Lamp August 2015

THE MAGAZINE OF THE NSW NURSES AND MIDWIVES’ ASSOCIATION

VOLUME 72 No.7 AUGUST 2015

Ratios first at Lifehouse RALLY AROUND RECOGNITION Print Post Approved: PP100007890

SUPER DISASTER

NURSES SAY NEVER ALONE

2014 winners, left to right: Outstanding Graduate: Zoe Sabri, Nurse of the Year: Stephen Brown, and Team Innovation: Prof Jeanine Young representing the Pepi-pod速 Program.

Join your colleagues and celebrate at the HESTA Australian Nursing Awards Thursday 15 October 2015

TI CK E

Tickets on sale now at hestaawards.com.au Discounted price for group bookings.

O N SA T S NOWLE

30,000

$

in prizes to be won!* Follow us:

*Proudly sponsored by:

Proudly presented by:

@HESTANurseAwds /HESTAAustralianNursingAwards

hestaawards.com.au Issued by H.E.S.T. Australia Ltd ABN 66 006 818 695 AFSL No. 235249 Trustee of Health Employees Superannuation Trust Australia (HESTA) ABN 64 971 749 321. Terms and conditions apply. See hestanursingawards.com.au for details.

CONTENTS

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

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

VOLUME 72 No.7 AUGUST 2015

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

COVER STORY

12 | Lifehouse gives breath to private sector ratios

Kate Baychek PHOTOGRAPH: SHARON HICKEY

REGULARS

5 6 8 33 36 35 39 41 43 44 46

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

REFERENDUM

22 | Health groups rally around Recognition

A Sydney cancer treatment centre has agreed to implement a mandatory staffing formula — the first ever negotiated for private hospital nurses in New South Wales.

FAMILY VIOLENCE

19 | Nurses and midwives say Never Alone

Nurses and midwives have backed Rosie Batty’s grassroots campaign to end the epidemic of family violence in Australia.

AGED CARE

24 | 10,000 call for RNs 24/7

More than 10,000 people have signed a petition supporting our campaign to keep RNs on duty in nursing homes around the clock.

COMPETITION

SUPERANNUATION

8 | Win an amazing nature holiday

28 | Super changes a super disaster

For all editorial enquiries letters and diary dates T 8595 1234 E lamp@nswnma.asn.au M 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 Patricia Purcell T 8595 2139 or 0416 259 845 or F 9662 1414 E ppurcell@nswnma.asn.au Information and Records Management Centre To find archived articles from The Lamp, or to borrow from the NSWNMA nursing and health collection, contact: Jeannette Bromfield, Coordinator T 8595 2175 E gensec@nswnma.asn.au The Lamp ISSN: 0047-3936 General disclaimer The Lamp is the official magazine of the NSWNMA. Views expressed in articles are contributors’ own and not necessarily those of the NSWNMA. Statements of fact are believed to be true, but no legal responsibility is accepted for them. All material appearing in The Lamp is covered by copyright and may not be reproduced without prior written permission. The NSWNMA takes no responsibility for the advertising appearing herein and it does not necessarily endorse any products advertised.

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

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

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

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

Big changes to superannuation will have a disastrous impact on the already meager retirement incomes of many women.

T H E L A M P J U LY 2 0 1 5 | 3

Recruit a new member & go in the draw to visit

B g n i a z n a g m k a o k! e

NSWNMA is pleased to announce the NSWNMA’s 2015 – 2016 Recruitment Incentive Scheme Travel Prize

The winner will be flying off to the amazing Bangkok!

You and a friend will be flying Scoot’s brand new 787 Dreamliner from Sydney to Bangkok via Singapore, staying 5 nights in a superior room at Centara Watergate Pavillion Hotel Bangkok with breakfast each day, airport transfer and a city tour.

Centara Watergate is a trendy modern hotel located in the heart of the shopping district of Pratunam and close to Siam Square. Attached to Watergate Shopping Mall, the Centara Watergate has perfect accommodation for couples and families, including rooms with double beds and family suites with bunk beds. Stunning outdoor bar and dining areas with roof top ‘Walk’ lounge bar with stunning views across Bangkok, resident DJ and huge outdoor screen. A short walk to the Airport train link station for easy access from Bangkok International Airport.

Every member you sign up over the year gives you a ticket in the draw!

RECRUITERS NOTE: Nurses and midwives can now join online at

www.nswnma.asn.au!

If you refer a new member to join online, make sure you ask them to put your name and workplace on the online application form. You will then be entitled to your vouchers and draws in the NSWNMA Recruitment Incentive Scheme.

PRIZE DRAWN 30 JUNE 2016

EDITORIAL

BY BRETT HOLMES GENERAL SECRETARY

Ratios forward march!

In this month’s Lamp we can report on two significant ratios wins: at the Chris O’Brien Lifehouse where we have won ratios in a private hospital agreement for the first time and in Queensland where the new government has pledged to enshrine nurse-to-patient ratios in law.

“It is an excellent win and sets the staffing benchmark for future private hospital agreements.”

The agreement to implement ratios at the Chris O’Brien Lifehouse is a first for the private hospital sector and is a significant achievement (see pp 12-14).

The 5.5 NHPPD ratio won at Lifehouse is equivalent to a Peer Group B hospital such as Blacktown or Canterbury.

Ratios do exist in other private hospitals classified as “affiliated health organisations” due to government subsidy agreements that guarantee staff get the same wages and conditions as public health system employees.

But Lifehouse is not “an affiliated health organisation” and was not legally required to have ratios. So it is the first time that ratios have been won in a private hospital campaign for a new agreement.

It is an excellent win and sets the staffing benchmark for future private hospital agreements.

IF YOU TOUGH IT OUT YOU CAN WIN The achievement of Queensland nurses and midwives through their union the QNU is magnificent. In response to the QNU’s campaigning the Palaszczuk government has moved quickly to start repairing the damage wreaked by the previous government. It has pledged to legislate safe nurse-to-patient ratios, fund up to 4000 new nurse and midwifery graduates and invest an extra $212 million in the nursing workforce, among other measures.

Over the last few years, north of the border, nurses and midwives have done it extremely tough as the Newman government took to the health system with an axe.

In his very first budget Newman cut 4800 jobs

in the Queensland public health system including 1800 nurse and midwifery positions.

And it never stopped. Obviously these cuts had a dangerous impact on patient welfare and nurses and midwives were stretched to breaking point as they strove to protect their patients.

The Liberal National Party government also made it very difficult for the QNU to represent its members with unprecedented restrictions on right of entry to hospitals, and the rights of its members to attend union meetings, conferences and training.

But through these dark years the QNU toughed it out standing up for patients and the aged and fighting tenaciously to defend the public health system against cuts and privatisation.

And although they were forced into a defensive mode for much of this time they still continued to advocate strongly for nurse-to-patient ratios because it was the right thing to do for patient safety. To achieve this win is a fitting reward for their perseverance and courage.

VICTORIA ARE COMMITTED TO LEGISLATING RATIOS TOO Queensland is not the only Australian state legislating ratios. The Victorian government has also promised that it too will make safe nurseto-patient ratios law. These developments in Queensland and Victoria follow on the heels of the NSW Labor Opposition’s commitment to legislating ratios at the last state election.

Which begins to leave Premier Mike Baird more than a little isolated on this issue on the eastern seaboard. We continue to urge him to do the right thing by the people of this state and extend and improve ratios for safer patient care as we have been advocating for some time.

THE LAMP AUGUST 2015 | 5

YOUR LETTERS

L ET T ER OF T H E M ONT H

The frail deserve RNs 24/7 This year, two weeks after Mother’s Day, Penny (91) was given the news none of us wanted to hear.

After complaining of abdominal pain and fatigue, x-rays, CT scan and a gastroscopy confirmed stage four oesophageal and stomach cancer.

Sadly, “inoperable and a poor prognosis� were the words delivered by the medical team. True to her “take it on the chin and deal with it� attitude, Penny enquired of the doctors: “Well, I am halfway through my book, do I have time to finish it?�

After two weeks in hospital for pain management and time to absorb and accept her diagnosis, her choice for whatever time remained was to return to her hostel, her beloved garden and be supported by the palliative care team there.

With family and many friends supporting her over the next week, she fought a brave and courageous battle against the cancer. This fight was sadly lost on 11 June.

Penny had for many years actively supported the NSWNMA and ANMF aged care campaigns, most recently to keep RNs 24/7 in nursing homes.

She was very passionate about this campaign and never understood how anyone could entertain the idea that RNs 24/7 were not a vital part of the provision of quality care in the aged care setting, nor realising just how much she would be directly affected by this.

As her daughter, I experienced firsthand the care, support and timely administration of palliative medication in her last days. This was crucial to allowing her a dignified and well-supported journey to her final outcome.

This is not just about Penny’s journey. All those frail, vulnerable residents in aged care deserve nothing less.

As an RN and NSWNMA councillor, I am resolved unreservedly to continue my fight to ensure RNs 24/7 are in nursing homes.

Debbie Lang RN, Green Point (PS Mum did finish her book and started another one.)

Letter of the month The letter judged the best each month will win a $50 Coles Group & Myer gift card!

unionshopper.com.au 1300 368 117

6 | THE LAMP AUGUST 2015

Don’t ignore the bits you don’t like Having been a member for more than 35 years and having benefited both professionally and personally from my membership, I have learned to accept the at times biased anti-Coalition political views I read in The Lamp as just part of Australian union politics.

But the covert hypocrisy in July Lamp’s article on Pope Francis’ Papal Encyclical and Climate Change (“Mistreating the environment is a sin�) beats all.

Firstly, the pro climate change lobby quickly derides anyone who promotes an opposing view who does not have a “suitable� science background. Well, the Pope is not a science expert so why should we listen to him on climate change?

Secondly, according to Catholic Church doctrine, Papal Encyclicals are to be read and cited in full. Not just those bits that you like. For example, I see no mention in the article of the Pope’s reference that measures to address human poverty should not be ignored at the cost of addressing climate issues.

To me, this translates as ensuring the people of developing countries continue to have growing access to the costeffective and reliable energy provided through coal-based power stations.

By supporting the Pope’s view that man-made climate change is a sin, does this mean that the NSWNMA now also supports the Pope’s views, also contained in the document, that abortion and same-sex marriage are also sins?

I am sorry, but in the view of the Church, it is a case of support one view in the Encyclical, then by default you support all the views.

Finally, no mention has been made of the most obvious omission from the Encyclical. Nowhere does the Pope acknowledge the Catholic Church’s unbending position on contraception that has without doubt impacted on prolonged population growth in developing nations, which in turn may have had an impact on climate change.

Paul Sonntag, Kingsgrove NSWNMA RESPONDS We cover climate change in The Lamp because we see it as an important health issue. Climate change undoubtedly has consequences for people’s health and impacts upon the public health system.

Climate change is not just about science, although understanding the science is important to grasping the significance of the issue.The existential consequences for humanity are profound.These consequences will manifest in human health and mortality, and as such there are ethical issues at play that should resonate within a profession dedicated to the physical welfare of human beings.

A church has a right to a position on such an issue as has a union.

The article was not an endorsement of the Catholic Church’s position on climate change, but a report on what is an important contribution to the debate on the impact of climate change within a broader context of climate change and health.

The article was about climate change not the general teachings of the church on other issues like same sex marriage and abortion.

Your last point is valid and many people would agree with you that a weakness in the church’s analysis is the failure to link its position on contraception to a growing population and the impact on climate change.

Many people would also suggest that finding alternatives to coal-based power stations is one of the key challenges if we are to address both human poverty and climate change.

YOUR LETTERS

Move over Mr Darcy!

I would like to say thank you for the Poldark series on DVD that I won in the rural member giveaway in the June Lamp.

What a nice surprise to receive in the mail. I look forward to indulging in this stirring, romantic and rugged historical saga – move over Mr Darcy!

Heather Moran RN, Kingscliff

EDUCATION@NSWNMA

What's On August 2015

Are you meeting your CPD requirements? – ½ Day

Never forget our nurse training beginnings It was so pleasing to find a review of my book Caps & Veils – The Nursing History of the Sydney Hospital Matrons and its Nurses 1788-1985 in the May Lamp.

Personally, I consider the most important aspect that this book reveals is the history of the very foundation of the training of general nurses in Australia. Many changes have happened since and will continue, but the beginning must never be forgotten.

Henry Parkes (later Sir Henry) and some medical staff of Sydney Hospital wrote to Florence Nightingale about the absence of experienced nurses in the colony. So Lucy Osburn and five Nightingale-trained nurses were chosen and arrived in Sydney from England in March 1868, to begin the mammoth task of creating an education system to produce general nurses of the highest standard.

It did not take long for trained nurses to spread to other hospitals in New South Wales and then to other states. They continued the spread of nursing schools until the Australian Trained Nurses’ Association was formed and examinations held from 1906.

Eventually, the first Nurses’ Registration Board was legislated in December 1924 and thus we have the origin of the title of State Registered Nurse. For all this we have Lucy Osburn and her five Nightingale nurses to thank.

Sydney Hospital proudly contains the Lucy OsburnNightingale Museum on the first floor of the historic Nightingale Wing. Lucy Osburn’s original office, containing her desk, chair and Nurses’ Register, remains for all to enjoy, along with many other aspects of the history of the first hospital, whose motto was The First and Still the Best.

A visit is very worthwhile. For more information and group bookings, call 02 9382 7427.

Valerie J Griffiths, retired SRN, ex DoN, Coffs Harbour

12 August, Wagga Wagga 2 September, Ballina 19 November, Coffs Harbour Seminar is suitable for all nurses and midwives to learn about CPD requirements and what’s involved in the process.

