Lamp October 2017 by NSW Nurses and Midwives' Association

COVER STORY

WORKERS RIGHTS

REGULARS

idwifery M hours fall well short at RNSH

lacktown Hospital B staffing goes from bad to worse

ACTU: Inequality is ‘the challenge of our time’

page 12

page 14

page 20

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

p.37 p.39 p.41 p.43

THE MAGAZINE OF THE NSW NURSES AND MIDWIVES’ ASSOCIATION VOLUME 74 NO. 9 | OCTOBER 2017

WOLLONGONG MIDWIVES TAKE ACTION Print Post Approved: PP100007890

THE LAMP OCTOBER 2017 | 1

COVER STORY

2 | THE LAMP OCTOBER 2017

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 74 NO. 9 | OCTOBER 2017

Hunter Office 8-14 Telford Street, Newcastle East NSW 2300 NSWNMA Communications Manager Janaki Chellam-Rajendra T 1300 367 962 For all editorial enquiries letters and diary dates T 8595 1234 E lamp@nswnma.asn.au 50 O’Dea Avenue, Waterloo NSW 2017 Produced by Hester Communications T 9568 3148

Press Releases Send your press releases to: F 9662 1414 E gensec@nswnma.asn.au

COVER STORY

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

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

Chronic understaffing at Wollongong maternity services Midwives take action including a ban on bed washing and claim overtime for missed breaks.

COVER STORY Midwifery hours fall well short at RNSH

Extra maternity beds at Royal North Shore Hospital not staffed properly.

COVER STORY Blacktown Hospital staffing goes from

bad to worse Nurses demand an end to staff shortages that have left Blacktown Hospital in a critical condition this winter.

PRIVATISATION Joining forces for a stronger health service

‘Keep NSW in a Healthy State’ is the motto of a health unions’ campaign aimed at harnessing community support for a better public health service.

REGULARS

5 6 6 31 37 39 41 43 45 47 49 50

Editorial Competition Your letters News in brief Ask Judith Nurse Uncut Facebook Nursing Research Online Crossword Book reviews Movie reviews Diary dates

ENTERPRISE BARGAINING

Petition helps save 10-hour break Strong member involvement aids Lifehouse enterprise agreement negotiations.

20 25

WORKERS RIGHTS

ACTU: Inequality is ‘the challenge of our time’ Australia risks becoming an “Americanised society of high inequality and dead-end jobs” warns a new report by the ACTU.

COVER STORY

WORKERS RIGHTS

REGULARS

Midwifery hours fall well short at RNSH

Blacktown Hospital staffing goes from bad to worse

ACTU: Inequality is ‘the challenge of our time’

page 12

page 14

page 20

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

p.37 p.39 p.41 p.43

THE MAGAZINE OF THE NSW NURSES AND MIDWIVES’ ASSOCIATION VOLUME 74 NO. 9 | OCTOBER 2017

MENTAL HEALTH

Nurse-led mental health initiative wins award A camp that brings together health students and people with a lived experience of mental illness is providing students with much-needed clinical placements as well as invaluable insights and clinical confidence.

WOLLONGONG MIDWIVES TAKE ACTION Print Post Approved: PP100007890

THE LAMP OCTOBER 2017 | 1

AGED CARE

Medication errors common in aged care Survey finds better staff ratios and clearer guidelines for administering medications are needed in aged care.

OUR COVER: Denis Wann, Emma Gedge and Sarah Morton Photographed by Gerrit Fokkema

THE LAMP OCTOBER 2017 | 3

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4 | THE LAMP OCTOBER 2017

2016

EDITORIAL

Brett

Holmes GENERAL SECRETARY

Our public health system needs constant nurturing not neglect Nurse and midwife numbers are failing to keep up with increased demand and we can see the public health system creaking throughout NSW as a consequence. In this month’s Lamp we have a multitude of stories about midwifery services and public hospitals being overwhelmed by intense demand. These are just the tip of the iceberg. Nurses and midwives throughout NSW are telling us about their exhaustion and low morale as they strive to deliver quality care in the face of bulging wards. This cannot be explained away just by the winter surge. That is an annual reality that hospitals plan and prepare for. There is something deeper going on here and we have seen it before. Before we won ratios in 2011 we heard the same alarm bells ringing throughout our public health system as nurses and midwives struggled dutifully to keep our public hospitals viable. Exhaustion, low morale, even despondency, were the warning signs then that all was not well. Some members of the public would be surprised to hear that these same problems are replicated in private hospitals as well. The introduction of ratios did something to alleviate that pressure in the public health system but we always knew they needed to be extended and improved if the NSW public and private health systems are to remain world class. There is a constant increase of demand on our health services with constant population growth. Staffing of our health system must always improve if we are to maintain the high level of care that the public expects and deserves.

In the next 20 years the NSW population is expected to grow by 2.2 million people from 7.7 million to 9.9 million. That’s 2.1 million more babies, 51.3 million more emergency visits, 470,000 more hip replacements, 81,700 more injured children (see pp 16-17). This increased demand demands more nurses and midwives.

privatisation and budget cuts – both of which will clearly exacerbate the problem not solve it. NSW health unions – the NSWNMA, HSU and the Doctors’ Union are committed to fighting for a better public health system. All of us, along with Unions NSW, have joined forces to drive a campaign – that we call Keep NSW in a Healthy

‘ Staffing of our health system must always improve if we are to maintain the high level of care that the public expects and deserves.’ IGNORING THE PROBLEM IS NOT AN OPTION It is not good enough for the government to sit on its hands and do nothing about investing in our public healthcare system in the face of this challenge. In fact, it is a dereliction of responsibility for the government or for that matter any employer to pretend that the problem of understaffing doesn’t exist. Fudging the numbers with the use of AiNs and students will inevitably be exposed in time by poorer health outcomes. Certainly, for nurses and midwives who are left with the task of delivering care on a day-to-day basis, ignoring the problem is not an option. All we have seen over recent years from both the state and federal governments in terms of policy to fix this problem has been

State – that is aimed at harnessing community support to achieve this. (Incidentally, our commitment and our advocacy for patients and public health should give pause to those who would seek to undermine or destroy the Australian union movement (see pp 21). Not only are unions essential organisations for better pay and conditions but who else is going to stand up and defend our public services like health?) We remain resolute in our belief that ratios are the key to a robust public health system. When they were first introduced they were instrumental in maintaining a balance between demand and the resources needed to meet that demand. We know ratios work. We know they save lives. But we also know they must be constantly improved to meet the ever changing dynamics of healthcare and population growth. ■ THE LAMP OCTOBER 2017 | 5

YOUR LETTERS

Have your

Say

Happy to have colleagues that care

RELAX AND UNWIND IN THE LUXURIOUS

I would like to say that I was really impressed with The Lamp’s and Australian Nursing and Midwifery Federation’s (ANMF) email regarding the upcoming Plebiscite Postal Vote. The fact The Lamp and ANMF were pro marriage equality made me feel like my colleagues really care. As an openly gay male nurse in a long-term relationship, I would love to have the opportunity to marry my partner. The fact that I know I have the support of both family, friends and now the wider nursing community, really makes it feel like we might just get this over the line and have this last hurdle of discrimination removed. I previously served in the ADF for 23 years. For 10 of those 23 years, the gay and lesbian members had equal rights to our heterosexual counterparts. This entitled us to married quarters and separation allowance when relocated without our spouse. The fact the ADF could remove the discrimination before the Federal Government is, quite frankly, deplorable. So again, thank you for showing your support in obtaining a YES Vote. Andrew Day, EN, Hornsby

Thankful to be part of a collective I would like to say a huge thank you to NSWNMA for assisting me through New Law with my recent legal matter.

You will be surrounded by elegance from the moment you walk through the doors of the Rydges Sydney Central. Conveniently located in Surry Hills, just minutes from Sydney’s Darling Harbour, China Town, Australian Museum and the Royal Botanic Gardens, you will be in the perfect location to explore the city of Sydney. Or, should you choose to do nothing at all, you can enjoy lounging poolside or relaxing in the sauna.

WIN!

