient safety, 86 per cent believe they would have a positive impact on workloads and 69 per cent believe they would improve work–life balance. Members strongly support the NSWNMA’s advocacy on ratios. Sixty nine per cent of survey respondents said that the number one goal of 2018 should be improving ratios – ahead of pay rises. Despite their concerns about the implementation of existing ratios, only 22 per cent believe the union’s main focus should be on this. Instead, three-quarters of members (75 per cent) believe the NSWNMA should advocate for new and improved standards of ratios. Asked about the performance of

the NSW state government, 68 per cent of members said it had done a poor job of maintaining nursing and midwifery staff numbers in the public health system. Two in every three nurses and three-quarters of midwives feel the Berejiklian government does not value nurses and midwives enough. The survey covered 2440 public sector members and was conducted between late March and early April 2018. While a majority of nurses and midwives report some degree of satisfaction with their job, only 17 per cent describe themselves as very or extremely satisfied, while 42 per cent are “somewhat satisfied”. Among the 41 per cent who are dissatisfied, 18 per cent describe themselves as very or extremely dissatisfied while 23 per cent are “somewhat dissatisfied”. ■

SAFE STAFFING

‘ I am concerned for the safety of my colleagues. This is unsustainable.’

Key findings

89%

64%

86%

69%

67%

69%

of members believe improved ratios would benefit patient care and patient safety

believe improved ratios would have a positive impact on workloads

of NSW nurses and midwives say they have thought seriously about leaving nursing/midwifery as a profession in the past year

of nurses and midwives are worried about standards of care

thought advocating for improvements to ratios is more important than a pay rise

said the NSW government had done a poor job of maintaining nursing and midwifery numbers in the public health system

What nurses had to say in our survey “We need better ratios to decrease nurse burnout and to provide quality, patient-centred care and patient safety.” “Please push for these improved patient ratios and increased pay rate. Nurses leave our facility because of the workload, morale is often low and staff feel like they are constantly under the pump and undervalued by everyone.”

“At the commencement of each shift I am overwhelmed with fear at the thought of a physical assault or litigious complaint against me. I am concerned for the safety of my colleagues. This is unsustainable.” THE LAMP JUNE 2018 | 21

HEALTH FUNDING

Study predicts big demand for nurses Health services will suffer if staff numbers and skills are reduced, report warns.

he NSW government will have to create an additional 40,000 positions in the state’s public health sector by 2030 in order to meet demand for services, based on current trends. Nurses will account for more than 40 per cent of those positions based on the current workforce structure, says a report by the McKell Institute, an independent public policy organisation. The Institute’s findings suggest the government will have to recruit more than 16,000 additional nurses over the next 12 years. In June 2017, the NSW public health system employed 114,597 full-time equivalent (FTE) staff, including 47,282 nursing staff or 41.3 per cent of the total. The report, titled Keep NSW in a Healthy State – Investing for the Future was written by Macquarie University academics Ben SpiesButcher and Bob Davidson. The report says NSW needs to commit to an annual health budget of at least $37.6 billion (2017 prices) by 2030 just to keep pace with

22 | THE LAMP JUNE 2018

‘ Additional public investment in healthcare is likely to have significant social and economic benefits, especially in regions with high unemployment.’ — McKell Institute current trends in health spending and outcomes. That means a real increase in expenditure of at least $14.3 billion (2017 prices) and an additional 40,000 FTE positions by 2030. The state government estimates its total health spending in 2017–18 will be $23.4 billion. “Wit h f ur t her invest ment NSW can be a world leader,” the report says. “The good news is action is possible. Taxes in Australia are low by the standard of other rich democracies. “Public spending on healthcare as a proportion of the GDP in Australia is in the bottom half of the OECD, below Italy, the UK, Canada and even the USA.

“Overall the system is relatively efficient, producing good outcomes at an affordable cost. “Ensur ing t he system is adequately and appropriately funded promises real returns, not only in terms of jobs, but in the form of longer, healthier lives for all Australians.”

INCREASED INVESTMENT IN HEALTH WILL CREATE JOBS IN REGIONAL NSW It recommends the government makes increased health spending the foundation of a regional employment and development package to “support equitable and balanced growth across NSW.” “Additional public investment in healthcare is likely to have

HEALTH FUNDING

The key figures The report points out that taxes in Australia are low compared to other developed countries and that with further investment NSW can be a world leader in public health. But…

40,000 16,000 $14.3b

stimulate greater recruitment and retention.” The other option is the “low road” where “people with less training and/or prepared to accept lower pay and conditions are used to fill the gap.” “While aspects of some healthcare services may be undertaken by lower level staff, reducing costs without harming the quality of the service, in general, reducing the quantity or quality of labour in the direct delivery of services is likely to have negative effects on service quality. “The high road approach is clearly preferable in underpinning high quality and stable healthcare, both now and over the long term.” The report emphasises “the importance of a good working environment and career paths for health staff to ensure that staff can be both attracted and retained.” ■

The health budget will require a real increase in expenditure of at least $14.3 billion just to keep pace with current trends in health spending and outcomes.

THE

McKellte Institu

significant social and economic benefits, especially in regions with high unemployment where both economic multiplier effects and public health benefits are likely to be largest.” The report observes that “good health services are only possible if there are sufficient well-trained and experienced professional and other staff to provide these services.” “ There is citizen a nd consumer demand for ensuring adequate staffing for health services and for increasing labour inputs in these services. This is shown, for example, by “widespread concern over waiting times in emergency and for surgery, and by support for campaigns to decrease the ratio of patients to nursing staff in both health and aged care.” There are two broad ways that the demand for more staff can be met, the report says. One option is the “high road” with “good remuneration and working conditions that

The government will have to recruit more than 16,000 additional nurses over the next 12 years.

T H E

M C K E L L

THE

NSW will need an additional 40,000 positions in the state’s public health sector by 2030 in order to meet demand.

I N S T I T U T E

Keep NSW in a Healthy State Investing for a Healthy Future

M AY

201 8

FIND OUT MORE You can read the full report at: www.nswnma.asn.au/ keep-it-public/

THE LAMP JUNE 2018 | 23

CHANGE THE RULES

Reserve Bank boosts claim for low-paid Reserve Bank research shows minimum wage rises don’t cause job losses.

here is “no evidence” that small increases in minimum wages cause a loss of jobs or reduction in workers’ hours, a Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) study has found. In fact, minimum wage increases may even boost both, according to an RBA research paper. R BA re s e a rch e c onom i s t James Bishop studied the impact of increases in minimum wage rises granted by the Fair Work Commission from 1998 to 2008. He found that award increases “have no statistically significant effect on hours worked or the job destruction rate”. If anything, evidence suggests “the job destruction rate actually declines when the award wage is increased,” he said. The Fair Work Commission is considering a claim by the Australian Council of Trade Unions for a 7.2 per cent increase to minimum and award wages. That would boost the minimum wage by $50 a week. The Australian Industry Group, a leading employer organisation, wants increases limited to the inflation rate of 1.9 per cent or lower. The AIG argues the ACTU claim would hurt companies and inflict “significant harm” on low-paid

24 | THE LAMP JUNE 2018

‘ The Turnbull government and the business lobby are trying to keep wages down by running a scare campaign against higher wages.’ — Sally McManus workers, the unemployed and the underemployed, “because their job security and employment prospects would be substantially reduced”. However, the RBA study found the opposite was true: that “jobs with larger award wage rises had larger increases in hours worked than jobs experiencing a smaller award wage rise”.

EMPLOYER ARGUMENTS DISCREDITED The Guardian newspaper commented that employer claims were now “put in doubt by the RBA research.” “The study adds to international studies which have found that ‘modest and regular’ wage increases do not result in an increase in unemployment,” The Guardian said. Whatever pay rise the commission decides to grant will apply from 1 July for 2.3 million workers. The ACTU told the commission that a $50-a-week increase to the

minimum wage would create up to 87,000 jobs in the first two years. The ACTU argued that low-paid workers spend most of their extra income, meaning an increase to the minimum wage would boost aggregate demand and create jobs. It said that based on estimates of low-income households’ spending, the number of jobs created would be 50,000 to 57,000 in the first year and 30,000 in the second year. ACTU secretary Sally McManus said the modelling showed “pay rises will create jobs and move our economy forward”. “The Turnbull government and the business lobby are trying to keep wages down by running a scare campaign against higher wages,” she said. “That’s the same discredited, untruthful, damaging trickle-down economics this government loves to roll out.” n

CHANGE THE RULES

The ACTU estimated 100,000 people took to the streets of Melbourne on 9 May to protest against inequality, insecure work and low pay. The march was part of the nationwide “Change the Rules” campaign for better pay and work conditions.