The NSWNMA are legends!

Just writing to say thank you so very much NSWNMA! What a great night out I had at Legends: for free!

Free tickets, great seats, lots of friendly staff and I made friends with lots of people in the audience – a former theatre (our sort of theatre!) worker and his partner, a lovely American student nurse in her final semester at uni. Lots of other nurses too, as well as a fabulous show.

So everyone, when you see the freebies for tickets from NSWNMA in your email or SMS, get cracking and take advantage – it really is a winner.

Vicki Partridge RN, DoN, Greenacre

11 September, NSWNMA, Waterloo Topic: “ICE – Where to from here?”. Guest speakers from various areas will be presenting and discussing issues surrounding ICE and how it effects the MHD&A nursing profession.

Members $40 Non-members $85

Legal and Professional Issues for Nurses and Midwives – ½ Day 13 August, Wagga Wagga 3 September, Ballina 20 November, Coffs Harbour Topics covered include the Health Practitioner Regulation National Law, potential liability, importance of documentation, role of disciplinary tribunals and writing statements.

Members $40 Non-members $85

Basic Foot Care for Nurses – 2 Days 9 & 10 September, Lismore Members $203 Non-members $350

Policy and Guideline Writing – 1 Day 28 August, Parramatta

Members $85 Non-members $170

Appropriate Workplace Behaviour – 1 Day 1 September, Ballina Includes understand why bullying occurs; anti-discrimination law; how to behave appropriately in the workplace; what to do if subjected to unlawful harassment and bullying.

Members $85 Non-members $170

Mental Health and Drug & Alcohol Nurses Forum – 1 Day

Members $30 Non-members $50

Aged Care Nurses Forum – 1 Day 16 October, NSWNMA, Waterloo Members $30 Non-members $50

REGISTER ONLINE www.nswnma.asn.au/education/education-calendar For enquiries: Metro: 8595 1234 | Rural: 1300 367 962

NEWS IN BRIEF

COMPETITION

WIN AN AM MAZING NATTURE HOLLIDAY Y ATT

euroboda o alla Eurobodalla, land of many waters, sits less than 4 hours drivve south of Sydney and 2 hours east of Canberra on the NSW South Cooast. The region is known for the award winning Montague Island, Batemans Marine Park, 83 spectacular beaches and vast tracts of wilderness, national parks, reser ves and forest which cover more than 70% of the land. Abundannt wildlife dominates the visitor experience while vibrant communities and picturesque historic and coastal villages connect the regional centres of Batemans Bay, Moruya and Narooma. Eurobodalla will bring out your betterr nature.

The Lamp is offering members a chance to win an amazing holiday in Eurobodalla, thanks to Corrigans Cove and Island Charters oof Narooma – with a total value of more than $1100 (low season).

Corrigans Cove is located in beautiful Batemans Bay and haas fabulous water and island views. They are offering one lucky winner a 5 nights accommodation for 2 adults in a modern 1 bedroom apartm ment, including free continental breakfast.

Island Charters of Narooma are giving a wonderful ‘meal witth a seal™’ experience to Montague Island for two people. Get up close and personal with t our ou pupp puppies es of o the t e sea, cclimbb tthee lighthouse g t ouse and a d enjo e joy the vistas from all aspects of the island.

Too enter the competition, simply write your name, address annd membership number on the back of an envelope and send to: Eurobodalla Competition 50 O’Dea Avenue, Waaterloo, NSW,, 2017

Terms and conditions: not trransferable or redeemable for cash in part or whole. Prizes to t be taken by 30 June 2016.

Prizes must be booked with opeerators directly and subject to availability. Accommodation not availablee during NSW school holidays.

Tour subject to minimum numbers, weatheer conditions and other island access conditions. Please note: only one entry per p member will be accepted.

Competition entries from NSWNMA members onlyy. Competition opens 1 August 2015 and closes 30 August 2015. The prize is drawn on 1st 1 of the month following the competition.If a redraw is required for an unclaimed prize it must be held up to 3 months from the original draw date. NSW permit no: LTPM/15/00192.

Australia

Power to the paid nap A nap during a night shift can improve production and safety at work, says an Australian psychologist who specialises in sleep disorders.

“There is mounting evidence that napping during a shift can improve alertness and help maintain performance in the early hours,” Dr Melinda Jackson said.

There is evidence that suggests fatigue played a role in the Chernobyl nuclear power plant meltdown in Ukraine, the explosion of the space shuttle Challenger and the grounding of the Exxon Valdez oil tanker.

“All of those tragic incidents occurred during the early hours of the morning when the controllers were working through a night shift,” Dr Jackson said.

Dr Jackson was part of a team of researchers whose work at the Washington State University revealed how sleep loss impacted on people making critical decisions in real-world situations.

The results of those findings – that sleep loss impedes decision-making – are a lesson in industries in which health workers, soldiers and emergency service workers must make life and death decisions under stress and while sleep deprived.

Dr Jackson says far from being a worry for employers, sleeping on the job is already encouraged in some industries.

“In the aviation industry for example, pilots rostered on long-haul flights have nap opportunities fixed in to their rosters.

“And in Australia, where long distances are the norm, power naps are to be actively encouraged by people driving long distances.”

NEWS IN BRIEF

Britain

Britain

Get up off your office chair

Bloody (efficient) nurses!

A new study commissioned by the British government has recommended that all office-based workplaces ensure their staff members spend at least two hours each day standing or moving around.

“In the past five years an accelerated amount of evidence has been published on the links between sedentary living … and the leading causes of morbidity and mortality (cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and some cancers),” they wrote in the British Journal of Sports Medicine.

It is estimated that people exert about 175 calories (732 kilojoules) less each day than they did in the 1960s, and do about 20 per cent less physical activity. On current trends, by 2030 people will do 35 per cent less physical activity.

“Most of this reduced energy expenditure has … been in the form of displacing light physical activity for sedentary behaviours and not necessarily from decreased active leisure, exercise or sporting pursuits, which have traditionally been the sole focus of many health, social and political campaigns,” the authors of the study wrote.

Back, neck and muscle pain were the biggest drivers of sick leave among office workers, they found.

The study recommended getting people moving for two hours a day, progressing to four, but also advised against prolonged static standing.

Patient Yael Biran wrote to her local hospital to “complain” about her treatment after falling and breaking an elbow.

“Dear Lewisham PALs, I would like to complain about a visit I had to your A&E department. Sorry in advance for my language, but this really upset me.

On Monday the 15th of June I fell and knew I broke something (turns out I broke my elbow). So I went to Lewisham A&E. I came armed with a book to help me pass the waiting time!

Actually enjoying the fact that I am going to get to read a book for a chance!

But no … the bloody nurse sees me in six minutes! Six ruddy minutes! All I had time for was to send a text, settle down, get my glasses out and find the right page, and they bloody call me in!

She then sends me to have an x-ray and says I need to sit in the x-ray waiting room.Yay, I think, a waiting room – I will get to read my book!

And so I don’t even bother to put anything back in the bag and happily skip to the x-ray waiting area, book in hand and glasses on top of head. I sit down and get seen within 37 seconds.The B^^&@s!* All done and dusted and five minutes later I skip to the next waiting area to wait for the next nurse to see me.

By that point I think I owe myself a chocolate from the vending machine but waste five minutes trying to make it work. It didn’t – at least there is one thing you can count on in this A&E! I then sit down comfortably, happy in the notion that, surely now, I will get at least a couple of chapters: but no!

Two minutes later I get to see the next nurse who is an absolute gem and is super nice, she explains everything, gives me a sling, and a tetanus shot and sends me on my way home!

Home! Bloody rubbish!

I left home and came back in less than two hours! Seriously!

Something must be done about this! What is a mum to do in order to get a few hours of quiet reading in this country???!!!

Sincerely yours, A frustrated mother of two little boys who don’t give her a second’s rest.

P.S.You rock! :)”

Are you a Regis stered Nurse?

Do you have experience in training?

Epilepsy Action Australia are looking for some RN’s in the Sydney area & large regional towns in NSW who have an interest e in Epilepsy and may be interested in training to become an Ep pilepsy Nurse Educatorr.

There is a small fee involved fo or you to beco ome an epilepsy educator and experience in presenting to small groups is essential.

Please email yo our resume details to: epilepsy@epilepsy.orrg.au or call 1300 37 45 37

THE LAMP AUGUST 2015 | 9

NEWS IN BRIEF

Britain

Cuba

Immigration rules risk staffing chaos

Mother-child HIV/syphilis eliminated

A report released by the Royal College of Nursing (RCN) shows that changes to British immigration rules risk intensifying the severe shortage of nurses in the UK, compromising patient safety and costing the health service millions.

Under the new rules, after six years, people from outside the European Economic Area (EEA) must be earning £35,000 or more to stay in the UK. This will force many nurses to return to their home countries, leaving hospitals with nothing to show for millions of pounds spent recruiting them, says the RCN. The RCN has calculated that up to 3365 nurses who currently working in the UK could be affected and estimates it would have cost the NHS £20.19 million to recruit them.

The RCN has called on the British government to add nursing to the list of shortage occupations and to reconsider the £35,000 salary threshold.

Dr Peter Carter, general secretary of the RCN, said: “Due to cuts to nurse training places, trusts are being forced into relying on overseas recruitment, as well as temporary staff, just to provide safe staffing.

“A cap on agency spending will make one of these options more difficult, and these immigration rules will limit the other.”

Ultimately the government needs to look at homegrown solutions to the nurse shortage, he said.

“The only way for the UK to regain control over its own health service workforce is by training more nurses; 37,000 potential nursing students were turned away last year – so there are people out there who want to embark on a nursing career.”

Cuba has eliminated mother-to-child transmissions of both HIV and syphilis.

Director-General of the World Health Organisation Dr Margaret Chan called it “one of the greatest public health achievements possible” reported the BBC. Globally each year nearly 1.4 million women living with HIV become pregnant. Untreated they have a 15 to 45 per cent chance of transmitting the virus to their children during pregnancy, labour, delivery or breastfeeding. That risk drops to about one per cent if antiretroviral medicines are given to both mothers and babies.

Cuba’s success was achieved by giving pregnant women early access to prenatal care, testing and drugs to stop the diseases passing from mother to child.

Each year nearly a million pregnant women worldwide are infected with syphilis. Similarly, early screening and treatment can avoid complications for their unborn children.

According to official data, less than two per cent of Cuban children whose mothers have HIV are born with the virus – the lowest rate achievable using current prevention methods.

Dr Carissa Etienne of the Pan American Health Organisation said Cuba’s success “provides inspiration for other countries to advance towards elimination of mother-to-child transmission of HIV and syphilis.”

“THE ONLY WAY FOR THE UK TO REGAIN CONTROL OVER ITS OWN HEALTH SERVICE WORKFORCE IS BY TRAINING MORE NURSES.” 10 | THE LAMP AUGUST 2015

“IT IS ONE OF THE GREATEST PUBLIC HEALTH ACHIEVEMENTS POSSIBLE.” — Dr Margaret Chan, DirectorGeneral WHO

Honduras

Healthcare fraud leads to popular uprising Thousands of Hondurans took to the streets last month to demand the resignation of the country’s President, Juan Orland Hernandez, after a massive fraud was exposed involving hundreds of millions of dollars stolen from the healthcare system and implicating high ranking government officials.

The scam, which left dying patients without life-saving medicines, involved a network of sham companies.

Allegations of corruption first emerged in 2013 amid reports of major shortages of medicines, equipment and staff at Honduran hospitals.

Two prominent officials of the government-run health insurance scheme IHSS “embezzled millions of dollars to pay for extravagant lifestyles which included mansions, flashy cars and foreign travel for themselves, their wives and model girlfriends” reported The Guardian.

The scandal turned into a political crisis when journalists revealed leaked documents, including cheques, that showed that in the run up to the 2013 election the ruling National Party had secretly received hundreds of thousands of dollars, including large amounts from at least 10 sham companies given Congress-approved health contracts.

In total $350 million was allegedly stolen from the IHSS. As the scandal unfolded, the government was negotiating a $188 million loan with the International Monetary Fund (IMF), which had insisted that the IHSS be privatised.

“The IMF knows the privatisation of all our public institutions has been preceded by huge deficits and insolvencies created by government-appointed corrupt and incompetent officials,” union leader Carlos Reyes told The Guardian.

“A functioning hospital system was dismantled and sick people died unnecessarily in order to win an election and justify privatisation.”

NEWS IN BRIEF

World

Mammograms save lives Women who undergo breast cancer screening cut their risk of dying from the disease by 40 per cent according to the International Agency for Cancer Research (IARC), an arm of the World Health Organisation.

Scientific opinion has been divided in recent years about the effectiveness of mammograms, however the researchers said their analysis should put women’s minds at rest.

“This important analysis will hopefully reassure women around the world that breast screening with mammography saves lives. The evidence proves breast screening is a vital tool in increasing early diagnosis of breast cancer and therefore reducing the number of deaths,” Professor Stephen Duffy, a member of the IARC panel responsible for the research, said.

The review, published in the New England Journal of Medicine, broadly agreed with the overall conclusions of the 2012 Independent Review of Breast Screening in the UK, commissioned by Cancer Research UK and the Department of Health.

The IARC panel looked at evidence from 11 randomised controlled trials and 40 observational studies.