The Lamp is offering NSWNMA members the chance to win two night’s accommodation in an Executive King Room with breakfast daily and complimentary parking. Package valued at over $700 To enter the competition, simply provide your name, address and membership number and email your entry with the subject: Rydges Sydney Central to lamp@nswnma.asn.au

*Conditions apply. Rooms subject to availability. Prize must be redeemed by 18 April 2018 (not valid during long weekends). The voucher is non exchangeable, non transferable and not redeemable for cash. Voucher must be presented on arrival. Competition entries from NSWNMA members only and limited to one entry per member. Competition opens 1 October 2017 and closes 31 October 2017. prize is drawn on 1 November 6 | The THE LAMP OCTOBER 2017 2017. 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/17/01625

I was very concerned, worried and anxious and initially rang up NSWNMA in tears. They instantly referred me to the legal team and a weight was lifted off my shoulders. I feel I have been counselled, helped beyond measure, and supported throughout the whole process. Prior to this, I had never thought I would need the Union’s help, and now I am so very thankful I have been a part of the collective. To anyone who has doubts about joining, please do. You never know when you will need someone by your side. Nurses are an integral part of our community and it is wonderful that we have a team by our side that advocates, supports and gives pride and a sense of community to our life’s work. Rachael Haig, RN, Stanmore

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

If there’s something on your mind, send us a letter and have your say. The letter of the month will WIN a gift card

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

So you want to be an AiN? I worked for an aged care facility and my job is to look after fragile terminally ill residents in a nursing home. The residents are people who no one else can look after, their family can’t do it anymore as they don’t have the facilities, the equipment, the medical know how or the necessary manpower. The residents range somewhere on the spectrum of needs from extremely needy, (having to have a nurse nearby 24/7) through to palliative assistance using pain relief when it is known that they are going to die. Some people are there for five to 10 days, (these people are already bedridden and in an advanced state of decline), while other people are in there for four to five years. Some residents that are able to move around and have low care needs themselves are amazing at helping others, their minds are still good and they want to do whatever it is that they can do to help. It is the AiN’s job to make life comfortable for the residents. For the residents the simplest things are hard. Going to the toilet is hard, showering is hard, getting a drink is hard. For an AiN to be able to assist in those areas is a great privilege rewarded with a smile or a comfortable sleep. An AIN is there as an unconditional friend; someone who listens and is told the stories of a life lived and shown the wisdom of old age. It is a privilege to be that person to them.

and abilities. There is a point in everybody’s life where they realise the battle is over, the body can’t function anymore, they are deteriorating and they are going to die. It then becomes a priority to get their affairs in order. People will actually stay alive until they have had the visitors they want and got their affairs in order. Then they can die in peace. It is the AiN’s job to make that as pleasant as possible. Imagine you have been doing this job for a few years and one day you are walking towards some stairs and a resident several feet in front of you at the top of those stairs starts to collapse. You run towards them and try to break their fall. You both tumble down the stairs together; you are not badly hurt but the resident is. You do everything you can to get help for the injured resident. You know you saved them from more serious injury. The next day you get a letter accusing you of lunging at the resident and knocking the resident down the stairs and several of the residents have testified that you caused the accident. That is when you need the NSW Nurses and Midwives’ Association on your side to set things straight. If you lose the case – which you will without legal representation – your record will say you attacked a fragile elderly patient because they were rude to you a few weeks earlier.

You will never work in the nursing industry again. You will be seen as a nut job (criminal) who tried to kill someone. The NSW Nurses and Midwives’ Association will make sure that the truth comes out and you are properly represented and those false accusations are The letter judged the best each month will dismissed. win a $50 Coles Group & Myer gift card!

Life is tough at the end, having your body and systems fall apart, losing control of your health

Letter of the month

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Name withheld

Letter of the month Recognition due for hard work and dedication This letter comes after a hugely successful rally by the nurses and midwives on 14 September at Blacktown Hospital. This letter recognises the hard work and dedication of the nurses and midwives who have given their best care to their patients during a very challenging shortage of trained staff. This is not a new situation at Blacktown Hospital, but one where the voice that defends the priority of good patient care has been hard to hear. A united effort from all levels of nursing and midwifery staff (NUMs, managers, ward and emergency nurses) has resulted in the true situation being revealed. Our united action has drawn attention to the bureaucratic brakes that have been applied in our quest for adequate, skilled staffing at Blacktown Hospital. Current management are now aware of what is happening but we need changes to happen now! Our nurses and midwives are tired, some are getting sick from the stresses of work, inadequate meal breaks, extra responsibilities, overtime and inability to give the level of care they are trained to give. We need more support staff, enough skilled colleagues to provide a reasonable workload and support from management when the pressure is on. We need to do the work we are trained to do. We would like to thank the organisers and staff of NSWNMA for their concerted efforts to help us to succeed in achieving the desired staff ratios at Blacktown Hospital. Jacqueline Holmes, CMS Branch Secretary

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THE LAMP OCTOBER 2017 | 7

COVER STORY

Chronic understaffing at Wollongong maternity services Midwives take action, including a ban on bed washing and claiming overtime for missed breaks.

or several years, midwifery representatives on Wollongong Hospital’s Reasonable Workloads Committee tried to tell management the maternity service was seriously short staffed. “We would have up to 80 vacancies on a 30-day roster but management kept telling us we had our full number of FTE (full time equivalent) staff. They produced various figures to try to bamboozle us,” said branch president Denis Wann, a clinical midwifery educator. “It was very frustrating and we felt as if we were hitting our heads against a brick wall.” The introduction of the Birthrate Plus tool to determine midwifery staffing led to a staffing review in March 2016. It revealed the maternity service was short by 19.5 FTE midwives. “Management kept preaching to us about core values such as respect but they showed us no respect by not listening to us. “We had midwives crying on wards because they were so stressed from overwork. But management wouldn’t even acknowledge we were critically short staffed.” Management agreed to advertise for more midwives but new recruits did not start to appear on the wards until late August this year.

STILL SHORT 10 FTE During that 14-month wait the maternity ward typically accommodated up to 26 women with 15-20 babies cared for by one midwife, one student midwife a few weeks into her training, an RN and an AiN. 8 | THE LAMP OCTOBER 2017

‘ We had midwives crying on wards because they were so stressed from overwork.’ — Denis Wann Denis said that as clinical midwifery educator he took on half the ward with help from the AiN. The student midwife and RN looked after the other half. “At the end of the shift I had to write 14 adult notes and 14 baby notes, which took me more than two hours.” The maternity service is still short by about 10 FTE midwives and there is also a shortage of cleaners and clerks. This has forced midwives and nurses to clean and make beds and do a range of clerical jobs such as filing, scheduling and making appointments – all of which cut down the time available for patient care. In September, the NSWNMA branch decided that midwives and nurses would no longer wash beds. This has resulted in beds being washed by the nurse unit manager and facilities manager. “We are so overworked that we often can’t get babies checked by paediatricians until late at night. That means we sometimes can’t discharge mothers and babies before midnight. “There are no cleaning staff on at night so the midwives are expected to do it.”

COVER STORY

Branch President Denis Wann with branch members Emma Gedge and Sarah Morton

MANAGEMENT HAMSTRUNG BY LACK OF FUNDING The branch also agreed that staff would claim overtime for missed tea and lunch breaks. “Midwives aren’t taking breaks or claiming for overtime when they miss breaks, as they are entitled to do under the award,” Denis said.

The number FTE midwives lacking at the Wollongong maternity service.

“Management said we must take breaks but you just can’t just put down tools when a lady is having a postpartum heamorrhage followed by another lady in labour and a neonatal baby who needs to be resuscitated.” Midwives from each area of the maternity service met with management in September to outline their staffing requirements. Most requests were for clerical and cleaning support. Denis said most midwives left the meeting feeling frustrated because they believed management was hamstrung by lack of funding. “Some managers including our new director of nursing are trying their best to help us but they appear to be fairly powerless. “Also, there continues to be a disconnect between the understanding of top level management and the reality on the floor.” ■

The number of mothers with 15–20 babies cared for by one midwife, one student midwife, an RN and an AiN. THE LAMP OCTOBER 2017 | 9

COVER STORY

Wollongong midwives warn of ‘negative outcomes’ Worried staff say women and their babies are getting “suboptimal care” at Wollongong Hospital’s maternity department.

shortage of midwives, poor staff mix and other issues have led to an increase in readmissions and clinical incidents at Wollongong Hospital’s maternity department, says an open letter signed by 112 hospital staff including almost all midwives. The letter to the executive committee of the Illawarra Shoalhaven Local Heath District said the hospital’s NSWNMA branch is “gravely concerned” with workforce issues in the maternity service department. It added: “These concerns have been voiced on numerous occasions and at all levels of the organisation, from midwifery managers to the chief executive, at maternity forums, workload committees, open forums, joint consultative meetings and at specific meetings with a variety of managers, up to the chief executive, Margot Mains. “This branch is specifically concerned that patient care and patient safety is being compromised due to a lack of midwives, poor staff mix, uncertain medical leadership and a lack of clerical and domestic support.