‘Change the Rules’ to lift pay The ACTU’s “Change the Rules” campaign is aimed at rewriting industrial laws to make it easier for workers to bargain for wage increases. Sally McManus said Australia was headed down the same path as the United States – insecure work and low wages. “We have to change the rules so that profits go to the workers who power the Australian economy, not the executives who are ripping them off,” she said. “The Turnbull government has directly contributed to cutting wages by supporting the slashing of penalty rates. “Wage growth of 1.9 per cent in the private sector is a disaster for workers. We need change now to allow workers to fight for a pay rise.”

SUNDAY 13 MAY 2018

Congratulations TO THE NSWNMA TEAM

Members, NSWNMA staff and family joined together to walk or run, and together we raised over $1,500 to fund vital research in the prevention and cure of breast cancer. Thank you to everyone who donated and supported our team. THE LAMP JUNE 2018 | 25

NSWNMA SHORT STORY AND POETRY COMPETITION 2018

The last day

Our 2018 winner Elspeth Whiteford

Nurses and midwives have proven they are very creative and can tell a good story. For this reason, each year, the Association holds the Nurses and Midwives’ Short Story and Poetry Competition to promote International Midwives’ Day and International Nurses’ Day. First State Super proudly supports the competition. We are pleased to announce the winner of this year’s Nurses and Midwives Short Story and Poetry Competition: Elspeth Whiteford for her entry: ‘The Last Day’. Elspeth has been awarded $2000. The two runners up are Emily Clegg for her short story entry ‘In Bed Fourteen’ and Kaithy Zhang for her short story entry ‘Lady in Blue’. Both were awarded $500. You can read the winners at www.nswnma.asn.au. Thank you to First State Super for their generous support.

26 | THE LAMP JUNE 2018

gatha stretched her navy blue cardigan around her preg na nt belly and peered into the darkness. The bright lights of the busy intensive care unit reflected images of convalescing patients onto the glass as she pressed her face against the isolation room door. Wires, tubes and tapes covered the tiny package of flesh spread out on the white sheet. A shadow in the background fiddled with pumps, almost invisible in her dark scrubs, almost. Agatha felt her phone buzz in her pocket. Can’t find the kids shoes. Any ideas? She quickly typed as the shadow emerged from the gloom, Sorry. Good luck! The chatter of morning handover breathed pinkness into the night nurse’s long, tired face as she systematically recited Elijah’s story. Every blood result, every breath, every wriggle. Agatha’s own baby seemed to kick every time she said the name Elijah. “Is this your last shift before maternity leave?” Asked the night nurse when she had finished with the formalities. Her voice lighter. “Yep.” A gat ha r ubbed her aching back. “So ready to be finished.” “Good luck.” The women hugged. “Can’t wait to meet the little package.” “Thanks.” She smiled. Agatha cracked the door open and slid inside. Two silent faces screamed into the darkness as the morning sun tried desperately to penetrate the blinds behind them. A spattering of successful rays landed on the back of Catherine’s chair, her body limp within. In the chair beside her sat Leo, his body stiff, waiting, always waiting. The ventilator pinged as Agatha introduced herself to the

new parents. Leo’s eyes darted back and forth across the room, like a meerkat, each alarm a potential threat. Catherine recited Elijah’s story, this time the story was chaotic. She jumped through time, his birth, his illness, their pre-baby life. She spoke of his sleep patterns, the state of her nipples and their night time routine. Again, Agatha felt the impatient buzz against her full belly. She peeked inside her pocket as she began to prepare Elijah’s medications. The glow from the screen, a portal to another world. I forgot about soccer and we have no washing powder. I’ll eventually get the kids to school. Might make it to work by lunch time! She quickly closed her pocket without replying. Catherine stroked Elijah’s floppy hand. She played with the rolls of fat at his wrist then kissed the parts of his checks popping out between the layers of brown tape. She closed her eyes. In Catherine’s mind, Elijah had grown up so many times already. Every day since he was born she had imagined a new future for him. Yesterday he was a chef, like his Dad, the day before was his wedding. Leo had barely thought more than two days into the future since Elijah’s birth, partly because of sleep deprivation, partly because he feared the unknown. Leo closed his eyes and kissed Elijah’s other cheek. Little translucent patches appeared on the white sheet as a sprinkling of tears escaped from his eyes. The door eased open. The noise poured in from outside, like a thunderstorm rolling across the still summer sky. A doctor entered, the remnants of a hurried lunch in his beard, instant coffee on his breath. His head was bowed, his lips turned down. Leo stood to attention,

NSWNMA SHORT STORY AND POETRY COMPETITION 2018

was this what he was waiting for? Agatha sat with the couple as the doctor spoke gently and precisely about Elijah and his condition. Each word seemed to hang in the stagnant air between them. Agatha wondered if they would remember this as the last moments before they were changed forever. A cloak that would hang heavy around their necks for the rest of their lives, a screen that they would now see everything through. He answered all of their questions, despite the repetition. And after his profuse apologies he left. Catherine sat staring at her son, mouth open, as though every thought she had ever had was trying to get out at once. Leo sobbed and clung to his wife. Agatha left and waited just outside the door. She watched the couple, who two days ago had a perfect life, just like hers. They were both standing now, kissing Elijah everywhere their lips would fit. Catherine started with his face and worked her way down, Leo his feet working his way towards his face. “Please, please, please don’t die.” She heard Leo beg between kisses, a thin film of tears and snot covered his face. Another buzz from Agatha’s pocket. Please, please, please let there be no traffic. Something’s got to go my way today. Her bowels wrung with guilt. The blackened room throbbed with sadness. She imagined her own little boy’s freckly nose under all that tape, her little girls red curls wrapped amongst the lines and her new baby. Her new baby. A f ter k issing a nd begging and bargaining and disbelief, Agatha went into the room again. “Would you like to hop into bed with him?” Asked Agatha. Her voice cutting through the thickness. Catherine nodded her head without looking taking her eyes from her baby. She climbed on the bed as Agatha fiddled with tubes and lines and helped her get her arm under Elijah. “What happens now?” Asked Leo rolling Elijah’s little finger gently in his. “Well, when you’re ready.” Agatha sighed and thought about the inadequacy of the word ‘ready’. “We’ll take out as many of the lines as we can. We’ll take away the monitors and then we’ll take out the breathing tube.” Leo nodded and bit his lip. “It might take hours or minutes, we can’t really say, but then Elijah will die,” continued Agatha. “Will he feel it?” Leo’s eyes stayed fixed on Elijah’s face. “No. His brain is very damaged so lots of those pathways aren’t working, but we can give him medication if we think he’s having any pain.” “When?” Catherine was able to squeeze a word out between sobs. “When you think it’s time. Is there anyone you want to see him before he goes?” “No. It’s just us.” “Okay.” Agatha smiled. “You told me about your bedtime routine. Maybe we could do it then. Do your normal routine and then put him to bed one last time. It’s up to you.” “I think that would be nice.” Leo squeezed Catherine’s hand. “Okay.” She covered her face with her hand and sobbed. “I’ll just grab a few things and you can hop in there too Leo.”