Online Nurse Shop

ATTENTION ALL FULLTIME PUBLIC HOSPITAL NURSES There is a current problem associated with the StaffLink Payroll system. The part of the program that keeps a record of your allocated day off (ADO) accrual is incorrect (in the view of the NSWNMA) resulting in members having a negative ADO balance. The NSWNMA is currently in dispute with the Ministry of Health and StaffLink over this issue.

Please check your ADO balances by logging into StaffLink under the “Leave Accruals” tab and check the balance of your entitlement. If you have a negative balance of greater than one day please contact the NSWNMA Information Department to log your name as an affected employee.

The NSWNMA will provide an update to members when available.

Colour | Quality | Low Prices

enurse.com.au/eshop

COVER STORY

Lifehouse gives breath to private sector ratios A Sydney cancer treatment centre has agreed to implement a mandatory staffing formula — the first ever won by private hospital nurses in New South Wales.

A PACESETTING ENTERPRISE AGREEMENT for the Chris O’Brien Lifehouse cancer treatment centre in Sydney’s inner west includes a mandatory staffing ratio.

The two-year agreement also gives nurses four increases to wages and allowances from 1 July 2015 to 31 January 2017, averaging 3.25 per cent per year.

Under the agreement negotiated by the NSWNMA, inpatient wards will be staffed according to 5.5 nursing hours per patient day (NHPPD) averaged over a four-week period.

The agreement also commits to staffing levels that “ensure the delivery of high quality patient care and a safe working environment for nurses.”

NSWNMA General Secretary Brett Holmes said some private hospitals classified as “affiliated health organisations” were already staffed according to mandated ratios, due to government subsidy agreements that guaranteed staff would get the same wages and conditions as public health employees.

“However Lifehouse is not an affiliated health organisation so was not legally required to agree to ratios in order to maintain its funding,” Brett said. “Lifehouse is the first private hospital to agree to mandated ratios as a result of negotiations with the Association.

“It would not have agreed to ratios

without the existence of a strong NSWNMA branch and the hard work of branch delegates, which strengthened our capacity to campaign for a superior enterprise agreement.”

The 5.5 NHPPD ratio is equivalent to Peer Group B hospitals such as Blacktown, Canterbury and Fairfield.

By the end of the agreement wages at Lifehouse will be two per cent above those paid to public health system nurses, if current public sector wages law is unchanged.

Lifehouse is a not-for-profit, private hospital, which is taking over many of the functions of the former Sydney Cancer Centre at Royal Prince Alfred Hospital (RPA).

Lifehouse has opened in stages since October 2013. It currently has three, 24-bed inpatient wards plus an intensive care ward and is expected to add a fourth 24-bed ward in the next few months. It currently employs about 170 nurses.

Most specialised oncology nurses at RPA moved to Lifehouse under an agreement that maintained existing public health sector award conditions.

Negotiations on a new agreement started in September last year and the Fair Work Commission approved the agreement in February this year.

“There were some really tough negotiations but we were strong because …continued page 14

12 | THE LAMP AUGUST 2015

“THE UNION KEPT MEMBERS UP TO DATE WITH LOTS OF INFORMATION AND FEEDBACK.” — Kate Baychek

THE LAMP AUGUST 2015 | 13

COVER STORY

Kate Baychek with Lifehouse colleagues Cassandra Fina (l) and Sue Baek (centre). …from page 12

most staff were union members,” said NSWNMA delegate at Lifehouse, Kate Baychek.

“It was a great process in terms of nurses’ involvement and something they felt very passionate about.

“Union branch meetings were always packed out and the union kept members up to date with lots of information and feedback.”

Kate said her attendance at union training courses on negotiation and advocacy and managing conflict and disagreement, allowed her to participate effectively in negotiations.

She said increases in wages and allowances were greater than those applying to all other nurses in NSW. “We also achieved a better deal for time off in lieu of paid overtime; time in lieu is now accumulated at overtime rates rather than ordinary rates.

“And we managed to prevent the removal of ADOs (accumulated days off) which was one of management’s main demands.

“I’m sure that we would have lost ADOs without the support of the NSWNMA. She says the new agreement is more 14 | THE LAMP AUGUST 2015

workable than its predecessor because it is simplified and tailored to a small cancer hospital like Lifehouse.

Branch representatives now meet monthly with the Lifehouse CEO to discuss workloads and other issues.

“We have had very good communication about workloads. The workload involved in creating a new hospital is borne by every nurse because we are developing processes as we go along.

“Management recognises this and will conduct an employee Pulse survey to get a feel of what the issues are.”

If nurses feel their workload is unreasonably heavy on a regular basis, the agreement says it is their responsibility to discuss their concerns with the nurse manager who must investigate and respond within 48 hours. If the problem is not resolved it is referred to the director of nursing and, if necessary, taken to the regular workloads consultation between the branch and management.

Under the agreement, nurses who transferred from RPA (as an Eligible Directly Impacted Employee or EDIE) or who were employed before 1 November 2014, will continue to receive up to 39 weeks pay if made redundant. Non-EDIE

“LIFEHOUSE WOULD NOT HAVE AGREED TO RATIOS WITHOUT THE EXISTENCE OF A STRONG NSWNMA BRANCH.” — Brett Holmes staff employed from 1 November 2014 will receive standard private hospital redundancy provisions, which are capped at 20 weeks, depending on age and length of service.

Kate says the branch unsuccessfully opposed any decrease in redundancy pay for future staff: “However one benefit of the new agreement is that redundancy provisions for all staff are no longer reliant on employer policy. The provisions are spelled out in the agreement and therefore legally enforceable.”

RATIOS

Historic ratios breakthrough Queensland is poised to become one of only a handful of places in the world to legislate nurse-to-patient ratios.

Queensland is set to join a handful of governments around the world to introduce legislation for nurse-to-patient ratios, with ratios expected to become law in early 2016 and take effect from July 2016.

The Queensland Nurses Union fought hard over many years to establish ratios in the state. QNU secretary Beth Mohle says implementation of ratios will be a historic win for the state’s nurses and midwives, patients and public health system.

“Premier Palaszczuk’s decision to make patient safety law in our public health facilities is world leading and will save lives in Queensland,” she said.

“We are very pleased to be working with a government that respects and wants to listen to nurses.”

The state government’s ratio legislation will apply to Queensland’s public hospitals and health services. Beth Mohle says the QNU will continue to campaign until the laws are also rolled out to aged care and private facilities.

“Few people realise there are currently no laws governing how many patients can be safely allocated to a single nurse in public, private or aged care facilities,” she said.

“No matter where Queenslanders are being cared for they have the right to expect the same high quality nursing and midwifery.”

4000 MORE NURSES The QNU also welcomed other state government initiatives to fund up to 4000 new nurse graduates over four years and create 400 Nurse Navigator positions.

Nurse Navigators will assist patients with chronic conditions or complex care needs to navigate the health system.

The government also promised to reverse funding cuts to children’s health services, made by the previous LNP government.

Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk says nurses and midwives are crucial to her government’s plan to deliver a better health system for Queenslanders.

“International research shows that nurses have the biggest impact on patient safety and better health care outcomes for patients,” Ms Palaszczuk said.“Strengthening the nursing workforce leads to shorter periods of stay in hospitals, improved clinical outcomes, reduced wait times and better access to care.”

Queensland rebuilds its health The new Labor government in Queensland unveiled a $1 billion health package in its first Budget, aimed at repairing damage to the state’s health system caused by cuts introduced under the previous LNP government.

The Palaszczuk government has pledged to: Introduce historic laws to ensure safe nurse-to-patient ratios.

Invest an extra $212.3 million over four years in the nursing workforce.

Employ 400 experienced nurses to help patients navigate the health system.

Provide $110.7 million of additional funding over four years for up to 4000 new nurse and midwifery graduates.

Create new Nurse Educator positions to support these graduates.

• • • • •

Nurse-to-patient ratios laws are also expected to be introduced to theVictorian Parliament in coming months, while nursepatient ratios could also be introduced in Wales, making it the first British country to implement the laws.

“WE ARE VERY PLEASED TO BE WORKING WITH A GOVERNMENT THAT RESPECTS AND WANTS TO LISTEN TO NURSES.” — QNU secretary Beth Mohle

THE LAMP AUGUST 2015 | 15

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FUNDING

AMA predicts funding crisis for health Research by the Australian Medical Association (AMA) shows there will be a catastrophic shortfall in health funding resulting from the Abbott government’s reneging on its health commitments.

WHILE THE GP CO-PAYMENT HOGGED headlines after the 2014 federal Budget, according to the AMA the real time bomb in Joe Hockey’s Budget was the government’s abandonment of its commitment to activity-based funding and associated guarantees beyond 2017.

Budget measures saw the federal government reduce its hospital funding by $1.8 billion by withdrawing funding guarantees made in the National Health Reform Agreement. A further funding shortfall of $941 million over four years was announced in the 2014 Budget Update.

AMA research shows that the funding changes will lead to massive cuts after 2017.

The AMA calculates that New South Wales will suffer funding cuts of $17.7 billion between 2017 and 2024-25. Nationally, cuts to health funding will be $57 billion.

By 2024-25 Commonwealth funding of health in NSW will be $25 billion, as compared to $40 billion under the old spending arrangement.

CUTS AS DEMAND RISES The AMA argues that the cuts are even more drastic when population growth, population ageing, wage increases and the cost of new technologies are factored in and says “expert economic opinion indicates that anything less than an increase of 7 per cent would be a cut in real terms.

“Demand for public hospital services is growing faster than ever before but hospital capacity and bed numbers as a proportion of population are not improving. Between 2010 and 2014 the number of presentations at emergency departments increased by more than 320,000,” the report says.

EFFICIENCY ALREADY IMPROVED The report points out that the NSW public health system has increased the number of services it provides within the existing funding. In January to March 2015 compared to the same quarter last year there were: 17,242 more emergency department attendances 9032 more patient admissions 65,908 more bed days of care provided And although “demand has been increasing at a significantly greater rate than the increase in population there has been steady improvement in on-time treatment of patients in both emergency departments and elective surgery,” it says.

The AMA says that despite hysterical forecasts that the health budget will consume the entire NSW budget by 2050, the figures show that NSW governments, whether Labor or Liberal, have successfully kept the proportion of the budget spent on health at a consistent 27 to 28 per cent during the past decade.

• • •

COMMONWEALTH FUNDING CUTS TO NSW PUBLIC HOSPITALS

What has changed in health funding?

July 2014 to July 2017 • From funding for public hospitals is calculated using a funding model agreed to by the states and the Commonwealth in the National Health Reform Agreement 2011. model applies an “activity • The based” funding approach to determine an “efficient price” for hospital services. this model the • Under Commonwealth pledged to fund 45% of growth in activity rising to 50% after 2017. The states would meet the balance. the new model • Under Commonwealth contributions will be limited to indexation based on CPI and population growth alone.

AMA calculates that NSW • The will suffer health funding cuts of $17.7 billion between 2017 and 2024-25. Nationally, cuts to health funding will be $57 billion.

PROPORTION OF TOTAL NSW BUDGET EXPENDITURE ON HEALTH

THE LAMP AUGUST 2015 | 17

ARE YOU A VICTIM OF WORKPLACE VIOLENCE? Have you or a colleague been assaulted at work?

Have you reported your incident?

Download the NSWNMA App and report your workplace violence incident The NSWNMA has a new tool as part of our NSWNMA Toolkit App that allows you to quickly report an incident to the Association as soon as it happens. It’s an easy fillable form that you can submit from your mobile device and an officer of the Association will be in touch with you.

Nursing is considered one of the most dangerous professions. HELP STOP VIOLENCE AT WORK! NSWNMA Toolkit App is FREE and available to download from iTunes and Google Play store

FAMILY VIOLENCE

Nurses and midwives say Never Alone Nurses and midwives have backed Australian of the Year, Rosie Batty’s grassroots campaign to end the epidemic of family violence in Australia — Never Alone.

ALREADYTHOUSANDS OF AUSTRALIANS have signed up to Never Alone, which aims to shine a light on the shocking situation that has seen 49 women killed by family violence in Australia in 2015.

The Australian Nursing and Midwifery Federation (ANMF) was a founding partner of the Never Alone campaign.

“Nurses and midwives see family violence first hand, in emergency departments, community clinics and when they visit women’s homes,” ANMF Federal Secretary Lee Thomas said.

Rosie, who lost her 11-year-old son Luke last year in a family violence incident, says nurses and midwives have one of the most challenging roles in dealing with family violence.

“Nurses can fix people physically; nurses can’t ensure women and children are safe when they leave,” she said.

“They can refer people to services but there aren’t nearly enough services. They can refer people to other professionals but there often aren’t appropriate professionals available. And there isn’t nearly enough co-ordination of services as people go through the system.

“Something is going drastically wrong when nurses are left to keep patching people up again and again; meanwhile the real problems are never addressed.”

Rosie has made it her mission to lift the burden from victims and make family violence the business of every Australian.

You can read about the Never Alone campaign at www.neveralone.com.au including the areas of funding and policy change that she wants support for.

Violence amidst a caring profession A survey of 1500 NSWNMA members in 2012 found that the prevalence of family violence was high with 33 per cent of respondents having personally experienced it and 34 per cent knowing someone who has experienced it.

7 per cent of the respondents said they had experienced family violence within the previous 12 months. Of these: • 65 per cent were still living in the family home.

• 58 per cent were still in a relationship with the abusive/violent person.

16 • per cent reported that domestic violence had continued into their workplace.

The predominant way in which domestic violence was experienced in the workplace was through harassment via phone calls or email messages.