‘ This situation cannot continue, as it is also having a deleterious effect on safe care delivery, staff health and morale.’ “This situation cannot continue, as it is also having a deleterious effect on safe care delivery, staff health and morale.” Midwives and nurses who work in maternity are obliged to do jobs such as cleaning and making beds that their award states they should not be doing, the letter said. “Maternity is in need of urgent domestic support so that midwives and nurses can spend time giving care, in a safe and timely manner.” The letter said midwives in the antenatal and gynaecology clinics and the birthing and neonatal units were obliged to perform clerical work that diverted them from their clinical work, which could have “negative outcomes” for patients. ■ 10 | THE LAMP OCTOBER 2017

“I’ve never been scared to come to work before but I am now” Midwife Emma Gedge says it is “heartbreaking” to see the impact of poor staffing on Wollongong Hospital midwives. “The workload is absolutely exhausting and morale is very low,” she says. “We are all very supportive of each other and we all do our best to boost morale but it’s really soul destroying at the moment.” Emma works on the post-natal ward which is often staffed by just two midwives with midwifery vacancies filled by RNs, ENs and AiNs. “Night shift usually has four staff but quite often only two of them are midwives with maybe an RN and AiN. “The two midwives are then responsible for 12 patients each, which actually means 12 mothers and 12 babies who are not counted in the numbers. “The RNs do observations and medications but post and neo natal care are outside their scope of practice, so the midwife must supervise all of that.” Most mothers are being discharged after 5pm when clerical and cleaning staff have finished work so it falls to midwifery and nursing staff to take up the load. “Paperwork takes a massive amount of time and we often stay back late. “We rarely get meal breaks and if we do eat, we’re eating at the desk while we do something else. I can’t remember the last time I took a proper meal break.” Emma says she has stopped cleaning beds in line with a decision of the NSWNMA branch. “I’ve never been scared to come to work before but I am now. Before I start on night shift I’m thinking, how many staff will there be? Am I going to be the only midwife on duty tonight? That’s how bad it is.” ■

COVER STORY

Minister warned on unlicensed midwives Many of the state’s badly understaffed midwifery units are using unlicensed workers to fill gaps in rosters.

he NSW Nurses and Midwives’ Association has warned of “poor to tragic outcomes” if hospitals continue to fill midwifery vacancies with unlicensed staff. NSWNMA General Secretary Brett Holmes has told the NSW Health Minister, Brad Hazzard, that the staff skill mix in midwifery units is “poor to dangerous” with registered midwives being replaced by Bachelor of Midwifery students, RNs without midwifery training, AiNs and assistants in midwifery (AiMs). “Maternity services cannot continue to utilise unlicensed workers ...to fill vacancies and be assigned full patient loads,” he wrote. “This critical situation must be addressed urgently as the current situation will surely guarantee poor to tragic outcomes and cannot be sustained.” Brett said significant roster shortages existed in maternity services at Blacktown, Campbelltown, Fairfield, John Hunter, Nepean, Westmead and Wollongong hospitals, with Wollongong probably the worst. He said several factors were to blame. An increase in high-risk births had led to a cot shortage in special care nurseries and forced special care babies to be placed in postnatal wards with their mothers. This had placed more stress on staff and sometimes resulted in an AiM or RN caring for babies with postnatal issues.

MISUSE OF BIRTHRATE PLUS Some local health districts were misusing the midwifery staffing mechanism, Birthrate Plus, by using exempt categories of midwives to take patient loads and

‘ The current situation will surely guarantee poor to tragic outcomes and cannot be sustained.’ — Brett Holmes using unlicensed workers to plug staffing gaps. Postnatal inpatient units everywhere are understaffed because they were not properly considered when Birthrate Plus was adapted from the UK model. In addition, new regulations covering foreign midwives had resulted in most LHDs deciding not to recruit overseas. “Some LHDs have been very proactive and have incentives in place to recruit midwives ... However, most LHDs do not consider this option due to budget restrictions. “Before the ministry devolved responsibility to the LHDs, the implementation of Birthrate Plus was working and we believe it is a tool that if implemented properly, results in an adequately staffed maternity unit.” Brett said the ministry should have a closer relationship with the LHDs on maternity services to ensure that all women, regardless of their postcode, have access to quality maternity care. In reply, the Health Minister conceded that some services, mostly in western and south-western Sydney, had “workforce challenges associated with increasing levels of activity and acuity.” ■ THE LAMP OCTOBER 2017 | 11

COVER STORY

Midwifery hours fall well short at RNSH Extra maternity beds at Royal North Shore Hospital not staffed properly.

NSH midwife and NSWNMA branch member Sue Bullmore says midwives are committed to providing a safe birth environment and the best possible care for new mums and babies. “However, when the workload is as heavy as it is now we are not able to give the women that optimal care,” she says. RNSH maternity services are housed in a new building designed with future expansion in mind. “We have more birth rooms and maternity beds than we are funded for. We go over census quite often and use those extra beds but we are not staffed accordingly. “On top of that, vacancies in the maternity ward are often filled by AiNs, RNs and student midwives instead of qualified midwives. “Under the nursing award if we accept anyone in the maternity unit who isn’t a midwife we are saying that we are covering for the work they do. “If something were to go wrong the midwives would ultimately be held responsible.” “Maternity staff often miss meal breaks and finish work late. We have a high staff turnover, which is largely a result of understaffing.”

‘ Vacancies in the maternity ward are often filled by AiNs, RNs and student midwives instead of qualified midwives.’ — Sue Bullmore unit they would be counted as patients. But because they are down with their mothers in the maternity ward the belief is that the mothers are caring for them, which is not necessarily the case.” She says inadequate staffing is largely to blame for the number of babies who have to be readmitted due to weight loss. “We think their mothers did not get the amount of input they should have got before they left hospital, especially with feeding.” In the birthing unit, midwives are often pushed to complete inductions and elective caesareans when staff numbers are short.

BIRTHRATE PLUS DOESN’T COUNT BABIES

On their own initiative, RNSH midwives have started four projects to look at ways of improving efficiency to alleviate the staff shortage.

Sue says the failure of Birthrate Plus to take babies into account when determining staff numbers is a particular problem for a high-risk referral centre such as RNSH.

“These initiatives have the support of the director of midwifery services and midwifery unit managers. They are open to suggestions so it’s not an ‘us against them’ situation.

“We have a lot of women with high-risk pregnancies and we often have babies who need special care.

“One project is looking at the role of discharge planning because our mothers are in hospital for longer than average.

“They include late pre-termers, babies requiring phototherapy for jaundice, babies who are poor feeders or need to have their blood sugars monitored. “None of that work is counted in Birthrate Plus because babies are not counted as patients. “If these babies were moved up to the neo-natal 12 | THE LAMP OCTOBER 2017

“Another project is looking at whether team nursing or midwifery would work better than patient allocation. “However, our main need is more midwifery hours to reach the minimum recommended by Birthrate Plus.” ■

COVER STORY

‘ Midwives hold concerns for women’s safety if things don’t improve.’ — Judith Kiejda

7 Surges during BIRTHING busy periods UNIT BEDS

MATERNITY WARD BEDS

Maternity workloads untenable Royal North Shore Hospital midwives say the public need to know about staffing issues affecting midwifery services around the state. The NSWNMA branch at Royal North Shore Hospital has called for a community campaign for adequate staffing of maternity services. The branch issued the call after spending a year trying to resolve staffing issues through the reasonable workloads process of the nurses and midwives award. Assistant General Secretary Judith Kiejda said RNSH management had made some positive changes but more should be done to ease untenable workloads. She said Birthrate Plus, the work tool used in conjunction with the award to determine required midwifery hours, had failed to solve the problems. This was mainly because the hospital had filled midwifery vacancies with unqualified staff and Birthrate Plus did not count babies in a midwife’s ratios. The 7-bed birthing unit surges up to 9 when busy and pulls midwives away from the maternity unit, leaving it short staffed. The 32-bed maternity ward surges up to 41 when busy and vacancies are often filled by nurses and assistant nurses not qualified in midwifery. “A statewide trend towards higher gestational diabetes and women having babies when they are older has increased the need for close monitoring of mothers and babies. “RNSH is a tertiary referral hospital that admits high-risk mothers, and babies that traditionally would have been in special care now stay with the mother on the ward. “These factors contribute to unsustainable workloads, which have contributed to some midwives leaving the hospital. Midwives hold concerns for women’s safety if things don’t improve.” ■

THE LAMP OCTOBER 2017 | 13

COVER STORY

Blacktown Hospital staffing goes from bad to worse Nurses demand an end to staff shortages that have left Blacktown Hospital in a critical condition this winter.

xhausted and demoralised Blacktown Hospital nurses held a public rally for more staff and called on Western Sydney Local Health District to urgently intervene in the running of the hospital. The rally demanded an early end to serious shortages of nurses and support staff that have hampered Blacktown Hospital throughout winter. All wards have been surged well above their usual bed numbers without additional nurse staffing. During August for example, nurses reported that surgical wards B45 and B41, which are each funded for 20 beds, were opening up to eight surge beds per day. More than 100 nurses and midwives carrying placards which read “Nurses needed now” and “Black town deser ves better”, joined the afternoon protest outside the hospital. “It was an excellent turnout with a strong feeling of unity, which lifted many people’s spirits,” said NSWNMA Blacktown branch secretary, Jackie Holmes.