She left the room, her eyes taking a minute to adjust to life outside the cell. Her pocket buzzed again. You wouldn’t believe the day I’m having. They just called from day care and the baby spewed so I’ve got to pick her up. She’s fine. I bet they were just trying to feed her peas again. Agatha ducked into the pan room. Poor baby. Kiss her from me. She typed. Agatha buzzed around the unit and set up a double bed for the family to lie together. Leo and Catherine spent the rest of the day kissing, stroking, squeezing Elijah. Occasionally one of them would shut their eyes and drift off, only seconds later jumping awake and weeping. Agatha tended to alarms, fetched drinks and listened to whatever they wanted to tell her. And at about six in the evening she was summoned to assist with their bedtime routine. First Catherine and Leo gave Elijah a bath. They whispered baby talk through tears as his slippery body flopped in his mother’s arms. Then Leo lay him across the bed, squeezed cream into his hands and massaged his tolerant body. His perfect pink skin warm under his father’s rough hands. Catherine squatted at his head and kissed him while Leo sung lullabies. Agatha helped place Elijah into the middle of the double bed. She unhooked syringes filled with medication. She took dow n t he monitoring, removed the line in his groin and helped his parents into bed with him. The same doctor they had spoken to earlier came in, spoke a few more hushed words, apologised again and pulled the breathing tube from his nose. The doctor left the room, followed by Agatha, who assured them that she was just outside if they needed her. Less than an hour Elijah’s breathing became irregular, his colour began to drain and around eighty years too early he was dead. A while later Agatha cracked the door open. The sobbing had melted away to more of a weep as a few tiny purple markings appeared on Elijah’s sallow checks. “He’s not even supposed to be born yet,” said Catherine as she traced the outline of his face with her index finger. “He was due next week, the eleventh.” “He’s been through so much in his short life,” consoled Agatha. She rubbed her belly; the eleventh was the date her baby was due. Leo and Catherine said good bye again and again then left the hospital. Instead of their baby in their hands they held information sheets on organising a funeral and suppressing lactation. Agatha picked Elijah up onto her chest and lay a sheet out on the bed beneath. His lifeless feet dangled across her belly. She could feel her own baby kicking, only a few centimetres of flesh separating the infants. She put him down again and wrapped him. She placed him in the pram and draped a blanket over the cover so that passers-by would think she was just pushing a sleeping baby, then wheeled him to the morgue. Her phone buzzed again. I’ve had the worst day. Thought I’d never get the kids to bed! How’s your last day going? She thought for a moment. Fine thanks. She replied. n

“PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE DON’T DIE.”

THE LAMP JUNE 2018 | 27

NEWS IN BRIEF

UNITED STATES

AUSTRALIA

The running nurse who came from nowhere

Socialist ideas like free health and education get big tick

A 26-year old nurse, an amateur with no sponsors or agents, who had only run one marathon in her life, has just run second in the world’s most famous road race, the Boston marathon.

Nine in 10 voters in Australia believe universal access to health and education should be provided free of charge.

Four years after giving the sport away and in only the second race of her comeback, nurse Sarah Sellers ran a blinder to finish second in the prestigious Boston marathon. Sarah Sellers was told she would never run again after she broke the navicular bone on the top of her left foot. “I was heartbroken,” she told the US Guardian. “Really since before high school, every day that I could run I would go run. Now people were saying: ‘Maybe you should pick up art.’” Sarah went to nursing school and moved from Utah to Tucson, Arizona to take up a nursing job. Four years after abandoning the track she started to run again and with encouragement from her brother, a fellow runner, Sarah entered the Boston marathon. Sarah, who trains by herself before or after shifts as a full-time nurse, is now the toast of American track and field. The Boston marathon was run in atrocious conditions with driving rain and a fierce headwind. During the race Sarah thought there were fifteen women ahead of her. When she reached the finishing line she saw a woman who seemed to be a race organiser and asked her where she had finished. “Second,” the woman said. “Are you serious?” There’s no way I came second,” Sarah said. “Second,” the woman repeated.

‘ Sarah, who trains by herself before or after shifts as a fulltime nurse, is now the toast of American track and field.’

The results of an Ipsos survey also found 76 per cent of Australians agree the rich should be taxed more to help the poor. The findings were part of a 28-nation survey that investigated attitudes to socialist ideas in the 21st century. Half of Australian respondents agreed that “socialist ideals are of great value for societal progress”. David Elliott, from the Ipsos Social Research Institute told The Sydney Morning Herald that the findings showed many Australians believe the adoption of some socialist ideals could improve the country. “Both globally and locally there is an appetite for greater adoption of some key socialist ideals, particularly in regards to education, healthcare and better distribution of wealth,” he said. The poll found 88 per cent of Australians agreed education should be free of charge, while 89 per cent said that free health care is “a human right”. The Ipsos poll found eight in 10 Australians agree every citizen should have the right to an “unconditional basic income”. That share was the fifth highest among the 28 nations in the study and 10 percentage points above the international average. In Australia only 35 per cent of respondents agreed when asked whether the working class is “well represented” in the political system of their country.

‘ 89 per cent of Australians said that free health care is “a human right”.’

ARE YOU A REGISTERED NURSE? Healthcare in the Northern Territory promises career progression and training in specialist areas such as emergency, theatre, and medicine. VACANCIES OPEN NOW, visit OURLIFEOUTHERE.NT.GOV.AU

28 | THE LAMP JUNE 2018

NEWS IN BRIEF

BRITAIN

NHS staff rely on payday loans NHS workers are among the most regular applicants for payday loans which can charge interest of up to 1,325 per cent per year.

UNITED STATES

How to add ten years to your life People who follow a healthy diet, control their weight, take regular exercise, drink in moderation and do not smoke can add more than a decade to their life says new research. Researchers from Harvard University used the data of 123,000 volunteers from the Nurses’ Health Study (1980–2014) and the Health Professionals Follow-up Study (1986–2014). They found that men who followed the five healthy habits in adulthood lived an extra 12 years and women an extra 14 years. “When we embarked on this study I thought, of course, that people who adopted these habits would live longer. But the surprising thing was how huge the effect was,” said Meir Stampfer, a co-author on the study and professor of epidemiology and nutrition at the Harvard TH Chan School of Public Health. The study, published in the journal Circulation, suggests poor lifestyle is a major factor that cuts American lives short. Only eight per cent of the general population followed all five healthy habits. The research focused on the US population, but Stampfer said the findings applied to much of the Western world. Men and women who had such healthy lives were 82 per cent less likely to die of heart disease and 65 per cent less likely to die of cancer compared with those with the least healthy lifestyles. For more information go to http://circ.ahajournals.org/.

‘ Only eight per cent of the general population followed all five healthy habits.’

Figures released by the Cash Lady comparison website showed that NHS workers applied for more payday loans than any other workers in London, Cardiff and Bristol and applied for more loans nationally than any other organisation’s workers. The website collates loans, issued by companies including Quick Quid, The Money Shop, Sunny and 118 118 Money. Cash Lady said the lenders charge interest rates between 68.7 per cent and 1,325 per cent. After NHS staff, supermarket workers for Tesco, Asda and Sainsbury’s applied for the most loans, followed by staff at McDonalds, the supermarket Morrisons and Royal Mail. NHS workers’ representatives said it showed “a terrible state of affairs”. “No one should be so desperate for money that they have no option but to go cap in hand to unscrupulous lenders,” said Unison head of health, Sara Gorton. “It shows how much harm years of government pay restraint has caused.” Sarah-Jayne Clifton, director of the Jubilee Debt Campaign, told The Guardian that the figures showed how “austerity, low wages, and insecure work are driving people to take on high-cost debt from rip-off lenders just to put food on the table”.

‘ Austerity, low wages, and insecure work are driving people to take on high-cost debt from rip-off lenders just to put food on the table.’ — Jubilee Debt Campaign THE LAMP JUNE 2018 | 29

NEWS IN BRIEF

BRITAIN

Raising a sweat may reduce Alzheimer’s Vigorous exercise may reduce the risk of dementia. Vigorous physical activity could reduce the number of Alzheimer’s cases by up to 30 percent reports ABC Radio. Professor Nicola Lautenschlager told Radio National’s Health Report that people who do a lot of physical activity have a lower risk of dementia and cognitive decline compared to those who aren’t active. But, she says, aerobic exercise is the key. She recommends older Australians do around 150 minutes of physical activity every week. “You have to work up a sweat and you have to have more intensive breathing,” she says. “So it’s not a stroll with a walking buddy where you have a chat or you stop at every corner with your dog. You have to walk fairly fast, so we call that moderate to vigorous.” Combining aerobic exercise with resistance training, such as weightlifting, may even be more beneficial. Exercise is believed to have direct effects on the brain by triggering the production of proteins that encourage nerves to grow. It may also have indirect benefits for the brain through the heart by reducing high blood pressure and increasing blood flow to the brain.