Discussion of domestic violence with colleagues was identified as relatively common (40 per cent of respondents). Privacy issues and shame were the key reasons why domestic violence was not discussed with colleagues. The large majority of domestic violence sufferers did not believe that their colleagues were aware that it was occurring.

If the occurrence of domestic violence was discussed a friend or co-worker was the most helpful as opposed to a manager or supervisor.

Workplace discussion of the domestic violence experienced generally resulted in a positive outcome.

Of the respondents who had experienced domestic violence: • Over 1/3 reported the violence to the police.

• 28 per cent had obtained a protection order, with the workplace included in the protection order 37 per cent of the time.

8 • per cent were involved in Family Law proceedings.

• the level of workplace assistance for domestic violence was identified as low.

A high percentage of respondents (77 per cent) believe that workplace entitlements could reduce the impact of domestic violence in the workplace.

THE LAMP AUGUST 2015 | 19

FAMILY VIOLENCE

Lee Thomas, ANMF Secretary, Rosie Batty and Annie Butler ANMF Assistant Secretaty

Rosie endorses family violence leave Through harsh personal experience Rosie Batty knows that support at work is vital to the victims of violence at home.

ROSIE HAS THROWN HER SUPPORT BEHIND an ACTU claim to give workers access to family violence leave to help them cope with the complicated logistical issues that family violence creates.

“The day my 11-year-old son Luke died almost 18 months ago was without doubt the worst day of my life. The year leading up to that day was another kind of nightmare,” she said.

“I lost count of the days I spent in court; the hours I spent making statements to police and meeting with lawyers; the time I’d take out of every day following up on things connected to the charges against Luke’s father. It was like having a second job.

20 | THE LAMP AUGUST 2015

“Giving workers the right to take family violence leave means victims will have the security of knowing they are free to attend court appearances, to keep appointments with lawyers, and to make relocation arrangements.”

The union movement’s family violence claim will give more than four million award workers the right to 10 days paid family violence leave for permanent staff, and 10 days unpaid leave for casuals.

The ACTU is also calling on the Fair Work Commission to give family violence victims access to flexible starting and finishing times, to help minimise the risk of stalking as family violence victims travel to-and-from work.

Currently more than 1.6 million employees have access to paid family violence leave through union-negotiated workplace agreements.

Extending the leave to all award workers could “make a difference that will prevent many people from losing their jobs, entering into spirals of poverty, losing their homes and, ultimately, losing their ability and confidence to work and become independent again,” Rosie said.

Family violence is estimated to cost the Australian economy $16.8 billion each year. Ged Kearney president of the ACTU said: “Domestic violence is a whole of society issue and that includes the workplace and employers.”

Male delegates take the White Ribbon Oath on day one of the 2015 ACTU Congress in Melbourne. Photo by Jorge de Araujo

ACTU resolution on family violence Ged Kearney and Rosie Batty stood side by side at the recent ACTU Congress as delegates voted in favour of the following resolution on family violence: “Two thirds of the more than 400,000 Australians who experience domestic violence each year are workers.

The current efforts to identify protective, legal and social service reform needs to be complemented by support for women to stay in their jobs and maintain critical financial independence.

Financial independence means women can escape a violent and abusive relationship without sacrificing a decent standard of living, adequate care for their

Family violence leave for NSWNMA members The NSWNMA has fought hard for the last four years to incorporate family violence leave into our awards and agreements.

Currently 77 per cent of our members have some form of family violence leave in their award or agreement.

In the private sector more than 32 per cent of our members have access to some form of family violence leave, however the largest four private hospital operators in New South Wales (Ramsay, Healthscope, HealthE and Adventists Health Care) do not have domestic violence leave in their agreements.

Most agreements allow nurses to use their sick and personal leave for family violencerelated reasons, but in the public sector an additional paid five days leave is available.

children and appropriate housing.

Paid domestic violence leave recognises that workers experiencing domestic violence often have exhausted their personal leave entitlements and can least afford to take unpaid leave at a time when financial security is critical.

CONGRESS: • endorses the ACTU claim for paid domestic violence to be included in the award safety net of minimum conditions for all employees; • calls on employers to accept their role in taking a stand against violence against women by withdrawing their

• • •

objections to the ACTU claim for inclusion of paid domestic violence leave in the award safety net; commits to campaign for the inclusion of paid domestic violence leave in the National Employment Standards; calls on all political parties to support the inclusion of paid domestic violence leave as a minimum safety net entitlement; and calls on the federal government to acknowledge the suite of measures required to reduce violence against women by providing adequate funding for domestic violence support services.”

ENTREPRISE AGREEMENTS WITH FAMILY VIOLENCE PROVISIONS: 136 AGREEMENTS, 1,171 FACILITIES Public Health System Nurses’ and Midwives’ (State) Award 2011 • AHOs • UnitingCare Aged Care Residential & Community Services Agreement (NSW) 2014 – 2017 • Catholic Healthcare Residential Aged Care Enterprise Agreement (New South Wales) 2011–2013 • Domain Principal Group (NSW Facilities) Enterprise Agreement 2013 • Epping Surgery Centre – NSWNMA ANMF (NSW Branch) Enterprise Agreement 2015 – 2017 • Central Coast Surgery Centre – NSWNMA & ANMF (NSW Branch) Enterprise Agreement 2015 – 2017 • Sydney Surgery Centre Pty Ltd – NSWNMA & ANMF (NSW Branch) Enterprise Agreement 2015 – 2017 • Northern Coalfields Community Care Association and Controlled Entities Enterprise Agreement 2014 • Mater Hospital North Sydney Nurses’ and Midwives’ Enterprise Agreement 2014 • Lifehouse Nurses Greenfields Agreement 2013 • Stella Maris Aged Care Facility Limited, NSWNMA & HSU Enterprise Agreement (NSW) 2015 • St Joseph’s Village Ltd NSWNMA & HSU Enterprise Agreement 2015 • Family Planning NSW and NSW Nurses and Midwives’ Association Nurses and Midwives’ Enterprise Agreement 2013 • Blue Care NSW Employees Enterprise Agreement 2013 • Warrigal and NSW Nurses and Midwives • Presbyterian Aged Care, NSWNMA and HSU NSW Enterprise Agreement 2014 – 2017 • Hawkesbury District Health Service Limited and NSWNMA / ANMF Nursing and Midwifery Enterprise Agreement 2014 • 110 ACS Agreements • Bupa Care Services, NSWNMA, ANMF (NSW Branch) and HSU NSW Branch, New South Wales Enterprise Agreement 2013 • The Whiddon Group Agreement 2014 • St Vincent’s Private Hospital Nurses Enterprise Agreement 2014 • Hardi Aged Care Nursing Staff Enterprise Agreement 2014 • BaptistCare NSW & ACT Aged Care Enterprise Agreement 2014 • HammondCare Health and Hospitals Nurses Enterprise Agreement 2011 • Living Care Enterprise Agreement 2014 • St Vincent’s Private Hospital Nurses’ Enterprise Agreement 2014–2017 •

THE LAMP AUGUST 2015 | 21

REFERENDUM

Health groups rally around Recognition More than 100 leading health bodies have formed the Recognise Health coalition to support a “Yes” vote in the 2017 referendum to recognise Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples in the Australian Constitution.

“Constitutional recognition is vitally important for the health and wellbeing of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.”

— Janine Mohamed CEO CATSINAM

22 | THE LAMP AUGUST 2015

“THE CONSTITUTION HAS PUT US IN A detrimental state.Why wouldn’t you want to change it?” said Janine Mohamed, CEO of the Congress of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Nurses and Midwives (CATSINAM).

Recognise Health says strong identity and feeling socially supported can have powerful impacts on health.

“Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people are legally excluded in the Australian Constitution – the nation’s founding legal document that came into effect in 1901 – in that their prior existence and survival on this land for tens of thousands of years is not acknowledged,” Ms Mohamed said.

“Constitutional recognition is a vital step towards making Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people feel historically and integrally part of the Australian nation, and for the nation to connect with its past.

“It is vitally important for their health and wellbeing. Moreover, it is important for the collective pride of all Australians.”

Ms Mohamed says recognition will have practical results in terms of effective coordinated funding.

“Aboriginal health has been a political football with Australian governments for a very long time. There should be a whole of system response because Aboriginal health isn’t just Aboriginal business.We are

all Australians and we need to come together as one and have that acknowledged in the constitution as the next step in the reconciliation journey.”

CATSINAM believes that the participation of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples in the nursing and midwifery workforce is an essential element in closing the life expectancy gap.

Nurses and midwives make up almost 57 per cent of the total number of those employed in direct health-care occupations, but only 0.8 per cent are Indigenous.

Non-indigenous nurses often struggle to cope while working in Indigenous health, sometimes describing the experience as like being in a foreign land.

Ms Mohamed reports that CATSINAM’s cultural training programs have had a “fantastic response” from nonindigenous nurses.

“In the future we want to ensure nonindigenous nurses not only receive that training but that they know that it’s a lifelong journey. It should be a part of registration requirements and ongoing continuous professional development, not only for health services but also for the training of Indigenous and non-indigenous health workers to allow them to operate in a culturally safe and successful way.”

The recently completed final report of

Register your support Visit the Recognise website (www.recognise.org.au) to register your support for recognition of Aboriginal and Torres Island peoples in the Australian constitution.

To find out more about the issues behind the referendum download the report from the Joint Select Committee on Constitutional Recognition of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples from www.aph.gov.au.

The unconscionable state of Aboriginal health The facts of indigenous health compared with non-indigenous health are stark. An Australian Indigenous HealthInfoNet report revealed the extent of the disadvantage:

COMMUNICABLE DISEASES the Joint Select Committee on Constitutional Recognition of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples ran to 128 pages.

It elaborates on arguments for and against options outlined in an interim report last year, that any referendum proposals need to recognise Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders as the first peoples of Australia; preserve the Commonwealth’s power to make laws with respect to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples; and in making laws under such a power, prevent the Commonwealth from discriminating against Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

There will be a series of conventions and consultations in the run up to the referendum.

Already there has been political opposition to proposals to include a new section to ban racial discrimination. Parliament must pass a Constitution Alteration Bill to allow a referendum and members can choose to prepare official “No” and “Yes” cases.

At this stage it seems likely there will be a “No” case if the racial discrimination clause is included.

Only eight out of the 19 referendums held since 1901 have passed and only one – the 1946 referendum on social service – faced a “No” case.

• Tuberculosis notifications 12.5 times higher.

• Hepatitis B five times higher.

• Hepatitis C four times higher.

• Haemophilus influenza type b (Hib) 13 times higher.

• Invasive pneumococcal disease (IPD) eight times higher.

• Meningococcal disease children aged 0-4 years nearly four times higher.

MATERNAL AND CHILD HEALTH Babies born to Indigenous women are twice as likely to have a low birth weight and die in their first year.

CARDIOVASCULAR DISEASE The death rate from cardiovascular disease among indigenous Australians is almost twice that of non-indigenous Australians and seven to 13 times higher in the 25-39 and 40-45 age groups.

DIABETES The overall death rate of Indigenous Australians from diabetes is seven times higher than in the non-indigenous population. Indigenous people develop Type 2 diabetes earlier and die younger from it.

MENTAL AND BEHAVIOURAL DISORDERS Indigenous people are one-and-a-half times more likely to die as a result of these disorders and twice as likely to die from intentional self harm. Self harm is the fifth highest cause of death, particularly in men under 35.

KIDNEY DISEASE Indigenous Australians are three times more likely to die from kidney disease.

Three in five of those diagnosed with kidney disease are aged under 55.

RESPIRATORY DISEASE Indigenous Australions are more than twice as likely to die from a respiratory disease. They have three times the rates for influenza and pneumonia, and nearly twice the rate for asthma. They are four times more likely to be hospitalised for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

DISABILITY Indigenous Australians have higher rates of disability at all ages and a disability is more than twice as likely in the 0-14 years age group. One-in-20 Indigenous Australians need assistance to take care of themselves.

For more details visit: www.healthinfonet.ecu.edu.au/health-facts/overviews THE LAMP AUGUST 2015 | 23

AGED CARE

10,000

call for RNs 24/7 More than 10,000 people have signed a petition supporting our campaign to keep RNs on duty in nursing homes around the clock.

24 | THE LAMP AUGUST 2015

“I found out about the nurses’ petition and collected 1163 signatures plus 32 more yesterday. I will keep getting signatures because I don’t care how much time I spend – this whole subject is just too important.”

Des Hartree, whose wife of 55 years has dementia and lives in a nursing home, was speaking at the presentation of a 10,000-signature petition at Parliament House in Sydney.

Des was among the audience at an aged care forum organised by the NSWNMA and held in conjunction with the petition delivery.

The petition calls on the NSW government to retain a legislative requirement for registered nurses to be on duty at all times in all facilities where residents have high care needs. This legal requirement is under threat due to changes to Commonwealth aged care laws that are having a flow-on impact on state legislation.

General Secretary of the NSWNMA Brett Holmes told the forum that, after lobbying by the NSWNMA and community groups, Health Minister Jillian Skinner enacted an interim arrangement maintaining RNs 24/7 until the end of this year, and agreed to consult with the sector on how to proceed in the future.

“It’s vital for quality of care that these requirements are placed permanently into NSW legislation,” Brett said.

Charmaine Crowe from the Combined Pensioners and Superannuants Association warned that the clinical care of high needs residents would be at risk if the state government chose to abandon the requirement.

“The care needs of vulnerable residents are not confined to business hours,” she said. “That’s why people go into a nursing home in the first place – they need round the clock care by highly-skilled professionals.”