14 | THE LAMP OCTOBER 2017

‘ Many of the nurses are exhausted and demoralised.’ — Brett Holmes “The rally organisers spent a lot of time talking to people and encouraging them to attend. Nurses felt they were being listened to, which was really good.” Coverage of the rally on Channel 7 News left viewers with the message that the state government is building new hospitals but not staffing them properly. “The message was clear: the government has got to be prepared to pay for qualified staff not just beautiful buildings,” Jackie said.

STAFFING AT CRITICAL LEVELS Genera l Secreta r y of t he NSWNMA, Brett Holmes, told the rally that working conditions across a number of wards and units had reached critical levels and staff morale had plummeted. “This has to be the worst we’ve seen at Blacktown for some time and

it is imperative senior LHD management act promptly to alleviate the current unsafe conditions,” he said. The branch was seeking the ‘like for like’ replacement of experienced nursing staff and more support staff to minimise the need for nurses to do non-nursing jobs. The branch also wanted enough nurses with the required skills to be rostered before additional unfunded beds were opened. Brett said management’s failure to roster enough nurses with the right skills to cope with an increase in patients over winter was detrimental to patients and staff and a breach of the Award. “Many of the nurses are exhausted and demoralised. They routinely miss out on their full meal breaks and many are working unpaid overtime just to ensure the duties of their shift are completed safely.” ■

RATIOS

Branch Secretary Jackie Holmes (centre) at a rally attended by over 100 Blacktown nurses and midwives.

No plan for winter surge

“They are very frustrated and concerned about staff wearing themselves out.”

Blacktown Hospital has been handicapped by a lack of planning and shortage of funds.

NURSES CLEANING BEDS AND ROOMS

The NSWNMA’s branch secretary at Blacktown Hospital, Jackie Holmes, said management failed to plan for the 2017 winter surge. “In 2016 they anticipated the surge, built up a casual nurse bank, worked out where to put additional patients and opened additional wards,” said Jackie, a clinical midwifery specialist in the birthing unit. “This year they have not opened extra wards. Wards funded for 12 beds will sometimes have 14–16 patients. “They try to blame the severe flu but we have an upsurge of patients due to flu every winter. “Rather than plan for the worst-case scenario it looks like management hoped they could breeze through winter without spending too much money.” She said understaffing had hit medical and surgical wards especially hard and there was strong pressure on staff to work overtime. “Some nurses would prefer not to be doing any overtime. We advise people they are allowed to say no but it’s a very difficult situation to be placed in. “A lot of people are doing a lot of overtime rather than see their colleagues struggle. “Last week a NUM reported that one of her staff did 41 hours overtime in a fortnight. “Nurse managers are getting hammered as well. They miss meal breaks, work longer than their rostered hours and spend the day searching for staff for the next shift.

Jackie said there was an over-reliance on casual AiNs. “They are an extra pair of hands but they need to be supervised, which adds to the burden on already overworked nurses.” Due to a shortage of support staff nurses have had to clean beds and rooms and move furniture to allow patients to be relocated. She said the hospital recruitment committee repeatedly blocked attempts by nurse managers to recruit for vacant positions on the grounds that the hospital is “over budget”. “We try not to let the staffing situation affect the patients but in the end, it has to. A lot of patients have had to be placed in wards that aren’t appropriate for them.”

‘ We try not to let the staffing situation affect the patients but in the end, it has to.’ — Jackie Holmes

Jackie said staff morale had been very low for at least two years but nurses hoped recent changes to senior management would bring a new attitude. “They have told us they want to work with us to try to make it right. For instance, they have said they will scrap the previous rule that agency nurses would only be employed for six hours to cover an eight-hour shift. “They say they are also looking at creating a casual pool of support staff and reducing the over-reliance on AiNs.” ■

THE LAMP OCTOBER 2017 | 15

PRIVATISATION

Joining forces for a stronger health service ‘Keep NSW in a Healthy State’ is the motto of a health unions’ campaign aimed at harnessing community support for a better public health service.

‘ It’s time we had a premier who will increase public hospital funding.’

he NSW government needs to expand and improve public health services to keep pace with a growing population. That is the message of the ‘Keep NSW in a Healthy State’ campaign. The campaign is backed by three health unions – the NSWNMA, Health Services Union and the Australian Salaried Medical Officers’ Federation – plus the state’s peak union body, Unions NSW. The NSW population is expected to grow from 7.7 million to 9.9 million in the next 20 years. That will mean an expected 51.3 million more emergency department visits, 470,000 more joint replacements, 1.1 million more broken bones and 2.1 million more babies, adding to the strain on the state’s hospitals. Federal and state Coalition governments are “planning” for this growth in demand by massive cuts to health budgets and hospital privatisation. NSWNMA General Secretary Brett Holmes warns that privatisation means turning a public hospital into a profit-making operation. “Private for-profit operators owe a duty to shareholders, so they must deliver profit on investment. “That can only be achieved through cuts to staffing and resources; fewer nurses, doctors, cleaners and security guards to provide care for patients. “Privatisation will starve our

16 | THE LAMP OCTOBER 2017

— Brett Holmes public hospitals, when we need to see them grow. “There are no examples where the privatisation of a public service or asset has actually delivered the better services or lower prices that were promised.”

A PRIORITY FOR PATIENT CARE OVER CORPORATE PROFITS Brett says the NSW Berejiklian government wants to wash its hands of its responsibility to provide universal access to health care to people in the state by handing public hospitals over to private companies.

as second-class citizens and private patients will jump to the front of the queue.” Brett says the health unions are committed to fighting for the best health care system – one that gives priority to patient care not corporate profits. “It’s time we had a premier who will increase public hospital funding.” By joining forces, unions hope to mobilise strong community support for a better public health system.

MORE THAN ANTIPRIVATISATION

“This will only make it harder for local communities to hold anyone to account for quality services, because if something goes wrong, the minister will just blame the private operator whose highest accountability is to shareholders.”

Speaking at a public celebration in Wyong following the Berejiklian government’s back-down on privatisation of the local hospital, Brett said it was important to broaden the campaign beyond a simple anti-privatisation agenda.

He says Australians value their public hospitals and the right to receive care equally, whether you are wealthy or not.

“The next step is making sure the government delivers on its promise with the $200 million to rebuild Wyong public hospital,” he told the crowd.

“Privatising our hospitals will lead to a more unequal, more Americanised health system. “Public patients will be treated

The gathering also heard from Andrew Holland, executive director of the Doctor’s Union (ASMOF), who

PRIVATISATION

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said he was initially sceptical that the hospital could be saved from privatisation. “The one thing that made me hold out hope was to see the motivation and the unity and the solidarity of not just the unions but every single member of the unions and every single member of the communities affected by this,” he said. Bowral Hospital is another facility saved from privatisation by a powerful public campaign. Speaking at the celebration in Bowral, NSWNMA Assistant General Secretary Judith Kiejda stressed the importance of a united campaign. “When the government told us they were going to privatise these five hospitals our first thoughts were, ‘How the hell are we going to beat them at this?’ It’s big, it’s overwhelming, and lots of people think, ‘Oh well, what can we do? What can I do as one person?’ But you can see what happens – it’s called People Power and you did it.” Nichole Flegg, a registered midwife at Bowral Hospital, said the result was a big victory for local nurses and their community. “It means there is going to be equal opportunity for everyone in this area to be able to have free health care,” she said. ■

THE LAMP OCTOBER 2017 | 17

AUSTRALIAN NURSING & MIDWIFERY FEDERATION FEDERAL OFFICE

Draft Financial Report The ANMF Federal Office draft Financial Report for the year ended 30 June 2017 is now available at www.anmf.org.au. Members without internet access may obtain a hard copy of the draft report by applying in writing to: Federal Finance Officer ANMF Level 1, 365 Queen Street Melbourne VIC 3000

18 | THE LAMP OCTOBER 2017

Australian Nursing and Midwifery Federation NSW Branch

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS The Australian Nursing and Midwifery Federation New South Wales Branch Audited Financial Statements for the Year Ended 30 June 2017 will be available from 16 October on the Members Only Page at online.nswnma.asn.au. Members without internet access may obtain a hard copy of the statements by applying in writing to: Brett Holmes Branch Secretary Australian Nursing and Midwifery Federation NSW Branch 50 Oâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Dea Avenue, Waterloo NSW 2017

ENTERPRISE AGREEMENT

Petition helps save 10-hour break Strong member involvement aids Lifehouse enterprise agreement negotiations.

petition organised by nurses at Chris O’Brien Lifehouse showed management that staff were determined to keep their right to a 10-hour break between shifts. The Sydney cancer centre tried to abolish the 10-hour break during negotiations with the NSWNMA for a new enterprise agreement.

‘ People felt strongly that an 8-hour break being pushed by management was a backward step.’ — Jaime Lomax

Management backed off after nurses strongly supported the petition organised by the NSWNMA branch at Lifehouse.