‘You have to work up a sweat and you have to have more intensive breathing. So it’s not a stroll with a walking buddy where you have a chat or you stop at every corner with your dog.’ — Professor Nicola Lautenschlager

AUSTRALIA

Flu vaccinations now a must in aged care The federal government has ordered compulsory access to flu vaccines for aged care workers. The introduction of flu vaccines for aged care workers comes after a “horrific” flu season in 2017, which saw 90 per cent of the 1100 flu-related deaths in people aged over 65, and the release of two new “groundbreaking” vaccines. Announcing the new policy, the Minister for Aged Care Ken Wyatt highlighted the deaths of 18 elderly residents in two aged care homes last year. “When I consider there are 360,000 senior Australians within aged care facilities, then the compulsory vaccination program is important to prevent the type of challenge we faced last year with both Strathdevon in Tasmania, and Wangaratta, where we lost 18 loved ones who were important to their families, because the disease control standard was not met,” he said. “Infection control was further compromised as dozens of staff were struck down with the flu, compounding a deadly situation.” The new policy was welcomed by aged care providers.

‘ Infection control was further compromised as dozens of staff were struck down with the flu, compounding a deadly situation.’ — Minister of Aged Care Ken Wyatt

Member Benefits 30 | THE LAMP JUNE 2018

NEWS IN BRIEF

BRITAIN

Lonely millennials twice as vulnerable to depression Lonely young adults have twice the chance of experiencing depression or anxiety than the general population, according to new research.

WORLD

Inequality reaches tipping point The world’s richest one per cent are on track to control as much as two-thirds of all wealth by 2030. An analysis produced by the British House of Commons library suggests that if trends seen since the 2008 financial crash were to continue, then the top 1 per cent will hold 64 per cent of the world’s wealth by 2030. Since 2008, the wealth of the richest 1 per cent has been growing at an average of 6 per cent a year – much faster than the 3 per cent growth in wealth of the remaining 99 per cent of the world’s population. Should that continue, the top 1 per cent would hold wealth equating to $305 trillion – up from $140 trillion today. According to the report wealth has become concentrated at the top because of recent income inequality, higher rates of saving among the wealthy, and the accumulation of assets. The wealthy also invested a large amount of equity in businesses, stocks and other financial assets, which have handed them disproportionate benefits. New polling by Opinium published in The Observer newspaper suggests that the public perceive a major problem with the influence exerted by the very wealthy. Asked to select a group that would have the most power in 2030, most (34 per cent) said the super-rich, while 28 per cent opted for national governments. In a sign of falling levels of trust, those surveyed said they feared the consequences of wealth inequality would be rising levels of corruption (41 per cent) or the “super-rich enjoying unfair influence on government policy” (43 per cent).

‘ Respondents said they feared the consequences of wealth inequality would be rising levels of corruption or the “super-rich enjoying unfair influence on government policy”.’

The analysis of 2000 millennials in England and Wales published in the journal Psychological Medicine showed that seven per cent of participants said they “often” had feelings of loneliness while between 23 per cent and 31 per cent said they had felt left out or lacking in companionship. The figures showed that the odds of experiencing mental health problems for those who identified as lonely more than doubled, while their chances of being unemployed increased by 38 per cent. They were prone to adopt “negative coping strategies” such as smoking and not exercising. A recent survey by the British Office for National Statistics found that 16–24-year-olds were even more lonely than the over 75s. It revealed that five per cent of adults in England report feeling lonely “often” or “always”, with younger adults – aged between 16 and 24 – more likely to experience loneliness than older age groups. It also found women, widows, single people, renters and those with poor health were more predisposed to loneliness than others.

‘A recent survey found that 16-24-year-olds were even lonelier than the over 75s.’ THE LAMP JUNE 2018 | 31

PROFESSIONAL EDUCATION Wound Care: Negative Pressure Wound Therapy All

CPD

Tuesday 12 June, Shoalhaven 6 $ Members $95 / non-members $190 This session will focus on how NPWT works, which types of wounds benefit most from NPWT and what factors increase a patients risk for adverse events with NPWT. Includes practicing NPWT application. Foot Care for Nurses – 2-DAY COURSE

In-Charge Team Leader Skills “Lead by Example” All

Thursday 28 June, Tamworth Evening Series $ Members $30 / non-members $60 CPD Front line nurse and midwife leaders are essential in 3 assessing, planning and implementing quality patient care. Dementia Management Training

CPD

Thursday 14 and Friday 15 June, Waterloo Members $203 / non-members $350 Get the knowledge and skills for maintaining healthy, functioning feet.

6 Thurs 28 June, Waterloo Thurs 20 Sept, Springwood $ Members $95 / non-members $190 The first session sold out and rated so well with the attendees we’re scheduling more sessions throughout 2018.

Community Nursing and Midwifery Forum

CPD Made Easy

RN EN AiN

CPD

All

CPD

Friday 15 June, Waterloo Members $60 / non-members $120 Hear from a range of speakers, network with colleagues and share experiences across the community nursing and midwifery areas. $

Medicinal Cannabis: Debunking the Myths All

CPD

Wed 20 June, Wollongong Fri 19 October, Newcastle $ Members $60 / non-members $120 Medication Safety, Professional Obligations, Professional Comprehensive Documentation and the NMBA Decision Making Framework

CPD

All

CPD

4 Friday 22 June, Waterloo $ Members $50 / non-members $100 Learn about Better Practice Strategies to embrace the diversity in care. Legal, Ethical and Professional Issues for nurses and midwives All

Friday 29 June, Tamworth Friday 6 July, Campbelltown Thursday 16 August, Albury $ Members $50 / non-members $100 Assist nurses and midwives to better understand the key concepts and relevant information to ensure effective recording and completion of CPD that meets NMBA standards. Wound Care: Understanding Wound Care Products

CPD

Wed 27 June, Tamworth Thurs 9 August, Waterloo Wed 15 August, Albury Thurs 5 July, Campbelltown $ Members $95 / non-members $190 Learn about potential liability, disciplinary tribunals, NMC and HCCC complaints, Coroners Court and identify the fundamental ethical standards and values to which the nursing and midwifery profession is committed.

Friday 29 June, Ourimbah Friday 10 August Waterloo Members $95 / non-members $190 This workshop will focus on wound products in relation to wound aetiology, wound shape and the overall objectives of wound care. Tools in Managing Conflict and Confrontation CPD 6 All Friday 13 July, Parramatta Members $95 / non-members $190 Gain practical skills to manage conflict and confrontation, as well as minimising its effects at a physical, emotional and psychological level. $

Bullying: Let’s put an end to it All

All nurses, midwives & assistants in nursing

CPD

Fri 20 July, Hornsby Wed 24 October, Grafton Fri 7 December, Gymea $ Members $95 / non-members $190 This one-day seminar covers topics such as anti-discrimination law, identifying unlawful harassment and bullying, understand what can be done if subjected to harassment and bullying and also assists managers and supervisors to identify, prevent and resolve bullying and harassment.

Attendance at NSWNMA education sessions may count towards your Continuing Professional Development (CPD) hours. The number of hours noted beside each course is the maximum amount of claimable CPD hours assuming that as an attendee you remain for the entirety of the course and complete any extra activities as may be required. All

CPD

All

Thurs 21 June, Waterloo Thurs 28 June, Tamworth $ Members $95 / non-members $190 Cultural Competence in Healthcare

CPD

RN EN MW

AiN

Midwives

YOUR RIGHTS

Ask

Judith Breaking News ADO dispute update Members may recall that the Association was contacted by a number of public health members who had been notified that they had negative ADO balances. After some preliminary investigation, which revealed anomalies, the Association lodged a dispute with the IRC of NSW. Following appearances before the IRC, the Ministry and HealthShare conceded that StaffLink had certain flaws in its software: It did not include the extra annual leave provided to shift workers when calculating ADO entitlements and the 19-shift counter built into StaffLink did not adequately deal with the calculation of ADOs for those working combinations of shifts. As a result, a reconfiguration of the software took place to address the first issue, with the subsequent recalculation leading to 21,199 ADOs being recredited. In relation to the 19-shift counter anomaly for those working a combination of shift lengths, a systemwide solution has been agreed upon, which will be reflected within StaffLink. When completed, this will permit an ‘automatic’ recalculation of retrospective ADO allocations, from the time that StaffLink commenced in each LHD for those in mixed shifts scenarios. This will arrive at the correct ADO balance for the period. This solution will then be used to ensure that balances prospectively remain accurate and correct. Unfortunately the software work required, along with the testing on any solution, will not be ready till the second half of this calendar year. In the interim, the Ministry agrees that the IRC of NSW’s recommendation that ADOs are to be provided as expected for each roster period will remain in place.