Dr Lyndal Newton of the Australian

& New Zealand Society for Geriatric Medicine says registered nurses are integral to providing skilled, clinical care to nursing home residents with complex, high level needs.

“This includes assessing and managing changes in condition, providing pain relief, palliation, minimising discomfort or distress, and preventing unnecessary hospital admissions,” Dr Newton told the forum.

“The roles of a registered nurse and director of nursing in nursing homes with high care residents are vital to the NSW health system.

“We cannot rely on industry self regulation for our most vulnerable Australians.Though many service providers will do the right thing, we need to make sure that they all do.”

Also at the forum was Betty Johnson AO, a member of the Older Women’s Network. “I think they’re losing sight of what the word ‘care’ means if we don’t have registered nurses,” she said.

Community groups come on board

“The care needs of vulnerable residents are not confined to business hours.”

— Charmaine Crowe, Combined Pensioners and Superannuants Association

Alzheimer’s Australia, the Cancer Council and Australian Women’s Health Association are among many organisations to come out in support of the NSWNMA’s bid to prevent weakening of the law that requires RNs in nursing homes.

In a letter to Health Minister Jillian Skinner, Alzheimer’s Australia NSW CEO John Watkins said the current law governing RNs in aged care facilities was “open to interpretation and results in residential aged care facilities employing staffing practices that often do not ensure the safety of residents.

“Our concerns for having care and staffing requirements in residential aged care are heightened by the statistic that 90 per cent of people with dementia will be admitted to residential aged care due to their high support needs,” Mr Watkins wrote.

He said any weakening of the requirement to have RNs on duty would likely result in increased ambulance call outs and admissions to hospital emergency departments and wards.

“Hospitals are not good places for people with dementia to go to, with longer stays, higher rates of admission and mismanagement of dementia 3.

“The costs of hospital stays for people with dementia have also been estimated to be approximately $8500 higher, per episode, than for people without dementia.”

Jim L’Estrange, CEO of the Cancer Council of NSW, says about nine per cent of cancer patients die in a nursing home.

“It is likely that, before their death, these people received some care from a registered nurse. The availability of a registered nurse may also result in a dying patient avoiding a potentially distressing transfer to hospital, which also benefits the health system by avoiding the costs associated with using a hospital bed unnecessarily.

“Cancer Council of NSW seeks your assurance that the existing requirement for a registered nurse on duty at all times in all NSW nursing homes will be transferred permanently into NSW legislation.”

THE LAMP AUGUST 2015 | 25

AGED CARE

Flawed law leaves aged at risk Legislation requiring registered nurses in aged care facilities is already too weak, the NSWNMA has told the NSW Parliament.

MORE THAN 80 PER CENT OF AGED CARE residents are classed as having high care needs and funded accordingly – yet about half of aged care facilities in New South Wales are not legally required to employ a registered nurse.

This helps to explain why aged care residents account for “a significant proportion” of emergency department presentations, says a NSWNMA submission to a NSW Legislative Council inquiry into the need for RNs in nursing homes and other aged care facilities, 24/7.

This follows changes to the federal Aged Care Act, which have cast doubt over the NSW Public Health Act requirement for all “nursing homes” to have an RN on duty around the clock.

The Association’s submission says the Public Health Act has not clearly mandated whether RNs are required in those residential aged care facilities (RACFs) that were formerly categorised as hostels.

FLAWED LEGISLATION This flaw in current legislation has enabled providers to opt out of employing an RN in these facilities at all times – even when residents have high care needs.

Removing the already minimal requirement to employ RNs could have 26 | THE LAMP AUGUST 2015

“significant implications” for residents and the health professionals who visit them, the NSWNMA warns, given that GPs who visit aged care facilities rely heavily on the presence of an RN. The Association wants the Public Health Act amended to provide for employment of RNs at all times in any RACF “where there are people assessed as requiring a registered nurse to meet their needs and where they are funded at that level.”

The current law is “neither burdensome nor financially restrictive to providers” considering that in larger establishments it only requires them to fund one RN for about 80 people with high care needs.

Compared to a rehabilitation ward in a public hospital this is a “very minimalistic” staffing requirement that already impacts on residents’ quality of life, the submission argues.

“In public hospitals there are wellestablished systems to determine ratios of nurses to patients, which ensure that there is at least one registered nurse covering a typical rehabilitation ward, the average size being around 30 beds.

“This is more than double the number of registered nurses than is currently mandated for an 80-bed RACF.

“We should be looking to establish a needs-based system to determine staffing ratios, consistent with those found in public hospitals, to ensure our heath care system is equitable and does not discriminate on the basis of age.”

TRANSFERRING THE BURDEN The NSWNMA says the absence of RNs in aged care is already placing a major burden on hospital emergency departments.

For every 100 beds in an RACF there are at least 30 transfers to EDs for clinical care, per year.

“Multiple studies on emergency department presentations from RACFs estimate that between eight per cent and 44 per cent are inappropriate, with symptoms that could easily be managed by RNs.” These include uncomplicated urinary tract infections, mild dehydration and soft tissue injuries.

Palliative care services are already concerned by the high number of referrals for advice they receive from RACFs, regarding symptoms that could be easily managed by staff, the submission says.

There is also evidence to suggest that most people who die in hospital could have received end of life care in the RACF they were admitted from.

However,“people have no choice about whether they receive their long-term care in public hospitals or RACFs. “People in the end stages of life often require an increased focus on management of pain, symptom control, psychological and spiritual support.

“We know these symptoms can be alleviated and quality of care enhanced through nursing management and oversight in RACFs.” ACUITY TO RISE It is projected that within the next 40 years there will be around 40,000 people aged over 100, while the number of people aged 65 years and over will double, the submission says.

“This will inevitably lead to rising acuity levels in RACFs. “People entering such establishments will have multiple co-morbidities that can only be met by round the clock care and supervision.”

The submission points to the Mid-Staffordshire Inquiry in England, which found that low numbers of RNs and poor supervision and training of unregistered care workers in a public hospital “contributed to systemic failures at a basic care level”.

“We should be mindful of avoiding a similar situation in aged care by ensuring there is no further minimisation and dilution of skill mix in RACFs. “We have a moral obligation to ensure decisions to place our older people within RACFs are supported by legislation that ensures ongoing access to sufficient numbers of registered nurses, and appropriately trained and regulated care workers to meet their assessed needs.”

AiNS MUST BE LICENSED The NSWNMA also wants the Public Health Act to be extended to require all assistants in nursing to be licensed, with minimum standards of qualification linked to the Australian Qualifications Framework.

Minimum standards should include training to at least Certificate III level within a specified time.

Unregistered care workers “are often required to undertake roles that are outside of their scope of practice and [they] feel unprepared for the duties they are asked to perform.

“Having a licensed, regulated and welltrained workforce of aged care assistants in nursing would not only provide a career structure for many workers, it would also improve safeguards and raise standards of care for our older population.”

Registered nurse Sally Delaney addresses a meeting of Leichhardt Council

More Councils back RNs 24/7 More local councils have resolved to support the NSWNMA’s campaign to keep RNs in nursing homes around the clock.

In the Sydney region they include Ashfield, Leichhardt, Marrickville, Sydney and Willoughby Councils and outside of the metropolitan area they include the Blue Mountains, Moree Plains and Nambucca councils.

Registered nurse Sally Delaney got a big round of applause when she addressed a meeting of Leichhardt Council on the subject of removing the requirement to have an RN in aged care facilities at all times. What she had to say came as a surprise to councillors and many in the packed public gallery.

“They were not aware that the employment of RNs in aged care facilities was under threat,” Sally, a clinical nurse educator, told The Lamp.

“I made the point that nursing homes already employ unregulated carers with minimal training and although they are

very valuable and do a wonderful job, they require qualified experienced nurses to supervise and guide their work.

“Elderly people can become ill at any time during the day or night – they may experience chest pain, breathing difficulties and heart attacks.

“Our aged care residents need access to proper standards of care and assessment, as delivered by experienced RNs. “And removing a legislated minimum requirement for RN staffing will have significant cost shifting implications for our busy public hospitals.

“After my speech some councillors got up and spoke in support of my position.

“I felt that speaking publicly helped to raise awareness and support for this very important issue.”

Leichhardt Council, which covers suburbs in Sydney’s inner-west, voted unanimously to lobby the state government to keep RNs in aged care around the clock.

“My dad died recently in a hostel. He suffered for five days before he died. Part of his suffering was that he had to wait for the on-call nurse to come (she lived 30 minutes away) and administer the pain relief.”

— Testimony included in the NSWNMA’s submission

THE LAMP AUGUST 2015 | 27

SUPERANNUATION

Super changes a super disaster Big changes to superannuation will have a disastrous impact on the already meager retirement incomes of many women.

I N THE WEEK OF I NTERNATIONAL Women’s Day the Australian Bureau of Statistics released some sobering figures on the pay gap between men and women, which sits at 19 per cent.

Because super contributions are invested and compound over the long term, this pay gap converts into an even bigger super gap for women during their working lives – a whopping 47 per cent on current estimates.

Women are currently retiring with an average $90,000 less than men and 29 per cent of women over 65 are living below the poverty line.

The 47 per cent super gap translates into an average superannuation retirement balance of $105,000 for women and $197,000 for men.

By 2030, the gap is still expected to be 39 per cent with average retirement balances projected to be $262,000 for women, and $432,000 for men.

The Gillard Labor government introduced a number of improvements to super, which would have improved the retirement incomes of women. In particular they introduced phased increases to the guaranteed superannuation contribution, which would have seen super contributions increase to 12 per cent by 2019.

Under current Coalition government legislation, the super guarantee will remain at 9.5 per cent until 2021 then increase by 0.5 per cent each year until it reaches 12 per cent.

The Gillard government also introduced a Low Income Super Contribution (LISC) for lower paid workers, the majority of whom are women.The LISC is a tax rebate, paid directly into super accounts, that ensures 3.6 million Australians who earn less than $37,000 a year and are taxed at 15 per cent or less, receive a tax concession of up to $500 a year on their super contributions.

Robbie Campo, deputy chief executive of Industry Super Australia, says the LISC should be retained beyond 2017, as a starting point to ensure that women are not left even further behind in their retirement savings.

“Nearly half the women (45%) in the Australian workforce are eligible for this payment, which would make a huge difference to their nest egg in retirement year.

“For example, it is estimated a women starting out on the minimum wage, with modest wage increases, would have a super balance 10 per cent higher at retirement because of the LISC,” she said.

“Given that the rest of the workforce receives tax concessions on super contributions, it is nonsensical that the lowest paid Australians, most of whom are women, pay more tax on their super than on their take home pay.”

The LISC is a tax rebate, paid directly into super accounts, that ensures that 3.6 million Australians who earn less than $37,000 a year - the majority of whom are women - receive a tax concession of up to $500 a year on their super contributions.

The Abbott government plans to abolish LISC in 2017.

28 | THE LAMP AUGUST 2015

Three changes to super the Abbott government wants • Delaying the increase to super contributions. Economists estimate this could result in $45 billion less in super savings over the next seven years.

• Abolishing the low income super contribution.

• Attacking the participation of union representatives on industry super boards.

How to make super fairer RETAIN THE LOW INCOME SUPER CONTRIBUTION The Gillard Labor government introduced a rebate of up to $500 to boost the super for part-time and low income earners. The Abbott government has announced the LISC will be abolished in 2017, a significant setback for the retirement savings of one-inthree Australian workers and half of all working women.

REDUCE HIGH INCOME TAX CONCESSIONS Meanwhile, Australia’s highest income earners continue to be subsidised with generous tax breaks to boost their super.

Currently, the wealthiest 10 per cent of workers receive 38 per cent of all super tax concessions, highlighting a serious inequity.

Consideration should be given to trimming these tax breaks and re-investing the money into concessions for lower paid workers, to better balance retirement outcomes.

CLOSE THE GENDER SUPER GAP On average, women are currently retiring with $90,000 less super than men. This is due to the current gender pay gap of around 19 per cent, which translates to a much bigger superannuation pay gap of around 47 per cent on retirement.

This is largely due to broken work patterns and entrenched attitudes towards the value of female employees. This gap has resulted in 29 per cent of women over age 65 living below the poverty line.

“Given that the rest of the workforce receives tax concessions on super contributions, it is nonsensical that the lowest paid Australians, most of whom are women, pay more tax on their super than on their take home pay.” — Robbie Campo

Australia’s highest earners will continue to enjoy big tax breaks that will boost their superannuation. Abolishing LISC will see 3.6 million low paid workers or those starting out in the workforce fall even further behind when saving for their retirement.

These workers will have $13 billion less in their retirement savings.

THE LAMP AUGUST 2015 | 29

SUPERANNUATION

Poisoning super with partisan politics The success of Australia’s industry super funds is globally recognised — but the Abbott government is poised to poison them with partisan politics.

IF THE BANK-OWNED SUPERANNUATION sector had matched the average returns of Australia’s not-for-profit sector in the past decade, their members would have around $39 billion more in their accounts, says Industry Super Australia CEO DavidWhiteley.

Since the early 1990s, union and employer representatives have worked constructively on industry superannuation fund boards to deliver some of the best retirement incomes in the world.

Yet despite this stellar performance, the Abbott government has flagged that it will introduce sweeping changes to the governance of industry funds, with profound ramifications for the super sector.

The federal government has released draft legislation that will require all super funds trustee funds to have an “independent” chair and that at least a third of their directors be “independent”.