10 DAYS’ PAID FAMILY VIOLENCE LEAVE WON

“We got a really good response to the petition, including from some of our managers,” said branch president and theatre nurse Jaime Lomax. “People felt strongly that an 8-hour break being pushed by management was a backward step that would be detrimental to the health and safety of nurses and therefore the safety of patients. “The enterprise agreement already allows for an 8-hour break if the individual nurse agrees. But we don’t want to be forced to take shorter breaks.” She said circulating the petition around the hospital helped to get more people interested and involved in EBA negotiations, leading to better than average attendances at union branch meetings. The NSWNMA started its Lifehouse campaign in October 2016 when it surveyed members to find out what they wanted in the new agreement. Branch officials joined NSWNMA staff on the negotiating committee and acted as the link between negotiators and nurses on the hospital floor.

Aside from the 10-hour break, Lifehouse also tried unsuccessfully to abolish or reduce a dozen other entitlements including access to RDOs for new employees, long service leave, allowance for wearing a lead apron and the August bank holiday. Members accepted the removal of several minor conditions but gained 10 days’ paid family violence leave, the addition of Easter Sunday as a public holiday and the introduction of AiN undergraduate increments. Jaime said members were generally happy with the outcome and voted unanimously for the new two-year agreement. It includes a 2.5 per cent wage increase from 1 July, 2017 followed by 2.5 per cent from 1 July, 2018. Lifehouse is a not-for-profit, private hospital that took over most of the functions of the former Sydney Cancer Centre at Royal Prince Alfred Hospital. During negotiations with the NSWNMA in 2015, Lifehouse became the first private hospital in NSW to agree to a mandatory staffing ratio. Inpatient wards are staffed according to 5.5 nursing hours per patient day averaged over a four-week period.

“We wanted to get the maximum number of people involved in the process,” Jaime said.

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

“We kept in touch with our representatives on the wards, communicated with nurses by email and text, and held branch meetings almost every month.”

The agreement also commits to staffing levels that “ensure the delivery of high quality patient care and a safe working environment for nurses.” ■ THE LAMP OCTOBER 2017 | 19

RIGHTS AT WORK

Inequality is ‘the challenge of our time’ Australia risks becoming an “Americanised society of high inequality and dead-end jobs” warns a new report by the ACTU.

ncome inequality is at its greatest level in 70 years with most Australians experiencing a decline in living standards and job security, says a report by the Australian Council of Trade Unions. The report – Rising inequality: an Australian reality – finds that real incomes for the top quintile (20 per cent) of households grew by more than 40 per cent between 2004 and 2014. Incomes for the lowest quintile only grew by about 25 per cent, it says. “Australia must not go any further down this path. Instead we must return to being a country in which

increased by only around 4 per cent. “Due to very rapid increases in the value of homes, investment properties, shares and other assets held by the rich, wealth inequality has increased even more sharply than income inequality. “The gap between the ‘haves’ and ‘have-nots’ became a great chasm in this decade.” The ACTU says it produced the report because, “while the Turnbull government continues to throw its support behind the big corporations and a group of small elites, Australian workers and families are struggling to pay the bills”.

‘ The gap between the ‘haves’ and ‘havenots’ became a great chasm in the decade between 2004 and 2014.’ families on a normal income can afford to buy a home, provide a good education for their kids and have a decent standard of living,” the report says. “Societies that pay their workers fairly and provide job security tend to have low crime levels, less social problems and are more inclusive.” While income inequality is at an all-time high, wealth inequality is even worse, says the report. Between 2004 and 2014 the incomes of the richest quintile jumped by around 38 per cent while that of the poorest 20 per cent 20 | THE LAMP OCTOBER 2017

“There are two ways the Turnbull government can act to turn around inequality – make sure everyone pays their fair share of tax and act so working people have strong enough rights at work to get decent pay rises and secure jobs,” said ACTU Secretary Sally McManus. “But instead the Turnbull government is going in the opposite direction. Every day they think up new ways to hurt working people and weaken their rights while they are giving corporations $65 billion in tax cuts. These are the same failed policies that caused inequality in the first place.” ■

KEY STATISTICS • Inequality in Australia is greater than at any time in the last 70 years • Income inequality is bad but wealth inequality is worse. The top 10 richest Australians have over $77 billion dollars between them • The number of workers on minimum award rates has shot up in the last few years – from 15.2 per cent in 2010 to 23.9 per cent in 2016 • Workers’ share of national income is at its lowest level in over 50 years.

READ THE REPORT Rising inequality: An Australian Reality https://www.actu.org. au/media/1033439/actuineqaulity-report-2017.pdf 1

for working australians

Rising Inequality : An Australian Reality Income inequalities are greater than at any time in the last 70 years. Small elites have amassed vast fortunes and massive political power. While for the vast majority of people, living standards have declined and job security has disappeared. Inequality is the challenge of our time. If we don’t change course, Australia will be a fully Americanised society of high inequality and dead end jobs, with long working hours, no holidays, zero job security and poverty pay levels. These are the economic conditions that breed high levels of crime, discrimination against minorities and a broad range of social problems. Australia must not go any further down this path. Instead we must return to being a country in which families on a normal income can afford to buy a home, provide a good education for their kids and have a decent standard of living. Societies that pay their workers fairly and provide job security tend to have low crime levels, less social problems and are more inclusive. Treasurer Scott Morrison denied inequality is a problem. However the facts are clear. The distribution of income throughout society is becoming more unequal. The graph overleaf shows that since the mid-1990s income inequality in Australia has been getting worse. Despite a blip just after the Global Financial Crisis, when share prices fell for a short period and those rich enough to make lots of income through their investments took a hit, it is the clear that the general trend has been towards widening income inequality.

Inequality in Australia

RIGHTS AT WORK

‘The most anti-union law we have ever seen’ The Turnbull government is trying to pass a law that would allow an employer or business group or the Employment Minister to act to sack a union leader or deregister a union.

hanges to the Registered Organisations Act would give employers or the government the power to interfere with the operations of unions. The proposed Ensuring Integrity law would allow the minister or “a person with a sufficient interest” – such as an employer – to apply to the Federal Court to have a union official sacked or to shut down a union. It also creates a public-interest test that would make it harder for unions to merge. ACTU Secretary Sally McManus described the bill as “the most anti-union law we have ever seen”. “It’s an unbelievable attack on our democracy. Free, independent unions are essential to a strong democracy. This is in breach of our international obligations. Only authoritarian regimes interfere in this way to stop working people making decisions about how their union is run,” she said. Labor’s workplace spokesman Brendan O’Connor told The Sydney Morning Herald the bill was “another salvo in the Turnbull government’s relentless assault on workers and their unions”. “Institutions like the IMF and OECD are warning that declining union density and collective bargaining are contributing to stagnant wages and growing inequality. “So it is beyond comprehension that this government would want to further undermine workers and their unions, which is what this bill does,” he said.

‘ It’s an unbelievable attack on our democracy.’ Employment Minister Michaelia Cash defended the proposed law saying it would “ensure the Commission considers the record of the organisation and its officials in complying with the law”. Sally McManus says the Turnbull government has double standards with “one set of laws for corporations and another for working people”. “It seems under the Liberals there is one set of rules that apply to them and their mates and another set that applies to the rest of us. “Unions are not businesses. We are independent organisations run by unpaid volunteers who have one purpose – to advance the interests of our members. “We are campaigning to win better rights because the pendulum has swung too far in favour of employers. That is the real reason the Turnbull government is trying to get these extreme laws through parliament,” she said. ■

CONTACT A SENATOR AND TELL HIM TO STOP THIS BILL! The Ensuring Integrity Bill was introduced into parliament on August 16 and is being examined by a senate committee. It will be debated in the Senate during October. The ACTU is urging union members to adopt a crossbencher from their state and contact them on social media or through their electorate office and tell them we will not accept this attack on our democracy. The two NSW senate crossbenchers are: Brian Burston (One Nation): https://www.facebook.com/ brianburstononenation/ Electorate office: (02) 6277 3197 David Leyonhjelm (Liberal Democratic Party) https://www.facebook.com/ SenatorDavidLeyonhjelm Electorate office: (02) 6277 3054

THE LAMP OCTOBER 2017 | 21

RIGHTS AT WORK

Multiple attacks on rights at work Inequality is at an all-time high, profit growth is the strongest it has been in 15 years and wage growth is the lowest on record. A parliamentary inquiry into corporate avoidance of the Fair Work Act “paints a damning picture of a government and a minister who is letting corporations trample workers rights,” according to the ACTU.

The Lamp looks at a raft of measures including new laws and industrial decisions that aim to tip the playing field even more in favour of employers:

COLLECTIVE BARGAINING ON THE RACK A decision by the Fair Work Commission to cancel the enterprise agreement covering Murdoch University staff – a decision suppor ted by the Turnbull government – has serious ramifications for our enterprise bargaining system. At Murdoch University, 3500 staff lost the protection, wages and conditions they negotiated with their employer in good faith. I ndu s t r ia l law yer Jo sh Bornstein said the Murdoch University decision “shows how easy it is for employers under our legal system to quickly eliminate employment conditions obtained from decades of collective bargaining”. ACTU Secretary Sally McManus was even blunter. “This shifts power radically to employers,” she said.