Payout of additional annual leave I am a registered nurse working in a public hospital. One of my colleagues said I might be able to

When it comes to your rights and entitlements at work, NSWNMA Assistant General Secretary Judith Kiejda has the answers.

cash out some of my annual leave. Is that correct? Under Clause 30(xi)(b) (Annual Leave) of the Public Health System Nurses’ and Midwives’ (State) Award 2017 an employee can elect at any time to be paid out their “additional annual leave”, with the payment calculated as if it was actually taken. Additional annual leave is that leave accrued over and above the statutory minimum of four weeks each year, i.e., the additional leave provided for shift workers or the additional leave accrued for working Sundays and/or public holidays.

Mandatory training in a Healthscope Hospital I recently started working in a hospital operated by Healthscope. I note that attendance at mandatory training will be required. I have no issue with this but how is it dealt with pay wise? Clause 12 of the Healthscope and NSWNMA/ANMF – NSW Nurses and Midwives’ – Enterprise Agreement 2015–2019 sets out that mandatory training will be paid at the applicable shift rate for those on duty and at the ordinary rate of pay for those attending in their own time.

Workloads at Columbia I work in an aged care facility run by Columbia Aged Care. How do we discuss concerns regarding workloads? Under Clause 11 (Workload Management) of the Columbia Aged Care Group, NSWNMA, ANMF NSW Branch and HSU New South Wales Branch Enterprise Agreement 2017, it is acknowledged that employees and management have a responsibility to maintain a balanced workload and recognise the adverse effects that excessive workloads may have on employee/s and the quality of resident/client care. Clause 11 sets out a sequence of escalation points to deal with specific issues. Workload management must also be an agenda item at staff meetings on at least a quarterly basis.

Displaying a roster I am an enrolled nurse in a public hospital. Our roster seems to be provided to us increasingly late. What is the minimum notice period for it be provided to us? Clause 8 (Rosters) of the Public Health System Nurses’ and Midwives’ (State) Award 2017 states clearly that the hours of work shall be displayed in a roster at least two weeks prior to commencing. A posted roster may be altered due to emergent issues to enable services to be delivered but any such change needs to be notified to staff verbally or beforehand in writing.

Day worker at Estia I recently applied for a job as a registered nurse in a nursing home operated by Estia Health. The ad said that it would be a day worker position. What does that mean? Schedule 1 (Dictionary) of the Estia Health NSW Enterprise Agreement 2016 defines a day worker as someone who works their ordinary hours between 6am to 6pm, Monday to Friday.

Learning and development leave in a public hospital I am a registered midwife working in a public hospital. I am thinking of doing some additional studies. What support can I expect from the District? Clause 55 of the Public Health System Nurses’ and Midwives’ (State) Award 2017 sets out a detailed explanation and the possible mechanisms of support that may be available to you, depending on the nature of the additional studies sought to be completed. It would be wise to give this a thorough read and/or check with the Association as to your rights. Eligibility is predicated upon the development of a “highly trained, skilled and versatile workforce …”. Entitlements are generally at the discretion of the District and should be underpinned by local policies in addition to the Award. THE LAMP JUNE 2018 | 33

THE CHOICE FOR NURSING Advance your career with a postgraduate course at the top ranked Nursing School in Australia by the Center for World University Rankings. To learn more and register for a postgraduate information session visit westernsydney.edu.au/postgraduate

OMAC2615LampMagWSU_halfpage.indd 1

34 | THE LAMP JUNE 2018

10/04/2018 1:17 PM

SOCIAL MEDIA

Do you have a story to tell? An opinion to share? Nurse Uncut is a blog written by everyday nurses and midwives. We welcome your ideas at nurseuncut@nswnma.asn.au

New on our Support Nurses YouTube channel Aged care realities

BLACKTOWN RATIOS RALLY Nurses and midwives from Blacktown Hospital launch their campaign for ratios in public hospitals. bit.ly/blacktownratios

NSWNMA: MAY DAY SYDNEY 2018 Nurses and midwives joined with unions and community groups from across NSW to celebrate May Day 2018 and ‘Change the Rules’. bit.ly/nswnmamayday18 Connect with us on Facebook Nurse Uncut www.facebook. com/NurseUncutAustralia New South Wales Nurses and Midwives’ Association www.facebook.com/nswnma Ratios put patient safety first www.facebook.com/ safepatientcare Aged Care Nurses www.facebook.com/ agedcarenurses Look for your local branch on our Facebook page www.facebook.com/nswnma Follow us on Twitter @nswnma / @nurseuncut Share on Instagram by tagging @nswnma and don’t forget to use the hashtag #nswnma!

There seems to be a fine line between fact and fiction when it comes to services offered and the actual reality at some aged care facilities. This nurse wanted to share her personal experiences and why aged care is in crisis: https://www. nurseuncut.com.au/our-facilityclaims-it-is-one-of-the-best-but-weare-experiencing-serious-staffingissues-aged-care-realities/

Attracting younger staff to aged care Aged care is a growing industry. Australia’s ageing population means there is a greater need for more aged care facilities. Yet, why is it that aged care is often the last choice for newly graduated nurses? https://www.nurseuncut.com.au/ attracting-younger-staff-to-aged-care/

‘My dream to become a nurse was in jeopardy’ Proud to be a male nurse This article from an American blog, RealCareGivers, highlights many issues male nurses and midwives experience around the world. Do these challenges sound familiar to you? https://www.nurseuncut.com.au/ overcoming-stigma-proud-to-be-amale-nurse/

The need for affordable housing is an evergrowing issue and can affect all workers and can lead to dramatic career changes. Who will be left to care for us if nurses and midwives can’t afford to live near hospitals? https://www.nurseuncut.com.au/ rns-are-vital-in-aged-care/

This nurse from NSW trekked across East Timor!

Making a difference to our climate NSWNMA’s Dr Janet Roden recently took part in a protest against the continuation of coal seam gas mining and coal mining, which is immensely damaging to our environment. Here is her report… https://www.nurseuncut.com.au/ nurses-and-midwives-making-adifference-to-our-climate/

There are some incredible nurses out there who do great things at home and abroad. And we’re over the moon about ICU Nurse Louise Burke and the journey she undertook!. https://www.nurseuncut. com.au/this-nurse-from-nsw-trekkedacross-east-timor-and-were-superproud-of-her/

Listen to our podcast

Teresa Lewis: Environmentally sustainable activities in nursing /midwifery practice http://bit.ly/sustainable nursingpractice THE LAMP JUNE 2018 | 35

COVER STORY

Family Planning NSW is the stateâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s leading provider of reproductive and sexual health services and offers specialist training to healthcare practitioners.

UPCOMING COURSES Nurse Education Day This one day forum is a great opportunity for nurses and midwives to gain CPD hours and update their knowledge of contemporary reproductive and sexual health topics. Newcastle: 31 August

Reproductive and Sexual Health for Midwives This course aims to increase midwivesâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; ability to provide holistic care for women and their families during the reproductive continuum. Course work commences: 8 August

Workshop: Ashfield 19-20 September

REGISTER NOW For more information or to register, visit www.fpnsw.org.au or email education@fpnsw.org.au. We are proud to offer a series of scholarships as part of our commitment to the health professionals of NSW. 36 | THE LAMP JUNE 2018

SOCIAL MEDIA

your

Say

What nurses and midwives said and liked on Facebook www.facebook.com/nswnma

Tough messages for Ken Wyatt

Lost hours in aged care

Aged Care Minister Ken Wyatt thinks that our aged care residents don’t deserve ratios. Here’s what you had to say to him:

An aged care nurse lifts the lid on what it’s like working in aged care – despite claims by operators that they are “some of the best”. Here’s what you had to say about her story:

I invite the minister to spend some time in an aged care facility. I don’t think he would last the distance. His comments are shameful. The state of aged care is heartbreaking. After a few moments of trying to be open minded with his answers, I gave up. It’s clear he had no clue. Our Government should hang its head in shame. Why should independent businesses not be held accountable for care? If it was your mother or father, you would expect so much better. There should be no aged care, disability or child care services in the private sector. Nobody should be making profit at the expense of our most vulnerable people. This is only going to get worse with an ageing population. There’s only so long they can line their pockets before they get torn apart. This government only worries about investors, companies and profit. Maybe the minister should take a look at the net profit margin of private aged care facilities and put a cap on it! Any profit above a certain percentage should be put back into hiring more staff instead of building more brand new facilities with inadequate staff/ patient ratios!