The government’s changes are seen by many as an attack on the involvement of unions in not-for-profit super funds, and as the Abbott government pushing the agenda of banks.

Peter Collins, a former NSW Liberal leader and chair of Industry Super Australia, attributed the changes to “the pressure that has been exerted by the financial services sector and by bank-owned funds, on the Abbott government.”

Richard di Natale, Greens leader, described the government’s proposed changes as a “union-bashing exercise”.

He said the biggest change the super system needed was a reduction in tax breaks for high-income earners – a reform that isn’t on the table.

ACTU President Ged Kearney says the changes are a covert attack on union involvement in industry super.

“This government can’t bear it that the trade union movement, along with employer associations, has overseen an amazing success story in superannuation,” she said.

“Industry super funds have lower fees and have consistently delivered better returns over any time period for millions of Australians.”

30 | THE LAMP AUGUST 2015

INDUSTRY FUNDS OUTPERFORM BANKS Peter Collins says the government should heed the advice of their former leader John Howard: ‘if it isn’t broken, don’t fix it”.

This position is backed by research that underlines the superior performance of industry super funds.

Analysis by the Australian Prudential Regulation Authority (APRA) – the body that oversees financial organisations – has found that industry super funds beat the performance of bank super funds by having both lower costs and higher investment returns. Global comparisons show that bank super funds have performed poorly.

“In fact they have failed to meet the

Peter Collins, a former NSW Liberal leader attributes the changes to super to “the pressure that has been exerted by the financial services sector and bank-owned funds on the Abbott government”.

OECD average in the past 10 years, putting them among the most inefficient funds in the world,” Industry Super Australia CEO David Whitely said.

APRA figures show the average rates of return for funds between 2004 and 2013. Industry not-for-profit funds achieved returns of 6.7 per cent, compared with 4.9 per cent among retail for-profit funds.

REAL ISSUE GOVERNANCE OF BANK FUNDS David Whiteley challenges the government’s (and the banks’) assertion that industry super governance needs an overhaul.

Banks – not industry – need to improve Numerous studies in the aftermath of the global financial crisis revealed that the “toxic” and “aggressive” culture within banks was a key factor in the crash.

Ged Kearney

“This government can’t bear it that the trade union movement, along with employer associations, has overseen an amazing success story in superannuation.”

— Ged Kearney, ACTU President “The banks’ lobbyists insist the ASX standard of ‘independent chairs’ and ‘majority independent directors’ must be mandated for all super funds, claiming it is the international benchmark for governance,” he said. “In fact, this is a standard applied to listed companies, not pension funds, and reflects the banks’ commercial view of the world in which super exists as a revenue-creating product.

“The claim that the ASX sets the international benchmark is incorrect. The representative trustee system used by not-for-profit funds is the prevailing model of pension governance across the OECD.The bank-owned funds are the odd ones out.”

David Whiteley says APRA holds industry funds to significantly higher governance standards than listed companies.

“APRA can formally investigate a super fund, impose conditions on a fund’s licence, disqualify people from their position or from holding other senior industry roles, permanently revoke a trustee’s approval and appoint a replacement trustee.

Its powers are at least equivalent to those of the ASX and ASIC. “APRA’s annual ‘fit and proper’ test ensures super boards possess the skills to govern the fund and its focus is on the entire governance framework, including risk management and behavioural norms, rather than just board composition.”

“WHATEVER MAY BE WRONG WITH THE SUPERANNUATION system the last thing we need is more power to more finance spivs and less connection between people’s work and their super,” says former ACTU assistant secretary and super trustee,Tim Lyons.

“In fact, if there was a change to be mandated to superannuation governance, a good start would be requiring bank-owned funds to have at least a third of directors representing the members of the fund.”

This sentiment is shared by the industry super sector.

“The watchful eyes and questioning minds of industry super fund directors have not only delivered the best performing funds they have avoided the widespread consumer losses and scandals that have engulfed the major banks and wealth managers over recent years. Tackling the governance in other parts of the finance sector should be the priority,” says Robbie Campo, deputy chief executive of Industry Super Australia.

TOXIC CULTURE It was a “toxic” and “aggressive” culture inside British banks that led to financial scandals and failures, according to a joint study by Cass Business School and think tank New City Agenda.

Over two decades “an aggressive sales culture took hold in retail banking”with some staff receiving cash bonuses, iPods, or tickets to Wimbledon for hitting sales targets, it said.

Those that failed to hit targets “were humiliated by having cabbages and other vegetables placed on their desks” the report said.

“A toxic culture, which was decades in the making, will take a generation to turn around,” said Conservative MP and New City Agenda co-founder David Davis.

Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby, who sits on the New City Agenda advisory board, said: “It is clear that much more needs to be done by all stakeholders for trust to be restored in our financial institutions.”

There have been numerous calls for a change in banking culture since the 2008 financial crisis exposed wrong-doing and misdemeanours.

Last year, Bank of England governor Mark Carney said some top bank executives had “got away without sanction” and were “still at the best golf courses”.

THE LAMP AUGUST 2015 | 31

ask judith

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

Compulsory to wear family name?

I am an RN working in a NSW public hospital emergency department and am concerned that displaying my full name on my badge may present a safety risk. Is it compulsory for my family name to be on the name badge?

In short, no. The relevant policy directive issued by the Ministry of Health (PD2012_057, Uniforms Policy) states that for “... staff working in emergency departments, displaying a first name and initial will be sufficient for identification purposes.” It may be of interest to other members to know that a risk assessment should be undertaken by their Local Health District if employees in any other department raise safety or security concerns regarding the display of family names on badges.

Are there ratios in aged care?

I am an AiN working in the aged care sector and am finding workloads in our facility becoming increasingly difficult due to inadequate staffing levels. Are there any ratios in the aged care sector?

Currently there are no mandated staffing ratios in awards and agreements in the aged care sector. Some agreements contain references to workloads that may allow some discussion and agitation, including the establishment of a workloads committee.

The Association has a Reasonable Workloads Committee guide/booklet available for members, which can be obtained by calling our Information Services department.

These are difficult times for members in the aged care sector especially. The current push to remove registered nurses 24/7 from nursing homes and the refusal of some employers to negotiate with the Association for fair and reasonable wage increases (as reported in The Lamp) is a disappointing reflection on them and their representatives in this industry. The best and only way to resist both the continued push to increase workloads while eroding your rights and entitlements in the workplace, is to establish a NSWNMA branch or grow your existing one.

BREAKING NEWS:

Workers comp roll back?

The NSW ALP Opposition has flagged their intention to introduce a bill to the NSW Parliament this month to “roll back” a number of the more draconian features of the current workers compensation regime introduced by the O’Farrell (and now Baird) government in 2012.

The anticipated changes and improvements are understood to include: the payment of medical expenses; retrospectivity; powers of the Workers Compensation Commission; reintroduction of journey coverage (to and from work); and a better definition for suitable duties/employment. Any bill introduced by the ALP may be referred to an inquiry, which the Hon Rev Fred Nile MLC has said he would initiate, to hear first hand from injured workers about the terrible toll that the 2012 changes have had.

The old adage – strength in numbers – rings true. A collective approach via strong union density can and does make a difference. If members need assistance or advice around forming workplace branches they should contact the Association.

Change to transfer laws a worry?

At a recent branch meeting it was mentioned that the Ministry is trying to change the law about transfers within the NSW Health Service. Should we be concerned?

The Ministry is proposing changes to the Health Services Act regarding how transfers can be done within and across Local Health

Districts and networks. Its first attempt last year came to nothing following vigorous opposition by the NSWNMA and other public health unions. It has returned to the topic again this year but (unlike last year) has commenced consultation with all public health unions before anything is tabled in the NSW Parliament. This is a positive step forward. The Association remains concerned that the proposals by the Ministry may have unintended consequences or expand its use.

We have put to the Ministry that existing protections should be retained so that any such power is used fairly and reasonably, with proper consideration of the individual circumstances involved.

Other leave okay to care?

I am an AiN working in a public hospital. I took some days off to look after my sick child and ran out of personal/carer’s leave.

Can I use other accrued leave?

Yes you can. Under sub clause 32 B (xii) of the Public Health System Nurses’ and Midwives’ (State) Award 2015, an employee may elect, with the consent of their employer, to take annual leave, long service leave or leave without pay to provide care and support. The use of annual leave under this clause is flexible, in that you can take up to 10 days in single-day periods, or part thereof, in any calendar year as agreed between you and your employer.

Is mandatory training paid?

I am an RN on the casual pool at a public hospital. I have been directed to attend mandatory training on a day I have not been booked or rostered to work. Under these circumstances, am I entitled to be paid for this training?

Yes you are entitled to be paid. Both the Public Health System Nurses’ and Midwives’ (State) Award 2015 (clause 55) and NSW Ministry of Health policy directive PD2014_029, note that when you are required to attend an in-house course or education/learning activity, you are considered to be on duty. Accordingly you are required to be paid for the hours you are attending such mandatory training.

Payment is at your basic hourly rate.

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THE LAMP AUGUST 2015 | 33

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social media | nurse uncut

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WHAT’S

A BLOG FOR AUSTRALIAN NURSES AND MIDWIVES Do you have a story to tell? An opinion to share? nurse uncut is written by everyday nurses and midwives.

We welcome your ideas at nurseuncut@nswnma.asn.au

HOT THIS MONTH

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

Open letter to Tony Abbott: shift work is not a lifestyle choice www.nurseuncut.com.au/open-letter-to-tony-abbott-shift-work-for-nurses-is-not-alifestyle-choice

Dani, an intensive care nurse in Sydney, writes to Tony Abbott at the end of a gruelling 12-hour night shift.

Bedside handovers – patient privacy www.nurseuncut.com.au/bedside-handovers-patient-privacy

Jenny wonders how other nurses feel about doing handovers in a shared room, where other patients and visitors can hear what’s said?

Nurse Reach Teach – Australian nurses reach out to nurses in Nepal www.nurseuncut.com.au/australian-nurses-reach-out-to-nurses-in-nepal

After a working holiday in Nepal, intensive care nurse Lucy Rowe started an organisation that runs educational programs by nurses for nurses.

Stevie’s EN diary: sweet little whys www.nurseuncut.com.au/stevies-en-diary-sweet-little-whys

New grad EN Stevie ponders that ubiquitous question, “why do you want to be a nurse?”

Proud to be a nursing home RN www.nurseuncut.com.au/sam-im-proud-to-be-an-rn-who-works-in-nursing-homes

Not only does Samantha Cox work in aged care, she has had the personal experience of a mother living in a nursing home due to a complex terminal disease.

Bedpans and other memories www.nurseuncut.com.au/bedpans-and-other-memories-from-the-1970s

Bernhard Rasz reminisces about Lidcombe Hospital in the seventies, when the bedpans shone like mirrors!

New on SupportNurses YouTube channel Edward RN on penalty rates Working 12-hour shifts in cardiology, penalty rates just about compensate for the physical and social disruption. >> youtu.be/dQLCq4ZFW38 Aged care forum in NSW Parliament Handing over more than 10,000 signed petitions. >> https://youtu.be/MZGQsWuAc6g

NSWNMA on Instagram!

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

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

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

THE LAMP AUGUST 2015 | 35

VA L E

Christopher Mitchell 1968 — 2014

[e\ Chris was born in Hawaii, one of a large extended family that lived in Australia. Chris was six when he immigrated to Australia after his parents’ separation. He lived with his Aunt, Grandmother and three cousins until his mother arrived 10 months later. He attended McCauley Preparatory School at Rose Bay (1974-1977) and Marist Brothers, Kogarah (1978-1980).

As a teenager Chris was thrilled to start at Waverley College (1981-1985), where he enjoyed a successful time in the Cadet Corps, working his way up through the ranks to become one of only two Cadet Unit Officers. He was also successful on the sporting field.

In his late teenage years he joined the St John’s Ambulance Service, hoping to get free entrance into rock concerts at the Horden Pavilion. Unfortunately, the best he managed in that regard was free entry to the ballroom dancing championships at the town hall.

But the experience sparked his passion for First Aid and led him into his nursing career.

Chris completed his Nursing Diploma in 1988 at The Royal Newcastle Hospital, then commenced work at the Prince Henry Hospital, Little Bay Sydney, where he achieved his Clinical Nurse Specialist position in ICU. From there he built a highly successful career specialising in many areas including Nurse Unit Manager of the Hyperbaric Unit. In 1990 the Prince Henry Hospital relocated to the Prince of Wales (PoW) Hospital, Randwick, and Chris continued his Nurse Unit Manager position.

It was during his years as NUM of the Hyperbaric Unit that he met his wife Natalie, who worked in finance at PoW. Chris and Natalie were married in April 2001 and began their family with the arrival of Emily in 2002 and Cameron in 2005.

Chris was a hands-on father. When organising schedules and travelling to and from work in Sydney became difficult for Chris to spend time with his family they moved to Coffs Harbour, and in 2006 he started work in the ICU at Coffs Harbour Base Hospital.

Chris brought an incredible wealth of knowledge and expertise to the ICU team and his knowledge was utilised by all team members including physicians and all health team members. He was highly regarded as an expert in ventilation and haemodialysis. His passing has left an enormous gap in ICU; we miss him greatly.

During Chris’s time in Coffs Harbour he regularly relieved in high grade duties as After Hours Nurse Manager for prolonged periods of time, where he showed wisdom, decision making and an ability to adapt to any situation or crisis. He remained calm and always had a smile.

While holidaying with his family in Malaysia in June 2014, Chris suffered a fatal Myocardial Infarct. Shock rippled through Coffs Harbour and afar: a tragic loss of a much loved and admired colleague and friend.