$10 MILLION FINES FOR STRIKING In a competition law bill the Turnbull government aims to increase the minimum penalty 22 | THE LAMP OCTOBER 2017

for a strike or boycott in support of another dispute from $750,000 to $10 million – 800 times greater than for the equivalent provision in the Fair Work Act banning unprotected industrial action.

OUTLAWING THE RIGHT TO SILENCE The Turnbull government introduced a bill into parliament last month – ironically called the Vulnerable Workers Bill – that would deny the right to silence. The bill was an extension to all Australian workers of the coercive powers originally aimed at construction workers through the notorious Australian Building and Construction Commission. If the bill had passed into law it would have given powers for any worker, at any workplace, who took what should be legal industrial action, to be forced before the Fair Work Ombudsman (FWO) to give testimony against themselves, their colleagues and their union. Failure to comply with the FWO notice would have brought a $126,000 penalty. Had the original bill passed

RIGHTS AT WORK

‘ Corporations have become too powerful and working people are missing out.’ — Sally McManus it would have seen all working Australians lose the right to silence during a government investigation into unprotected industrial action. The measure would have impacted on workers like the journalists at Fairfax who took unprotected industrial action in May when their employer announced widespread redundancies. The ALP combined with the Nick Xenophon team, the Greens, Jacqui Lambi and Derryn Hinch to force the removal of the coercive powers from the bill. One Nation supported the government’s position.

PENALTY RATE CUTS One quarter of Australia’s workers work on the weekend when they give up time with family and friends and miss out on special occasions with their loved ones. Late last year 11 large employer organisations supported by numerous conservative politicians argued for a cut in penalty rates.

In February this year the Fair Work Commission obliged them and cut penalty rates in four industry awards: in the hospitality, fast food, pharmacy and retail sectors. The decision cut Sunday and public holiday penalty rates for 700,000 workers by between 25 and 50 per cent. This decision supported by Malcolm Turnbull and his government could spread to other sectors including healthcare.

UNDERPAYMENT OF WAGES AND SUPERANNUATION Employers hurt thousands of workers every year by deliberately underpaying wages and refusing to pay mandatory superannuation. The ACTU rightly calls this “wage theft”. According to Industry Super Australia 2.4 million workers collectively have $3.6 billion in super stolen from them each year.

It is estimated that the international company 7-Eleven underpaid – stole – $110 million from their employees.

WORK-FOR-THE-DOLE EXPLOITATION A $1.5 billion work-for–the-dole program called the Community Development Program that covers 37,000 mostly indigenous workers in remote areas requires people to undertake work or training for 25 hours a week for 46 weeks per year in order to receive welfare payments. “The workers are paid $10 per hour – way less than the minimum wage of $18.86, with no rights, no leave, no superannuation, no workers comp – so much less rights than any other worker,” ACTU Secretary Sally McManus said. She pointed out that these jobs previously attracted award wages and conditions and employers were now getting free labour. THE LAMP OCTOBER 2017 | 23

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MENTAL HEALTH

ecovery Camp was founded by staff at the University of Wollongong School of Nursing in 2013, and to date has provided 330 students with over 26,000 hours of clinical placements. “Clinical placements, especially from nursing degrees, are extremely difficult to get right now and have been recognised as a barrier to growth in health degrees,” says Christopher Patterson, a lecturer at the School of Nursing at the University of Wollongong and one of the camp’s founders and directors. The camps, held in Bowral, Richmond and elsewhere around NSW, have hosted “a similar number of volunteers who have a lived experience of mental illness,” he adds. “We use the phrase ‘lived experience of mental illness’ because it brings recognition that the volunteers bring to the table their experience of mental illness, and it recognises that they are an active participant in the next stage of their recovery.” Campers take part in activities designed to be both challenging and rejuvenating, such as bush dancing, tai chi, archery, flying fox, abseiling and rock climbing. Most students attending the camp are nursing students, with some students from psychology, exercise science, dietetics and nutrition. Health staff also attend, and in a collaborative program over five days students, staff and people with a lived experience of mental illness contribute in equal measure to the experience.

CONSUMERS TEACH STUDENTS The Recovery Camp is an innovative program different to existing approaches surrounding mental health education and intervention in Australia. Rather than centre upon typical clinical inpatient settings, where consumers are often their most unwell and symptomatic, it places the consumer in the driving seat to ‘teach’ students from a lived experience perspective. “In this setting we use volunteers’ lived experience to educate students. The volunteers draw on their lived experience of mental illness to get the students to really understand the experience in a way they wouldn’t from text books and lectures,” Christopher says. The camp provides a means for participants to challenge themselves in a safe environment, connect with others, and re-discover their self-worth. Peer-reviewed published research has found Recovery Camp increases

‘ The volunteers draw on their lived experience of mental illness to get the students to really understand the experience in a way they wouldn’t from text books and lectures.’ self-efficacy and self-determination, whilst decreasing social isolation, among participants with a mental illness. Peer-reviewed studies have also found that students who complete a professional experience placement at the camp emerge with more confidence about their clinical skills, and less stigmatising attitudes towards mental health consumers, compared to students who do traditional mental health nursing placements. “Students actually report a positive increase in being able to communicate effectively with people with a mental illness,” Christopher adds. The program recently won an award for Outstanding Contributions to Student Learning at the 2017 Australian Awards for University Teaching. ■

FIND OUT MORE ABOUT RECOVERY CAMP http://recoverycamp. com.au THE LAMP OCTOBER 2017 | 25

AGED CARE

Medication errors common in aged care Survey finds better staff ratios and clearer guidelines for administering medications are needed in aged care.

eports of ear drops being put in a resident’s eyes, a cleaner dispensing medicines and a resident ending up in hospital after being given a beta blocker meant for someone else are just some of the stories that have come out of a NSWNMA survey of medications in aged care. The stories are contained in a new report called The state of medication in NSW residential aged care, the result of a survey of over 700 members working in residential aged care. Brett Holmes, NSWNMA general secretary, said an overwhelming number of aged care nurses and AiNs expressed deep concerns over poor staffing ratios, the lack of training given to assistants, and the unclear legislation governing the sector. “We found that 83 per cent of nurses said they have witnessed a medication error,” Brett said. “Poor staffing ratios and skills mix in aged care impacts on the ability of nurses to follow safe medication practices. And RNs are professionally compromised by a lack of clear and relevant legislative guidelines. Consequently, aged care residents are being exposed to avoidable risks.” The errors reported by members in the survey ranged from wrong medication dosages being administered, to residents not being given prescribed medicines or receiving incorrect medicines. Members spoke of medicine being put in a resident’s

50%

of all RNs/ENs wanted clearer guidelines about their responsibilities for supervising medications given by AiNs.

26 | THE LAMP OCTOBER 2017

55%

food that was eaten by another resident after staff walked away, AiNs being given medication competency training by trainers who aren’t competent themselves, and RNs being given the impossible task of overseeing medications for up to 200 residents in a facility where residents are housed on different sites. The report notes that medications management was among the top five complaints received by the Aged Care Complaints Commissioner during 2015/16.

PAIN RELIEF A PARTICULAR ISSUE Over 60 per cent of nurses experienced a delay in acquiring pain relief and other essential medications for a resident because there was no RN on the premises, the survey found. The problem is particularly acute in Residential Aged Care Facilities that were former hostels, and where there has never been a legal requirement to provide an RN on site around the clock. “Leaving residents in pain due to unnecessary delays in acquiring the right skill mix of staff not only contravenes residents’ human rights and is an abusive practice, it also places RNs’ registration at risk,” the report states.

LEGISLATION OUT OF STEP WITH HIGH NEEDS RESIDENTS Department of Health Guidelines require that medication tasks are only assigned to staff who possess

of respondents stated the number of RNs in facilities needed to increase to enable adequate supervision of AiNs.

50%

In RACFs formerly classed as nursing homes, over 50 per cent of medication administration was undertaken by AiNs, despite over 75 per cent of residents requiring total help with medication administration.

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AGED CARE

AGED CARE NURSES’ FORUM

‘ 83 per cent of nurses said they have witnessed a medication error.’ medication training, and that skills are regularly tested and updated. However, nurses reported that the training provided for AiNs was often inadequate and did not prepare them sufficiently. The lack of training is occurring against a backdrop of residents entering facilities with increasingly complex care needs, Brett said. “Most people entering aged care now have high care needs in some form. Dementia is increasingly prevalent, and end of life care place extra demands on an already over-stretched workforce.” “The report demonstrates that guidelines designed for unlicensed AiNs assisting people to self-administer medications are now irrelevant in RACFs where high care is mainly provided. “To suggest that an RN or EN has sufficient time during their span of duty to safely direct or supervise AiNs assisting with self-administration is naïve at best and at worst, potentially dangerous.” The NSWNMA believes the report provides clear evidence that RNs and ENs are the most appropriate workers to manage and administer medications across the spectrum of RACFs. The association is calling for a review of staff ratios and staffing mixes, and clearer guidelines for RNs to refer to when delegating medication tasks to AiNs. ■

65%

of nurses across all settings were concerned about the administration of medication in their facility.