If they say it is one of the best, then there are problems, because there are no staffing ratios. This was a common question at admission by family members and of course the standard answer by the DON was they are within government guidelines. I knew it was a lie, and I copped the brunt of this every time by families complaining about lack of care. Thank God it is all out in the open now. Of course there are great facilities but they battle every day with staff being over worked. I’ve not had a lunch break in five days – no tea break nor lunch break. It’s a nightmare. Then when staff haven’t pitched up for the next shift, management has the audacity to say can you stay another 20 minutes? I love my aged folk but I’m not going to be able to look after them if I don’t look after myself. I’ve come to accept I won’t get time for my unpaid 30-minute break. It’s either I stay back half an hour or I skip lunch. So many of us have commitments after work and so no lunch is becoming the norm. Sure, going hungry never hurt anyone in our first world, but it’s not right!

Mixed feelings about flu vaccine innovation We shared a video of a new way of administering the flu vaccine without an injection. Here were your thoughts on this new innovation: Woo hoo! I would love to see this technology being used for all vaccinations. And yes, I am a tragic needlephobe. I don’t understand why we need these. At least a medically administered shot is known to be given properly. Don’t think this a good idea. The flu shot really doesn’t hurt. I think it would be good for kids though. I think these would be more expensive than the current injections. Could this push up the prices of the flu vaccine?

Wake up and smell the coffee Daryl! Wagga Wagga MP Daryl Maguire thought that nurses must have been lying when they raised staffing issues at their local hospital. I’m a nurse who moved to the area about three years ago but the job has been made so difficult with staff shortages, and unrealistic budgets. Patients are getting older and sicker, and for self-preservation it’s sometimes better to step away. Management and politicians will allow you to be ground down. So out of touch. How little you know, Daryl. The reality is quite frightening.

the gallery

/5 1/ N SWNMA President Coral Levett flies the flag for nurses and midwives at the Sydney May Day 2/ A ged Care nurses campaign for safe resident ratios in the Tweed 3/ L abor Candidate Janelle Saffin signs on to support our public hospital ratios claim, alongside nurses from Lismore Base Hospital 4/ Nurses and midwives at Campbelltown Hospital speak to local MP Dr Michael Freelander about the need for safe patient ratios 5/ Illawarra nurses and midwives celebrate May Day in Wollongong

THE LAMP JUNE 2018 | 37

Great deals for members at

The Good Guys As a valued Union Shopper member you can now get exclusive access to a new online shopping site with The Good Guys Commercial. You will be able to see ‘live’ discounted pricing on the entire The Good Guys range – that’s great deals on over 4,000 products! And you will be able to make your purchases online – saving you time and money.

To register for online access to The Good Guys Commercial website, visit www.unionshopper.com.au/the-good-guys/ or phone 1300 368 117

1300 368 117 unionshopper.com.au

Scholarships for the academic year 2019 Applications for the Edith Cavell Trust Scholarships are now being accepted for the academic year 2019. Members or Associate Members of the NSW Nurses and Midwives’ Association or the Australian Nursing and Midwifery Federation (NSW Branch) are invited to apply. All grants, awards or loans shall be made to financially assist nurses, midwives, assistants in nursing, assistants in midwifery (including students of those disciplines), and accredited nursing or midwifery organisations, schools and faculties in the furtherance of: (i) accredited nursing or midwifery studies; (ii) such academic research programs as are approved by the Trustees in the theory or practice of nursing or midwifery work; or (iii) clinical nursing education programs at graduate, post-graduate and continuing education professional development level; in accordance with a number of categories. Full details of the scholarship categories, how to apply and to obtain the official application form is available from the NSWNMA website. Prior to applying, please ensure you have read the Edith Cavell Trust Scholarship Rules.

www.nswnma.asn.au – click on ‘Professional’ 38 | THE LAMP JUNE 2018

For further information contact: Scholarship Coordinator – The Edith Cavell Trust, 50 O’Dea Avenue, Waterloo, NSW 2017 T 1300 367 962 E edithcavell@nswnma.asn.au

APPLICAT CLOSE 5PMIONS 31 JULY 20 ON 18

NURSING RESEARCH ONLINE Nurses’ responsibilities with cosmetic procedures The growth in popularity of cosmetic injectables and

the participation of nurses in this field is giving rise to an increasing number of professional conduct matters being considered by regulatory authorities. All nurses involved in this field must be aware of their responsibilities.

Position statement on nurses and cosmetic procedures Nurses and Midwifery Board of Australia March 2018 The NMBA recognises that nurses obtain and develop qualifications and expertise through the course of their careers. It is an expectation that nurses are educated and competent in the specific area of practice required to meet the needs of their client group. Employers should be aware of the scope of practice of nurses they employ. Nurses working in the area of cosmetic procedures are required to comply with the NMBA standards, codes and guidelines including, but not limited to: • registered nurse standards for practice • code of conduct for nurses • g uidelines for advertising regulated health services, and • national framework for the development of decisionmaking tools for nursing and midwifery practice. Nurses working in the area of cosmetic procedures are required to know and comply with relevant state and territory drugs and poisons legislation (however titled) regarding using, obtaining, selling, storing, prescribing, administering and supplying scheduled medicines. http://www.nursingmidwiferyboard. gov.au/Codes-Guidelines-Statements/ Position-Statements/nurses-and-cosmeticprocedures.aspx

(SUSMP) (the Poisons Standard). This offence attracts a maximum penalty of $12,600 for an individual and $63,000 for a body corporate. The Act broadly defines an advertisement in relation to therapeutic goods as including any statement, pictorial representation or design, however made, that is intended, whether directly or indirectly, to promote the use or supply of the goods. https://www.tga.gov.au/advertising-cosmeticservices-include-schedule-4-substances

Cosmetic treatment by unauthorised persons NSW Ministry of Health Pharmaceutical Services July 2016 The (Commonwealth) Therapeutic Goods Act, 1989 (the Act) and associated regulations establishes a uniform, national system of regulatory controls to ensure the quality, safety, efficacy and timely availability of therapeutic goods for human use in Australia. Under the Act, therapeutic goods for human use that are imported into, supplied in, or exported from Australia must be included in the Australian Register of Therapeutic Goods (ARTG). Persons in breach of the above provisions under the Act could face civil or criminal penalties of up to five years imprisonment and/or up to $720,000 for each offence for an individual or $3.6 million for a corporation. http://www.health.nsw.gov.au/pharmaceutical/ Pages/cosmetic-treatment.aspx

Advertising cosmetic services that include Schedule 4 substances

We want your expert advice

Therapeutic Goods Administration 16 August 2017

The Ministry of Health recently released a Report on the Review of the Regulation of Cosmetic Procedures. The report makes nine recommendations that are in the process of being implemented. One of the recommendations will see tighter regulations for the prescribing, use, storage, access, and administration of medicines commonly used in cosmetic procedures. We anticipate that this may affect the way nurses who work in this area are able to practice. The exact rules will be subject to consultation with stakeholders. We would like to form a special interest group for members to give their expert advice for inclusion in the Association’s consultation. If you are a member and work in practice areas that provide cosmetic procedures and are willing to discuss how the proposed changes will affect your practice please contact Amy Hargreaves at the Association on 8595 1234 or email ahargreaves@nswnma.asn.au.

Some health professionals and cosmetic/beauty clinics are advertising, to the general public, therapeutic goods or substances that are designated ‘prescription-only’ items. The following advice is for health professionals and cosmetic/beauty clinics who advertise cosmetic services that involve therapeutic goods containing Schedule 4 (prescription-only) substances. These groups are reminded that advertising of prescription-only products to consumers is illegal. Generally, it is an offence under section 42DL(1)(f) of the Therapeutic Goods Act 1989 (the Act) for a person to publish or broadcast an advertisement about therapeutic goods that contains a statement referring to goods, or substances or preparations containing goods, included in Schedules 3, 4 or 8 of the Standard for the Uniform Scheduling of Medicines and Poisons

THE LAMP JUNE 2018 | 39

Bali?