As Chris’s brother, Patrick, said: “If our contribution to this world is reflected in the opinion of our peers then Chris was nothing but a positive and uplifting influence to all who met him.�

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B Assisting with

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Call the NSWNMA on 1300 367 962 and ďŹ nd out how you can access this great service.

36 | THE LAMP MARCH 2015

social media | facebook

WHAT NURSES & MIDWIVES

SAID & LIKED on facebook www.facebook.com/nswnma RNs 24/7? 10,000 say yes!

No RNs in nursing homes mean many drug errors, patients sitting on trolleys for long periods in our ERs waiting for catheter changes; many patients with chronic pain not being given their strong analgesics; poor outcomes from patient falls, with minimal assessment post trauma; many patients will die without pain relief and generally ambulance transfers and hospital admissions will increase. Overall, this will cost the health care system much more money and the quality of life for aged care residents will diminish very quickly.

We handed more than 10,000 signed petitions to a Parliamentary forum on RNs 24/7.

Essays for sale Nursing students are found to be buying essays (often written by medical students) but face expulsion if they’re found cheating.

No winners in current job market?

Many graduate nurses and midwives Australia-wide can’t get jobs, while at the same time those on 457 visas are vulnerable to underpayment and exploitation. The situation isn’t good on either side of the equation: the ANMF put this case to a Senate inquiry into temporary work visas.

The quality and quantity of nursing students being pumped out like a factory line is scary for the nursing profession and for the public in general.

Hating on international students once again.

Nah, just hating on a failed system.

Let’s not go back to the bad old days of hospital training - we were treated like slaves!

I have to say the students now are treated far more like slaves than hospital-trained nurses were. Hospital trained nurses were paid for their work! They had sick leave, paid annual leave etc. How stressed and exhausted are today’s students to then apply themselves 100%.

The wards are usually so busy and understaffed it also puts so much stress onto the nurses they are working with. It’s hard work trying to train and explain while getting through the usual stressful shift.

I came here as a 457-visa immigrant. I did not feel vulnerable or exploited. I think the difference is I came from the UK, English is my first language and I came with a very similar skill set and work experience as my Australian counterparts. If other 457-visa immigrants are experiencing otherwise I find that very sad and hope it’s not because they come from cultures and backgrounds that are different from Australia. I have witnessed both poor and exceptional nurses from both backgrounds. Australian-trained does not automatically equal “better” and I think it displays a degree of arrogance as well as xenophobia to presume it does.

457 visas are great but not if Australian residents are being undercut out of jobs due to employers saving money. I would hope all 457-visa nurses are encouraged by colleagues to join the union.

I am becoming so tired of sniping at excellent and well trained 457-nurses: it’s racist and parochial. If they are skilled and safe a nurse gets hired and if they are not, they don’t.

Many of the 457-nurses at my hospital are union members. Get off their backs please ... and faux paternalism doesn’t cut it either.

Migrants are not “stealing jobs” from new grads – we need to create more opportunities for new grads that provide support without depleting skills mix.

I think we can do both – welcome new nurses from other countries and embrace the opportunity to broaden our horizons and provide more new graduate positions for Australian nurses.

PHOTO GALLERY

Wollongong University nursing students sign up to become associate members – for free!

Some retired unionists came along to show support at the RN 24/7 forum at state parliament.

These Ramsay members from Albury-Wodonga are pleased with their new enterprise agreeement.

Nambucca Heads aged care staff are right behind the RN 24/7 campaign.

THE LAMP AUGUST 2015 | 37

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LIONS NURSES’ SCHOLARSHIP Looking for funding to further your studies in 2016?

The trustees of the Lions Nurses’ Scholarship Foundation invite applications for scholarships for 2016.

The Lions Nurses’ Scholarships open on 1 Augu Nurses eligible for these scholarships must be re and employed within the State of NSW or ACT. You must currently be registered with the Nursing Midwifery Board of Australia and working within th nursing profession in NSW or the ACT, and must a minimum of three years’ experience in the nurs profession – the last twelve months of which must have been spent in NSW or the ACT. Details of eligibility and the scholarships available (which include study projects either within Australia or overseas), and application forms are available from: www.nswnma.asn.au/education The Secretary Lions Nurses’ Scholarship Foundation 50 O’Dea Avenue, Waterloo NSW 2017 or contact Matt West on 1300 367 962 or mawest@nswnma.asn.au COMPLETED APPLICATIONS MUST BE IN THE HANDS OF THE SECRETARY NO LATER THAN 31 OCTOBER 2015.

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Across 1. A form of irritation fibroma, occurring most frequently on the gums of young adults (5.4.7) 9. Not occurring or recurring at regular intervals of time (9) 10. The projecting prominent part of an organ, especially a bone (8) 11. A defect in structure or function; a deviation (5) 12. An emergency procedure, performed in cardiac arrest (1.1.1) 14. Messenger ribonucleic acid (1.1.1.1) 15. A rounded elevation (4) 17. A specialist in internal medicine (9) 19. Abbreviation for pound (2) 20. Simple substances that cannot be decomposed by ordinary chemical means (8)

22. Epistaxis (9) 26. Duchenne muscular dystrophy (1.1.1) 27. Bronchoalveolar lavage (1.1.1) 28. Slow growing (8) 29. Pertaining to a small bone, especially one of those in the middle ear (9) 30. Electron volt (1.1) 31. The portion of a tooth that lies between the survey line and the gingivae (8) 33. Male relations on the father’s side (7) 34. Glomerulonephritis (1.1) 35. Hemolysis (16)

Down 1. A fissure between the tympanic and petrous portions of the temporal bone (9.7) 2. Diverges or deviates from the straight path (9) 3. Thyroid-stimulating immunoglobulins (1.1.1) 4. Secreting internally (9) 5. Torn; wounded by a jagged instrument (9) 6. Notch (8) 7. To exhibit similarity or likeness to (8) 8. Hardening of the arteries (16) 13. Nerves that are outside of the brain and spinal cord (1.1.1) 14. Symbol for manganese (2)

16. Makes hard to understand or follow; obscures (11) 18. One of the 12 pairs of arches of bone forming a large part of the thoracic skeleton (3) 21. Having healing qualities (9) 23. The involute of a curve (8) 24. The spleen (4) 25. Originating within the eye. (8) 26. Separate or apart in space (7) 30. Nervous or irritable (4) 32. Heart (3)

THE LAMP AUGUST 2015 | 39

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

Authorised by B.Holmes, General Secretary, NSWNMA

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

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

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

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

Watch Alexis talk about Journey Accident Insurance

JOURNEY ACCIDENT INSURANCE

Your journey injury safety net

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

Change your payment information online at

www.nswnma.asn.au

nursing research online

The Australian Journal of Advanced Nursing (AJAN), published by the Australian Nursing and Midwifery Federation, provides a vehicle for nurses and midwives to publish original research and scholarly papers about all areas of nursing. The latest issue is available free online at ajan.com.au.

Registered nurses improving screening rates for non-AIDS related comorbidities in people living with HIV Karen Biggs RN NP, Nurse Practitioner, Western Sydney Sexual Health Centre (WSSHC), Melissa Power RN RM, Clinical Nurse Consultant, WSSHC In the developed world, life expectancies for HIV positive patients have risen dramatically and now approach those of the general population (Samji et al 2013). As a result, people living with HIV (PLHIV) are now faced by challenges associated with ageing (Lewden et al 2008). With the shift to managing HIV as a chronic disease, the future of HIV nursing is likely to occur in a primary health care setting rather than a specific “AIDS” or infectious disease ward. The Western Sydney Sexual Health Centre, a publicly funded, metropolitan, outpatient sexual health clinic, provides care and management to more than 300 HIV positive people. It was identified that rates and consistency of comorbidity screening could be improved in our cohort of PLHIV. This study aimed to establish whether a nurse-led screening and brief intervention project could improve screening rates for this population in the sexual health clinic. www.ajan.com.au/Vol32/Issue4/2Biggs.pdf

A Nurse Communication Manager reduces the number of non-relevant contacts Keir Wright, Nina Seested Nielsen, Jannie Lauersen, Jacob Rosenberg and Anne Kjærgaard Danielsen, University of Copenhagen For several years, worldwide attempts have been made, by redesigning and streamlining the way nurses manage their working day, to release time for nurses to participate more in direct care of

patients (Wilson 2009). Different models for nursing aim at reducing the amount of time that nurses spend on administrative tasks (Burston et al 2011; Inde 2013). Other researchers have argued for reducing activities that interrupt nurses in their work (Sørensen and Brahe 2014). The aim of this study was to reduce the number of interruptions by external contacts in nursing practice. The study explored the effects of implementation of a Nurse Communication Manager in a department of surgery in a university hospital in the capital region of Denmark. www.ajan.com.au/ajan_32.4.html

Advanced skills for enrolled nurses: a developing classification Dr Lynette Cusack, Morgan Smith, Bernadette Cummins, Louise Kennewell, Lydia Dennett and Debra Pratt An enrolled nursing industrial classification for advanced skills was introduced into a number of jurisdictions across Australia to increase the responsiveness of the workforce to contemporary health care challenges.

This initiative represented an opportunity to respond to the changing health care scene by providing a more structured enrolled nursing model of care, that embraced advanced skills and knowledge within a collaborative nursing framework (Milson-Hawke and Higgins 2003).

Introducing an enrolled nurse with advanced skills within revised models of care has the potential to increase the capacity of the health workforce and to meet growing demand in areas of strategic relevance to workforce development and clinical care.

This paper presents a comprehensive review of the literature designed to identify successful strategies for the implementation of the industrial classification of enrolled nurse (second level nurse) advanced skills. www.ajan.com.au/Vol32/Issue4/5Cusack.pdf

Doctoral these in nursing and midwifery: challenging their contribution to nursing scholarship and the profession Lesley Wilkes, Joanne Cummings, Mayryl Ratanapongleka and Bernie Carter In most western countries including Australia, UK, USA and Canada, advanced practice nurses are usually required to have Masters degrees (Watson et al 2011; Brar et al 2010; O’Baugh et al 2007). With the emergence of nurse practitioners in a number of clinical areas it is debated whether these nurses should be educated within Doctorate of Nursing Practice programs that have an emphasis on the translation of research into practice, rather than the actual conduct of research (Brar et al 2010; Edwardson 2010; Chase and Pruitt 2006; Meleis and Dracup 2005). In both the UK and Australia the growth of doctoral education has risen significantly in the past decade. More than 15 years ago, Antrobus and Kitson (1999) argued that there was a need for doctoral graduates in clinical positions, but today there is still confusion as to how valuable it is to the individual nurse and society.

Universities clearly value doctorates as a source of income and many graduates go back to academia, teach students and conduct research.

However, Watson et al (2011) speculate that this only indirectly benefits nursing practice and society.

Borbasi and Emden (2001) note that completing a doctorate in nursing does not necessarily prepare nurses to be better clinicians or managers and they found that most nurses undertake higher degrees to fulfil personal goals.

This paper reports on a study conducted with graduates of doctoral programs (traditional PhD, PhD by publication and professional doctorate) in the UK and Australia. www.ajan.com.au/Vol32/Issue4/1Wilkes.pdf

THE LAMP AUGUST 2015 | 41

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NAVY HOODIES & RED HOODIES $35 available in Ladies 10, 12, 14, 16 & Unisex S, M, L, XL, XXL & XXXL

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book me All the latest Book Me reviews from The Lamp can now be read online at www.nswnma.asn.au/library-services/book-reviews.

Each review includes a link directly to that item in the library catalogue plus instructions on how to request a loan.

Nurse’s Pocket Drug Guide 2015 Judith Barberio, Leonard Gomella, Susan Underwood and Claudia Beck McGraw Hill Education www.mhprofessional.com RRP $19.95 – NSWNMA member discount available ISBN 9780071835183 Now in its ninth edition, this guide includes key “must know” facts of commonly used medications and herbs plus other essential information for the student, practicing nurse and healthcare provider. Medications are listed by prescribing class and individual medications are listed in alphabetical order by generic name. The guide identifies the most frequently used and clinically important medications, including branded, over-thecounter and more than 1200 generic products. Uses are described, as are actions, dosages, contraindications, side effects, interactions, common laboratory test results and Nursing Indications &/or Patient Education (NIPE) information.

Murtagh’s Practice Tips (6th ed.)

John Murtagh McGraw Hill Education www.mhprofessional.com RRP $90 – NSWNMA member discount available ISBN 9781743070123 Murtagh provides tried-and-tested approaches to treatment as well as improvised methods using convenient tools and readily available equipment, in this extensively updated and redesigned sixth edition.

Essential information and step-by-step instructions are drawn from John Murtagh’s broad experience in practice.

More than 450 detailed illustrations are included throughout the text, which covers topics including: emergency procedures, musculoskeletal injections, wound management, foot problems, common trauma, principles for fractures, removal of foreign bodies, ENT and eyes, and tips on treating children.

Midwifery Continuity of Care: A Practical Guide Caroline Homer, Pat Brodie and Nicky Leap Churchill Livingstone Elsevier www.elsevier.com.au RRP $69.95 ISBN 9780729538442 Written by a team of international contributors including several from Australia, this book provides advice and direction on establishing midwifery continuity of care within the mainstream public health system. The authors analyse the current evidence-base for midwifery continuity of care and also list experiences and suggestions drawn from their own practice. Examples bring to life the challenges of introducing new ways of organising maternity services and the process of achieving sustainable change. The book covers the spectrum of midwifery practice and primarily reaches out to publicly funded midwives in practice, managers of midwifery units, financial managers and planners of health services, policy makers and executives. At the same time, independent and private practice midwives, plus women and women’s groups interested in maternity services, may also find aspects of the book useful.