74%

of AINs expressed concerns about making decisions regarding administration and withholding of medications.

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MENTAL HEALTH

Marriage equality has health benefits The mental wellbeing of gay people is closer to that of heterosexuals in places where same-sex marriage is legal, research has found.

n a recent article in The Conversation three leading mental health experts, including former Australian of the Year Pat McGorry, said the mental health benefits of legalising same-sex marriage particularly flow on to young people, for whom suicide rates have a been a significant national concern for decades. “Same-sex attracted young people are roughly twice as likely to be diagnosed with a mental health disorder, more than six times more likely to have thoughts of suicide, and five times more likely to make a suicide attempt than their heterosexual peers,” McGorry and his co-authors said. “These inequalities are exacerbated in jurisdictions that do not support same-sex marriage and where discrimination is therefore institutionally endorsed.” They cite a US study that found mood and anxiety disorders, as well as alcohol-related problems, increased significantly among same-sex-attracted people who lived in states that banned gay marriage during the 2004 and 2005 elections. In contrast, they say: “In Denmark same-sex married men experienced a reduction in rates of premature death after the implementation of a registered partnerships law in 1989. “Similarly, in the United States, implementation of same-sex marriage policies has been associated with a 7 per cent relative reduction in the proportion of high school students attempting suicide.”

MARRIAGE EQUALITY DEBATE HAS INCREASED DISCRIMINATION There are sound health reasons to legalise same-sex marriage, and there are also sound health reasons to oppose a drawn out and very public debate. The National Mental Health Commission recently released a statement saying the marriage equality debate in Australia has heightened discrimination against Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Intersex and Queer (LGBTIQ) people. The Commission’s Co-Chair, Professor Allan Fels, said “LGBTIQ people have been experiencing damaging behaviour in their workplaces, communities and in social and traditional media. “The Commission is alarmed about the potential negative health impacts these debates are having on individuals, couples and families who face scrutiny and judgement.” On the eve of the High Court’s decision to allow the 28 | THE LAMP OCTOBER 2017

‘ Marriage affords rights that should be available to all Australians. The right to marry brings security to people and they feel valued.’ — Sally Whitney postal vote on marriage equality to go ahead, the Shadow Minister for Health and Medicare, Catherine King, added her voice in parliament to concerns that discussions about marriage equality are harming the LBGTIQ community. She noted the “mental health of LGBTIQ people is among the poorest in Australia”. “Same-sex attracted Australians are up to 14 times likelier to attempt suicide. Young same-sex attracted Australians are six times likelier to attempt suicide than their peers.”

NSWNMA DELEGATES SUPPORT CHANGE The issue of marriage equality was discussed by the NSWNMA at last year’s Annual Conference. Delegates overwhelmingly voted in favour of the campaign to establish a legislative framework for same-sex marriage in Australia, says Judith Kiejda, NSWNMA Assistant General Secretary. Sally Whitney, an NSWNMA member who starred in a television commercial promoting marriage equality earlier this year, says it is important for Australians who are undecided about what their vote is going to be in the upcoming postal ballot to think carefully about what is fair and what is equal. “Sexuality isn’t a choice, and marriage isn’t about religion but about the love commitment and union of two people,’ she said. “Marriage affords rights that should be available to all Australians. The right to marry brings security to people and they feel valued.” ■

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THE LAMP OCTOBER 2017 | 29

acy statement ge principles

oing strategy, we will y in StatePlus as our name. However, wo year transition diences will be of our former name.

ime, the new name will be d by the legacy statement, ate Super Financial Services’.

ove at the end of the riod, the legacy statement dual purpose:

Positioning Size on standard formats

Where possible, the legacy statement should appear in close visual proximity below the brandmark. A minimum of clearspace should be observed.

Formerly State Super Financial Services

Where the brandmark is positioned top or bottom right in a communication, the legacy statement should be right aligned.

to our existing clients the and name change;

g to new clients our history business we operate in “Fortunate enough Services).

Formerly State Super Financial Services to have a defined benefit super scheme? Where the brandmark is positioned top left The right advice will help you make the most inofa your retirement. ” statement communication, the legacy

should be left aligned.

Defined benefit super schemes can help set you up for a comfortable retirement – but they’re complicated. It can be difficult to understand your benefits and easy to miss opportunities. At StatePlus, we have over 26 years of experience in the public sector helping over 60,000 hard-working Australians just like you on their journey into retirement.

Join us for a free seminar to start preparing for your retirement with conﬁdence. Visit stateplus.com.au or call us on 1800 841 677 today to register.

Formerly State Super Financial Services

Where horizontal space contraints apply, the legacy statement may appear in two lines. Leading is set solid (the same as the point size). StatePlus is the trading name for State Super Financial Services Australia Limited, holder of Australian Financial Services Licence 238430, ABN 86 003 742 756. This information is of a general nature only and is not speciﬁc to your objectives, ﬁnancial situation or needs. Before making any decisions you should consider its appropriateness to you.

30 | THE LAMP OCTOBER 2017

NEWS IN BRIEF

AUSTRALIA

Turnbull tries to bring TPP back from the dead The Turnbull government held a secret meeting at an undisclosed location in Sydney to try to revive the Trans Pacific Partnership (TPP). The TPP has been dead since the United States formally withdrew from the deal in March. The Australian government brought together the other 11 of the original 12 countries on August 28–30 to try to revive the agreement. Australian trade minister Steve Ciobo pushed to endorse the TPP with minimal changes to the text. This was despite the fact an Australian Senate Inquiry refused to endorse the TPP, and the Australian parliament has not passed the implementing legislation. There has been widespread opposition to the TPP from community groups and the union movement, who argue that Preferred size on DL, A5 it will: and A4 format – 7pt • undermine Australian democracy

• a llow private companies to use a secretive tribunal to sue Australia if they think their profits are at risk

40%

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“Normal” is problematic

Preferred size on A3 format – 7pt

The Royal College of Midwives (RCM) has ended a campaign for “normal” births to stop making mothers feel like failures.

The College has run a campaign since 2005 that encouraged expectant mothers to give birth without medical interventions including epidurals, inductions and caesareans. • leave Australia with the worst outcomes of any countries The RCM has changed the language it uses about childbirth from involved. “normal” to “physiological” births after the campaign was criticised ACTU President Ged Kearney said Malcolm Turnbull was in an inquiry into the deaths of 16 babies and three mothers at “trying to resurrect a trade deal that has been dead for Furness general hospital in Cumbria between 2004 and 2013. months in a shady, underground meeting”. It will not change its view that childbirth without medical intervention is best for many women. “The Turnbull government is not being transparent because State Super Financial Service Formerly Statedodgy Supertrade Financial it knows the public doesn’t support their deals Services Prof Cathy Warwick, the chiefFormerly executive of the RCM, said the and the TPP in particular. campaign had created the wrong impression. “There was a danger that if you just talk about normal births – “It must abandon the TPP and other (similar) trade deals and particularly if you call it a campaign – it kind of sounds as if and concentrate on growing our economy by lifting workers’ you’re only interested in women who have a vaginal birth without wages and increasing full-time, secure job opportunities.” intervention,” she told The Times newspaper. “What we don’t want to do is in any way contribute to any sense that a woman has failed because she hasn’t had a normal birth. Unfortunately, that seems to be how some women feel. “It does seem that this word ‘normal’ is particularly contentious… it is simpler to use a non-value-laden word. Because of the inferences that are drawn there will be instances where you’re explaining your position better by using terms like ‘physiological birth’.” Formerly State Supe Formerly State Super Approximately 40 per cent of British mothers give birthFinancial without Service Financial Services medical interventions, compared to three decades ago when 60 per cent did so. • cost tens of thousands of Australian jobs

‘ The Turnbull government must abandon the TPP and ‘ It does seem that this word other (similar) trade deals and ‘normal’ is particularly concentrate on growing our contentious… it is simpler to economy by lifting workers’ use a non-value-laden word wages and increasing full-time, like ‘physiological’ birth.’ secure job opportunities.’ — Prof Cathy Warwick, chief executive of the Royal College — ACTU President Ged Kearney of Midwives. Formerly State Super Financial Services Formerly State Super Financial Services

THE LAMP OCTOBER 2017 | 31

NEWS IN BRIEF

ASSOCIATION MEMBER TRAINING

2017

Trade Union Training for NSWNMA Members BRANCH ESSENTIALS

WINNING AT WORK

DELEGATE SKILLS

(TWO-DAY COURSE)

(ONE-DAY COURSE)

22-23 November

8-9 November

21 November

8:30am registration for 9am start 5pm close NSWNMA Waterloo Office

10am â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 4pm (Followed by Committee of Delegates) NSWNMA Waterloo Office

The most effective unions are those that have active workplace representatives. This 2-day course aims to provide you with the skills and knowledge you need to understand how the NSWNMA can win improvements in your workplace, across the industry, and how you can be an effective branch member. This is a MUST DO for newly elected branch officials, those wanting to brush up, or any members keen to become more involved in the Association.