Do you want to escape to

c e R

li! er and go into the draw b a m e B m , w ne nggu a a C n i t n i a y w 5 a n o i d i i g l h t o t h ru

The 2017–2018 NSWNMA Member Recruitment scheme prize The winner will experience their very own private oasis in two luxurious villas, with the following inclusions (for two): g Five nights’ accommodation at two super luxe properties located in Canggu, Bali (three nights at Sandhya Villa and two nights at Lalasa Villas) g Return airport transfers and transfers from Sandhya Villa to Lalasa Villas g Breakfast daily g One dinner for two guests at Lalasa Villas g One 60-minute massage for two guests at Unagi Spa g The NSWNMA will arrange return flights for two to Denpasar. You will experience a serene and peaceful holiday away from the hustle and bustle, with Seminyak’s fabulous restaurants and shopping just a stone’s throw away. Relax by your private pool, take a free shuttle service to Berawa Beach or explore the village of Canggu. Recruiters note: Join online at www.nswnma.asn.au. If you refer a member to join online, make sure you ask them to put your name and workplace on the online application form. You will then be entered in to the NSWNMA Member Recruitment scheme draw.

Every member you sign up over the year gives you an entry in the draw! Conditions apply. Prize must be redeemed by 30 June 2019 and is subject to room availability. Block out dates 1–30 August 2018 and 24 December 2018–5 January 2019. Competition opens on 1 August 2017 and closes 30 June 2018. The prize will be drawn on 30 June 2018. If a redraw is required for an unclaimed prize be held up toMARCH 3 months2017 from the original draw date. NSW Permit no: LTPM/18/02955 40it must | THE LAMP

Prize drawn 30 June 2018

CROSSWORD

test your

Knowledge 1

11 13

14 16

15 17

30 32

ACROSS 1. Treatment of dental problems peculiar to advanced age (6.10) 9. Relating to the eye, vision, or optics 10. A large group 11. Opposed to; against 12. Letter of intent (1.1.1) 13. Unable to read and write 15. EnteroviralNutritional Interaction (1.1.1) 16. A chronic autoimmune

disorder affecting movement, ensation, and bodily functions (1.1) 17. The formation of dense connective tissue in the middle ear 20. Eyelashes 22. Presumptive Lactic Acid Bacteria (1.1.1.1) 23. A bundle of anatomical fibres, as of muscle or nerve 24. Enterohepatic circulation (1.1.1)

25. Discharge 27. Abnormal pigmentation 29. Symbol for ruthenium 30. An effort to achieve some goal 32. Lack of effort 34. Hernial protrusion of brain at the back of the head DOWN 1. An infection transmitted by droplets of moisture

expelled from the upper respiratory tract through sneezing or coughing (7.9) 2. Sodium 3. The oldest region of the brainâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s cerebral cortex 4. Italian astronomer and mathematician who was the first to use a telescope to study the stars 5. Automatic 6. Opposing the interests of the patient 7. A disease 8. Drugs used to treat excessive dry mouth (6.10) 11. The natural body of air covers the surface of the earth 14. To pour in drop by drop 18. Any parasitic protozoan which causes diseases ranging from skin lesions to potentially fatal organ damage 19. Greedy; voracious 20. Symbol for copper 21. Syphilis 26. To utter in a soft, indistinct manner 28. The concentration of a substance in a solution 31. A group of three 33. An indefinitely long period of time; an age THE LAMP JUNE 2018 | 41

WINTER

WARMERS 1 3

ORDER FORM

Winter is here. Keep warm in NSWNMA winter favourites which are not only stylish & comfortable, but also affordable & sold at cost to members. Name

1 Bonded Polar Fleece Zip Front Jacket $30. Quantity: Size: S M L XL XXL XXXL

Address Postcode

2 Active Soft Shell Navy Jacket $50. Quantity: Size:

10 S

12 M

14 L

16 XL

18 XXL

Phone H

3XL

3 Long Sleeve Quick Dry Polo Shirt $25. Quantity: Size:

2XL

XXL

XXXL

4 Navy Hoodies $45. Quantity: Size:

10 S

12 M

14 L

16 XL

5 Red Hoodies $45. Quantity: Size:

10 S

12 M

14 L

3XL

MOB Email METHOD OF PAYMENT Cheque MasterCard

Money Order

Name of card holder 16 XL

XXL

XXXL

Postage and Handling $5 per item. Total cost of order $

Card number Expiry date

TO ORDER » WWW.NSWNMA.ASN.AU 42 | THE LAMP MARCH 2017

Visa

Signature

FAX (02) 9662 1414 POST NSWNMA, 50 O’Dea Ave. Waterloo NSW 2017

REVIEWS DISCOUNT BOOKS FOR MEMBERS The Library is pleased to announce that McGraw-Hill Publishers are now offering members a 25% discount off the RRP! The offer currently covers medical as well as a range of other professional series books. Please see the online Book Me reviews for a link to the promotion code and further instructions, or contact the Library directly for further information.

INTE IAL

Anne Powell The History Press: www.bookdepository.com RRP $34.33. ISBN 9780750950596

S PE

ST RE

Women In The War Zone – Hospital Service In The First World War

SPE C

book club

All the latest Book Club reviews from The Lamp can be read online at www.nswnma.asn.au/libraryservices/book-reviews.

The Research Process In Nursing Kate Gerrish, Judith Lathlean and Desmond Cormack

Wiley-Blackwell: www. bookdepository.com RRP $46.65 ISBN 9781118522585

Now in its 7th edition, this established and definitive textbook has been considerably updated to reflect the significant advances in nursing research and the importance of evidence-based practice and provides an invaluable resource for both the novice and the more experienced researcher. It includes practical information and advice and how to put research into practice. Essential reading for novice researchers, be they preregistration students or those embarking on a postgraduate research degree.

Merenstein & Gardner’s Handbook Of Neonatal Intensive Care Sandra Gardner

https://www.booktopia.com.au/ RRP $84.75. ISBN 9780323320832

Merenstein & Gardner’s Handbook of Neonatal Intensive Care, 8th Edition is the leading resource for collaborative, interprofessional critical care of newborns.

End Of Life Care For People With Dementia – A PersonCentred Approach Laura MiddletonGreen, Jane Chatterjee, Sarah Russel and Murna Downs

Jessica Kingsley Publishers www.amazon.com RRP $20.12. ISBN 9781849050470

This book describes not only what can be done to ensure maximum quality of life for those in the final stages of the illness, but also how best to support those involved in caring for them. Emphasising the importance of being attuned to the experiences and needs of the person with dementia, the authors explain why and how they should be included in decisions relating to their endof- life care. Dilemmas surrounding end of life care are explored in detail, including the moral dilemma of medical intervention, and the authors suggest ways of supporting family members through the process in terms of providing information, helping them adjust to change and loss, involving them in their relative’s care, and at how care staff can be supported through appropriate education and training, team building and information-giving.

L IN TE In our collective memory, the First World War is dominated by men.AYet there were some women who were able to contribute to the war effort between 1914 and 1918, mostly as doctors and nurses. In Women in the War Zone, Anne Powell has selected extracts from first-hand accounts of the experiences of those female medical personnel who served abroad during the First World War. Filled with stories of bravery and kindliness, it is a book that honours the often-unsung contribution made by the female doctors and nurses who helped to alleviate some of the suffering of the First World War.

Paediatric Nursing in Australia – Principles for practice Jennifer Fraser, Donna Waters, Elizabeth Forster and Nicola Brown M&K Publishing: www. booktopia.com.au RRP $67.25 ISBN 9781316642221

The second edition of Paediatric Nursing in Australia: Principles for Practice brings the important care of the child and young person to life by equipping students with essential knowledge and skills to become informed and capable partners in the nursing care of children, young people and their families across a variety of clinical and community settings. Written by a team of experienced nurses within the field, Paediatric Nursing in Australia: Principles for Practice, 2nd edition is grounded in current care delivery and is an essential resource in preparing future nurses for practice in paediatric settings throughout Australia. All books can be ordered through the publisher or your local bookshop. NSWNMA members can borrow the books featured here via the Library’s Online Catalogue: visit http:// www.nswnma.asn.au/library-services. Call 8595 1234 or 1300 367 962, or email gensec@nswnma.asn.au for assistance with loans or research. Some books are reviewed using information supplied and have not been independently reviewed. THE LAMP JUNE 2018 | 43

JOURNEY ACCIDENT INSURANCE

For NSWNMA Members

DID YOU KNOW

your membership fees cover you if you are injured travelling to or from work? If you are injured in an accident while travelling to or from work, NSWNMA’s Journey Accident Insurance provides you with peace of mind with a Weekly Bodily Injury Benefit of up to 85% of your average gross weekly salary for a period of up to 104 weeks (after 7 day waiting period). As a financial member of the NSWNMA you are automatically covered by this policy. Make sure your membership remains financial at all times, so you’re covered.