25% off for members McGraw Hill Publishers is offering NSWNMA members 25 per cent off the recommended retail price of all medical titles, plus a range of other professional books! Visit Book Me online at www.nswnma.an.au/library-services/book-reviews for further instructions or contact the library

special interest An Outback Nurse Thea Hayes Allen & Unwin www.allenandunwin.com RRP $32.99 ISBN 978176011328 A year out from her nurse training in Sydney, Thea Hayes was catapulted from the safety of her city life into the unknown world of the Outback.

Thea knew nothing of the place she was soon to call home, Wave Hill Station in the Northern Territory. The second largest property in the world under one management, it covered four million acres! An Outback Nurse is a story of overcoming the odds to find your place in the world. It’s a story of falling in love with the land and finding love on the land. But it’s also the story of growing up on one of Australia’s most famous outback stations, a place where history was made.

Personalisation and Dementia: A Guide for Person-Centred Practice Helen Sanderson and Gill Bailey Jessica Kingsley Publishers via Footprint Books www.footprint.com.au RRP $49.95 ISBN 9781849053792 At the heart of “personalisation” is the notion that people should not simply be passive recipients of services, but should be able to exercise direction over their support, which should be designed around and with them. This practical guide explains how to deliver personalised services and support for people with dementia through a range of simple, evidence-based practices. Strategies for ensuring a good match between the person with dementia and the staff and volunteers supporting them are also described. The final chapter introduces a tool for tracking progress in delivering appropriate personalised support for people with dementia living in care homes.

All books can be ordered through the publisher or your local bookshop. NSWNMA members can borrow the books via the Library’s Online Catalogue at www.nswnma.asn.au/library-services-online-library-catalogue/.

Call 8595 1234 or 1300 367 962 or email gensec@nswnma.asn.au for assistance. Some books are reviewed using information supplied and have not been independently reviewed.

THE LAMP AUGUST 2015 | 43

movies of the month

When a gifted but burnt-out, nihilistic philosophy professor, turns to life rather than textbooks for lessons, his depressive and drunken existence takes a dramatic and existential turn that makes the world – and his purpose in it – seem clearer and more meaningful.

Woody Allen’s latest film studies murder through a darkly humourous lens that is both intellectual and provoking.

Joaquin Phoenix stars as Abe Lucas, new professor on the campus of a small Rhode Island College. His alcoholic, philandering reputation precedes him, with rumours rife from the moment he steps onto campus.

It doesn’t take Abe long to live up to his own advanced hype of shuffling, hungover, train wreck. Jill Pollard (Emma Stone) a bright student in Abe’s summer “ethical strategies” class and Rita Richards (Parker Posey) an unhappily married professor, are both drawn to Abe’s depressive gloom.

Initially, Abe avoids romantic attachment to either woman, despite spending time with both. Instead he spends his energy dwelling in his colourful past and accepting that he is now just a passive observer to life.

All this changes when Abe and Jill overhear the recounting of a bitter custody battle and how a corrupt judge has favoured the ex-husband in his endeavour to win custody of the children.

This pivot point of the film asks the viewer to take a logical leap with the Irrational Man to murder. Abe is unblocked creatively and sexually by the very thought of the deed and the audience is taken on a fateful journey. This film is for anyone who enjoyed the Dexter HBO series or any of Woody Allen’s other films.

The repeated instrumental version of the song The In Crowd cleverly pulls the movie together, like a metaphorical noose around the characters.

Loretta Musgrave is a Midwife Educator at the Sydney Local Health District, Centre for Education and Workforce Development.

IN CINEMAS AUGUST 20

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

DVD SPECIAL OFFER This is innovative health care, 1900-style: medical discoveries are being made all the time and boundaries being pushed. Not least by head surgeon Dr John Thackery (Clive Owen) who is a brilliant surgeon with a cocaine addiction and a predilection for visiting the local opium den. Dr Algernon Edwards (Andre Holland) is a Harvard-educated black man operating in a white world.

Herman Barrow (Jeremy Bobb) is a hospital administrator who has mismanaged the funds, leaving the hospital in constant danger of losing electricity. Add to this dedicated medical team a young nurse, Lucy Elkins (Eve Hewson), and a midwife, Sister Harriet (Cara Seymour), a Catholic nun who performs abortions on the side. They are committed to delivering high standards of care for their growing clientele, at a time when current medical understanding is limited and mortality rates are high. The Knick of the title refers to the true-life New York hospital, The Knickerbocker Hospital in Harlem, which operated from 1913 to 1979, and on which the television hospital takes inspiration.

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

44 | THE LAMP AUGUST 2015

movies of the month

Meryl Streep plays hard-rocking singer/guitarist Ricki Rendazzo in this film by Oscar-winning director Jonathan Demm (Silence of The Lambs).

Ricki may be a guitar heroine to her few fans, but to her adult children she is an embarrassment and a bitter disappointment.

When the marriage of her daughter fails, sending the young woman spiraling into depression, Ricki is called home to help by ex-husband Pete (Kevin Kline) who is at a loss.

Ricki is confronted by the mistakes she made in deciding to follow her dreams of rock-and-roll stardom, and her children’s stepmother, who has ably filled the hole she left behind. But she is also given a chance at redemption.

Meryl Streep is always luminescent and in this film she stars opposite her own daughter, Mamie Gummer, who seems to have inherited mum’s genes. Streep also sings and plays guitar in the film.

Former pop idol Rick Springfield plays Greg, a member of Ricki’s band who is in love with her, though not blind to her faults. Springfield still has his pop-star looks and he and Streep create chemistry on screen.

This is a mother-daughter story with a powerful star and a strong support cast: probably best to pack a hankie.

IN CINEMAS AUGUST 23

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

THE LAMP AUGUST 2015 | 45

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

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

NSW Acute Pain Management Seminar 8 August Parramatta www.acutecareeducation.com.au DANA Many Faces of Addiction Forum 13-14 August Sydney Central www.danaconference.com.au Australian Wound Management Association (NSW) 14-15 August Terrigal info.nsw@awma.com.au Mountains to the Sea Midwifery and Neonatal Conference 15 August Wollongong Hospital leeanne.gill@sesiahs.health.nsw.gov.au Snezana.avramoska@sesiahs.health.nsw.gov.au Nurses Christian Fellowship Workshop and AGM 15 August Sydney www.ncfansw.org Perioperative Nursing Seminar 22 August Orange www.acutecareeducation.com.au Australian Society of Post Anaesthesia and Anaesthesia Nurses (ASPAAN) Seminar 29 August Port Macquarie www.aspaan.org.au Empower Nurse Education – Anaesthetics and PARU Conference 4-5 September Newcastle www.empowernurseeducation.com.au ASPAAN Seminar 12 September Ryde Hospital www.aspaan.org.au NSW Health Triples Lawn Bowls Tournament 13 September Belfield Bowling and Rec Club Paul.Sillato@swsahs.nsw.gov.au 26th PANDDA 2015 Conference 15-16 September Parramatta www.pandda.net Illawarra Shoalhaven LHD Pain Seminar 18 September Wollongong Hospital Sonia.Markocic@sesiahs.health.nsw.gov.au Nursing and Midwifery Unit Managers Society Annual Conference 9 October Terrigal www.numsociety.org.au Diabetes Update Day – Diabetes NSW Annual Conference 10 October Sydney www.diabetesnsw.com.au Blacktown and Mt Druitt Women’s, Children’s and Youth Health Conference 15 October Sydney Lisa.white@health.nsw.gov.au 2015 Australian Nursing and Midwifery Conference 15-16 October Newcastle www.nursingmidwiferyconference.com.au Pain Interest Group Nursing Issues – Inside Joint Pain 23 October Sydney www.dcconferences.com.au/pigni2015 Nurses Christian Fellowship conference Nursing Teams – What makes them work best?

3 November Sydney www. ncfansw.org/conference 2015 Australian and New Zealand Orthopaedic Nurses’ Association Conference 11-13 Sydney www.anzonaconference.net Beyond the Basics – High Dependency Nursing Conference 20 November Westmead Hospital Ryan.Thomas@health.nsw.gov.au 9845 9065 0422 256 046

Nurses Christian Fellowship Professional Breakfast Experience with AHPRA Audits 21 November West Ryde www.ncfansw.org ASPAAN Seminar 5 December Wollongong www.aspaan.org.au Nurses Christian Fellowship Christmas BBQ 7 December Waverton www.ncfanw.org

ACT ASPAAN Seminar 22 August Canberra www.aspaan.org.au The MHS Conference – Best Practice into Reality 25-28 August Canberra www.themhs.org Second National Complex Needs Conference 17-18 November Canberra complexneeds.org.au/events 2015 Australian STOP Domestic Violence Conference – Australian and New Zealand Mental Health Association 7-9 December Canberra www.stopdomesticviolence.com.au

INTERSTATE Nursing Informatics Australia Annual Conference 3-5 August Brisbane www.hisa.org.au/hic2015/nia 16th International Mental Health Conference 12-14 August Gold Coast www.anzmh.asn.au/conference Aeromedical Society of Australasia and Flight Nurses Australia 27th Conference 2015 19-21 August Darwin www.aeromedconference.com Fit for the Future – 13th Australian Palliative Care Conference 1-4 September Melbourne events@palliativecare.org.au; www.palliativecare.org.au/australian-palliativecare-conference Gold Coast Nursing and Midwifery Symposium 4-5 September Gold Coast GCNursingandMidwiferySymposium@health .qld.gov.au 07 5687 2160 10th Conference – The Australian College of Nurse Practitioners 6-8 September Melbourne www.dcconferences.com.au/acnp2015 6th Australian Emergency Nurse Practitioner Symposium 9-10 September Melbourne www.dcconferences.com.au/acnp2015/home Asia Pacific Autism Conference (APAC15) 9-11 September Brisbane www.apac15.org.au 2015 Indigenous Men’s Conference 28-30 September Darwin www.indigenousconferences.com 2015 Indigenous Women’s Conference 28-30 September Darwin www.indigenousconferences.com Australian College of Midwives 19th Biennial Conference 5-8 October Gold Coast www.acm2015.com 13th Intl Conference for Emergency Nurses 7-9 October Brisbane www.cena.org.au

ACMHN’s 41st International Mental Health Nursing Conference 7-9 October Brisbane www.acmhn2015.com Dermatology Nurse Education Australia October 10-11 Coolangatta www.dnea.com.au National Nursing Forum (Australian College of Nursing) 14-16 October Brisbane www.acn.edu.au/Forum_2015 2015 CRANAplus Conference 15-17 October Alice Springs www. crana.org.au 7th Australian Rural and Remote Mental Health Symposium 26-28 October Victoria www.anzmh.asn.au/rrmh ACHS/ACHSM Joint Asia-Pacific Congress 28-30 October Melbourne achsm.org.au/events/2015Congress.html Place, Spirit, Heart – Exploring Experiences of Ageing 4-6 November Alice Springs www.aagconference.asn.au 2015 Annual Scientific Alcohol and Drug Conference 8-11 November Perth www.apsadconference.com.au ASPAAN National Conference 13-14 November Melbourne www.aspaan.org.au 2015 National Indigenous Health Conference 1-3 December Darwin www.indigenousconferences.com

INTERNATIONAL 9th European Congress on Violence in Clinical Psychiatry 22-24 October Copenhagen, Denmark www.oudconsultancy.nl/Copenhagen2015 2nd Annual World Congress of Orthopaedics 2015 24-26 September Xi’an, China www.bitcongress.com/wcort2015/default.asp 4th World Congress of Clinical Safety 28-30 September Vienna, Austria www.iarmm.org/4WCCS

REUNIONS Sydney Hospital Graduate Nurses Association Annual Reunion Lunch 7 October 2015 Sydney Jeanette Fox bekysa@tpg.com.au 02 4751 4829 Community Health in the Lower Hunter (Maitland, Cessnock, Singleton, Dungog and Port Stephens) 40-year reunion 24 October 2015 Maitland chreunion@yahoo.com.au Ruth King 4934 3364 Kathryn Bennett 0432 136 060 NEC Prince Henry/Prince of Wales 40-year reunion October 1972–1975 PTS 24-25 October 2015 Margret Brignall (nee Samuel) 0418 646 959 Margaret.Samuel@sswahs.nsw.gov.au Sonia Keeling (nee Graf) 0407 221 407 mskeeling@bigpond.com Gill Gillon (nee Horton) 0401 048 205 gillgill@optusnet.com.au St Vincent’s Darlinghurst PTS Class January 1976 40-year reunion 19 March 2016 fnethery@gmail.com.au jacquie.scott@btopenworld.com Auburn Hospital October 1976-1979 40th reunion Sharon Byers 0419 144 965 sbyers01@bigpond.net.au Margaret Borg (nee Mueller) 0431 159 964 margaret_borg@bigpond.com Tamworth Base Hospital February 1976 intake 40-year reunion sandra.cox@hnehealth.nsw Sean O’Connor 0408 349 126 Gerard Jeffery 0417 664 993

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EMS Conference (for paramedics and acute care nurses) 18-22 January 2016 Hokkaido, Japan www.emsconferences.com.au NCFI Quadrennial International Conference 6-10 June 2016 Tagaytay City, Philippines www.ncfi.org

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Consider our product disclosure statement before making a decision about First State Super. Call us or visit our website for a copy.

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