Unsure if you are financial?

It’s easy! Ring and check today on 8595 1234 (metro) or 1300 367 962 (rural) Change your payment information online at www.nswnma.asn.au

www.nswnma.asn.au 44 | THE LAMP JUNE 2018

REVIEWS If you would like to be a movie reviewer, email lamp@nswnma.asn.au

GIV E

AY A

MEM AL

DVD

RUR

R BE

DVD

MEM AL

R BE

RUR

at the movies

GIV E

Sando

Finding Your Feet

The six-part family comedy has been described as the love child of The Moodys and Upper Middle Bogan and stars Sacha Horler as Australia’s discount package queen. There is an amazing ensemble cast including Phil Lloyd (The Moodys), Firass Dirani (House Husbands), Rob Carlton (Paper Giants) and Krew Boylan (Schapelle). Victoria ‘Sando’ Sandringham is the charismatic loose cannon CEO and public face of popular department store chain “Sando’s Warehouse”. She’s also the mother of two adult children she’s had little to do with since becoming pregnant to her daughter’s fiancé ten years ago. Now, after being kicked out of her beloved company and her assets frozen, she weasels her way back into the family home to enlist her estranged family to help win back her business. With zero tact, and a mountain of emotional baggage to unpack, this is going to be Sando’s toughest negotiation yet. Season 1 will be available in stores May 23.

When ‘Lady’ Sandra Abbott (Imelda Staunton) discovers that her husband of forty years is having an affair with her best friend, she seeks refuge with her estranged, bohemian, older sister Bif (Celia Imrie). Sandra couldn’t be more different to her outspoken, serial-dating, freespirited sibling. But it turns out different is just what Sandra needs and she reluctantly lets Bif drag her along to her community dance class, where gradually she starts finding her feet... and romance. Featuring a star-studded cast including Imelda Staunton, Celia Imrie, Timothy Spall, Joanna Lumley and David Hayman, Finding Your Feet is a hilarious and heartwarming modern comedy proving that it’s never too late to start again. Finding Your Feet will be released June 6.

Email The Lamp by the end of the month to be in the draw to win a DVD to Sando thanks to Acorn Media. Email your name, membership number, address and telephone number to lamp@nswnma.asn.au for a chance to win!

Email The Lamp by the end of the month to be in the draw to win a DVD of Finding Your Feet thanks to Entertainment One. Email your name, membership number, address and telephone number |to lamp@nswnma.asn.au for a chance to win! THE LAMP JUNE 2018 | 45

DIARY DATES

make a date

Diary Dates for conferences, seminars, meetings, and reunions is a free service for members. lamp@nswnma.asn.au

EVENTS: NSW ‘Mountains to The Sea’ Midwifery Conference Saturday 23 June 2018 Level 8, Wollongong Hospital Auditorium Cost $90 Snezana.avramoska@health.nsw.gov.au or Johanna.goldstein or Leanne.cummins, all at Health webmail The Wellness Show 25–26 June 2018 International Convention Centre Sydney www.wellnessshow.com.au St George Hospital Renal Supportive Care Symposium Comprehensive Conservative Care for patients with Stage 5 Chronic Kidney Disease 5–6 July 2018 elizabeth.josland@health.nsw.gov.au alison.smyth@health.nsw.gov.au Spring with the Kids Paediatric Perioperative Seminar 2018 15 September 2018 Rydges Parramatta, Rosehill claudia.watson@health.nsw.gov.au sally.phoebus@health.nsw.gov.au Pain: A Balancing Act. Pain Interest Group Nursing Issues 21 September 2018 Sydney Masonic Centre www.dcconferences.com.au/pigni2018 Transplant Nurses’ Association National Conference 24–26 October 2018 Rydges World Square, Sydney www.tnaconference.com.au./ Palliative Care NSW 2018 Biennial State Conference – Riding the Waves of Change 8–10 November 2018 The Pavilion, Kiama http://pcnsw2018.com.au

46 | THE LAMP JUNE 2018

Please send event details in the format used here: event name, date and location, contact details – by the 5th of each preceding month. Send your event details to: lamp@nswnma.asn.au Fax 02 9662 1414 Post 50 O’Dea Ave, Waterloo NSW 2017. All listings are edited for the purposes of style and space. Priority is given to non-profit professional events.

Critical Care Nursing Conference 9 November 2018 Westmead Hospital Jennifer.Yanga@health.nsw.gov.au

EVENTS: INTERSTATE Drug and Alcohol Nurses of Australasia Conference ‘It Starts with Us’ 26–27 July 2018 Building 16, Storey Hall, Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology (RMIT) www.danaonline.org/dana-2018-conference/ DECLARED 2018 – Delirium Clinical and Research Days 4th Biennial Conference 6–7 September 2018 Melbourne Convention Exhibition Centre Melbourne, Victoria, Australia www.delirium.org.au/2018-Conference CATSINaM Professional Development Conference 17–19 September 2018 Hilton, Adelaide www.catsinam.org.au/events-folder/ catsinam-conference-2018

INTERNATIONAL 33rd Euro Nursing and Medicare Summit

8–10 October 2018 Edinburgh, Scotland

europe.nursingconference.com/ Euro Midwifery Congress 2018

15–16 October 2018, Athens, Greece

midwiferycongress.nursingconference.com/

EVENTS: REUNIONS Mt Druitt Supportive and Palliative Care Unit’s 20th Birthday Friday 22 June 2018 6:30 for a 7:00pm start Twin Creeks Golf and Country Club Phone: 9881 1695

Pambula Hospital Reunion Saturday 15 August 2018 Oaklands Barn, Pambula pambuladistricthospitalreunion@gmail.com SVH Annual Nurse’s Reunion 25 August 2018 St. Vincent’s Hospital Lismore Monica Spinaze Email: mspinaze@gmail.com Mobile: 0410443832 Sydney Hospital Graduate Nurses’ Reunion Lunch 3 October 2018 Parliament House, Macquarie Street. Jeanette Fox: 02 4751 4829 bekysa@tpg.com.au WWBH PTS 1979 40-year Nursing Reunion Saturday 2 February 2019 Contact: Alison Meek (Giese) 0402612240 Sharyn Wellham (Noonan) 0432416419 Steph Taggart (Heenan) 0457414503

CROSSWORD SOLUTION

“I want a super fund that acts in my best interests.” Sarah Tooke, Midwife

HESTA is an industry super fund. That means we’re run only to profit members, not shareholders. So you can trust that your future is in good hands.

Issued by H.E.S.T. Australia Ltd ABN 66 006 818 695 AFSL 235249, the Trustee of Health Employees Superannuation Trust Australia (HESTA) ABN 64 971 749 321. This information is of a general nature. It does not take into account your objectives, financial situation or specific needs so you should look at your own financial position and requirements before making a decision. You may wish to consult an adviser when doing this. Before making a decision about HESTA products you should read the relevant product disclosure statement (call 1800 813 327 or visit hesta.com.au/pds for a copy), and consider any relevant risks (hesta.com.au/understandingrisk).

REGULARS

e m S i l n a y a t i k R w O y ha F a st aw RECENTLY I!

r! fe oo

Be A TRI sw P ep t

AL B O OT

WI N

CHANGED YOUR EMAIL? CLASSIFICATION CHANGED?

Log on to ONLINE.NSWNMA.ASN.AU and update your details to be automatically entered in the draw to win

5 nights in your very own one-bedroom pool villa at the luxurious Villa Kayu Raja. YOU AND A FRIEND WILL ENJOY: • 5 nights’ accommodation in a 1-bedroom pool villa for two • Return airport transfers for two • Return flights for two to Denpasar • Breakfast daily for two • 2 x dinners for two • 2 x 60-minute massages. Spend your time relaxing and recharging at the resort, a tropical oasis surrounded by palms, or take the complimentary shuttle into Seminyak and experience all the region has to offer – boutique shopping, cafes and chic bars.

lt er

48 | THE LAMP MARCH 2017

m sa nd co nd it

ion s

are

avai lable

at www .nswnma.asn.au/nswnm

s est ont c / s ber amem

ns /

online.nswnma.asn.au

Log on and update your details from 1 October 2017 – 30 June 2018 and you will automatically be entered in the draw to win.

ot om r d-p - an