This course is aimed at members who are ready to take it up a notch. Perhaps thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a long standing issue at work that needs a bigger campaign, perhaps your branch is involved in the state-wide issues or perhaps you want to develop skills to campaign in your community. This 2-day course explores how we achieve change and how we encourage decision makers to make the right choice for our communities.

This course looks at the role of delegates and how your role fits within the NSWNMA. It will help you build confidence around participating as a delegate in your Branch, at Committee of Delegates and Annual Conference

For more information on any of the courses outlined:

The NSWNMA also offers the courses on assisting members during fact finding and disciplinary processes and a range of professional development subjects. For more information on any of these courses please give us a call on 1300 367 962 or email us at gensec@nswnma.asn.au

P 8595 1234 METRO

1300 367 962 NON-METRO E training@ nswnma.asn.au 32 | THE LAMP OCTOBER 2017

Registration forms and copies of the course outlines are available on our website:

bit.ly/NSWNMAtraining

NEWS IN BRIEF

WORLD

Alcohol industry misleads public about cancer links: study Alcohol increases cancer risk but vested interests would like us to think otherwise. New research published in the Drug and Alcohol Review Journal found that the alcohol industry has been misleading the public about the links between alcohol and cancer. It has been known for more than three decades that cancer risks increase with alcohol consumption levels. In 1988, the World Health Organization’s cancer research arm concluded that alcohol consumption was a group one carcinogen. Yet, according to the study led by the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, misleading information is being passed off as health messaging to a public largely unaware that it’s coming from the alcohol industry itself. It concluded: “The [alcohol industry] appears to be engaged in the extensive misrepresentation of evidence about the alcohol-related risk of cancer. These activities have parallels with those of the tobacco industry”. The authors pointed to three main strategies the industry uses to do this: • Denying, omitting or disputing the evidence that alcohol consumption increases cancer risk •D istorting the evidence by mentioning cancer but misrepresenting the link, such as implying risk is present only with higher levels of drinking • Distracting or diverting discussion away from the independent effects of alcohol on common cancers, such as mentioning alcohol is one of many causes. Breast and bowel cancer appeared to be particular targets for this type of misrepresentation. The study assessed key messages provided by 27 organisations run, funded or controlled by the alcohol industry in English-speaking countries.

‘ Misleading information is being passed off as health messaging to a public largely unaware that it’s coming from the alcohol industry itself.’

AUSTRALIA

Record energy prices contribute to inequality: ACTU The ACTU has challenged the federal government to stand up to excessive corporate power in the privatised energy market. NSW power generators, including AGL and Origin, are pushing NSW power prices up as much as 50 per cent through “aggressive, unprecedented, opportunistic pricing” of inexpensive coal-fired power, according to a report by French energy management giant Schneider Electric. Schneider says power station bidding has added $30–$35 per megawatt hour to spot prices. AGL and Origin last month reported record profits from their energy markets businesses and have each forecast $1 billionplus pre-tax profits this year. “Our research indicates that generator bidding is adding something like a $30 premium to spot prices over and above what we believe a fair fundamental value would be, based on the cost of the inputs,” Brian Morris, Schneider’s head of Australian energy and sustainability, told The Australian. Responding to the report, the ACTU said that it showed “private energy companies were playing the system to drive up prices and profits”. “Record high energy prices are contributing to inequality when workers’ pay has flatlined, company profits are soaring, and the cost of everything is going up,” said ACTU President Ged Kearney. “Power prices have tripled since the Abbott–Turnbull government scrapped the carbon tax. The big power companies are out of control. They are earning billions of dollars per year off the backs of ordinary people, while paying little or no tax.”

‘ The big power companies are out of control. They are earning billions of dollars per year off the backs of ordinary people, while paying little or no tax.’ — ACTU THE LAMP OCTOBER 2017 | 33

NEWS IN BRIEF

AUSTRALIA

Employers fail to pay billions in super The Australian Tax Office (ATO) estimates employees have been short-changed $14 billion in super since 2009. The ATO has published estimates of the amount of unpaid super for the first time and calculated that employers have failed to pay their workers $17 billion between 2009–10 and 2014–15. The ATO has recovered $3 billion of this amount. “While this analysis shows that 95 per cent of the estimated superannuation guarantee (SG) is paid to employees, the gap exists because some employers appear not to be meeting their superguarantee obligations either by not paying enough or not paying it at all,” ATO deputy commissioner James O’Halloran told The Guardian. The ATO figures corroborate a study released earlier this year by a former director of Treasury’s retirement income modelling taskforce, Phil Gallagher, who found the average super underpayment is worth $2,025 per person per year, with more than 2.7 million workers affected. Matt Linden, from Industry Super Australia, says the new data from the ATO shows why the Turnbull government needs to urgently reconsider the 25-year-old laws that allow employers to use employees’ super for business cash flows and ultimately not pay the money at all. “With a compliance regime that is highly dependent on employee complaints and employer self-reporting, it is no surprise billions in unpaid super is going unchecked,” he said.

34 | THE LAMP OCTOBER 2017

$2,025 2.7m The average super underpayment per person per year.

The number of workers affected.

‘ With a compliance regime that is highly dependent on employee complaints and employer selfreporting, it is no surprise billions in unpaid super is going unchecked.’ — Industry Super Australia

NEWS IN BRIEF

AUSTRALIA

Australians strongly support science More than 50 per cent of Australians think drugs should be cleared for use before they’ve completed clinical trials. The 2017 Australian Beliefs and Attitudes Towards Science (ABAS) survey, conducted by the Australian Centre for the Public Awareness of Science for the Department of Industry, Innovation and Science has found that Australians are very pro-science. Eighty per cent of Australians say the benefits of science have been greater than any harmful effects. The survey also found that as a society, we are generally quite highly engaged with science-related issues and we are predominately a nation of people who accept and are concerned about climate change and our role in it. Despite this positive perception of the value of science, Australians still look at science with a critical eye. Nearly half of respondents said science has changed our way of life too fast. “Personally, I find this encouraging. It suggests that many Australians are thinking quite deeply about the way science and society interact, rather than uncritically accepting or dismissing its effects and implications,” Robert Lamberts, Deputy Director of Australian National Centre for Public Awareness of Science told The Conversation. Interestingly, more than half (54 per cent) of respondents favoured releasing drugs before full clinical trial approvals have been conducted. “Perhaps many of us believe clinical trials exist to block access, seeing them as a regulatory sticking point rather than a critical part of the process of assuring safety,” said Lamberts.

‘ Many Australians are thinking quite deeply about the way science and society interact, rather than uncritically accepting or dismissing its effects and implications.’

AUSTRALIA

ACOSS: welfare reform is a health issue The Australian Council of Social Service (ACOSS) has called on the federal government to “strengthen the social safety net, and stop tearing it apart”. ACOSS said the planned changes will exacerbate poverty and inequality in Australia. “Three million people already live below the poverty line in Australia, of whom 731,000 are children,” it said. “Yet there is legislation before parliament which aims to further cut income support payments, including for people studying or training, people who are bereaved, people who are unemployed, single parents, people with a disability, and older people who have migrated to Australia. “There is also legislation before parliament to cut the $38-perday unemployment payment, even though it is well below the poverty line.” ACOSS claims any policy that increases the number of people in poverty and exacerbates inequality will harm health. Dr Tim Woodruff, President of the Doctors Reform Society, encouraged health professionals to sign a petition (http://www. acoss.org.au/petition/) calling on the federal government to “Save our safety net”. “All of the concerns raised by ACOSS should be of deep concern to any and every health professional. This is about health,” he told the online website Croakey.

‘ Three million people already live below the poverty line in Australia, of whom 731,000 are children.’ THE LAMP OCTOBER 2017 | 35

EDUCATION@NSWNMA

what’s ON TOOLS IN MANAGING CONFLICT & DISAGREEMENT – 1 Day

n WATERLOO Monday 9 October Members: $85 | non-members: $170

PRACTICAL SKILLS MANAGING DIFFICULT AND AGGRESSIVE CLIENTS – 1 Day

n GYMEA Friday 20 October Members: $85 | non-members: $170

AGED CARE NURSES’ FORUM: ELDER ABUSE

n WATERLOO Friday 20 October n BATHURST Monday 20 November For RNs, ENs and AINs in residential, community and hospital aged care settings across private and public sectors and any nurse who has an interest in aged care or elder abuse issues in NSW. Members: $30 | non-members: $60

ARE YOU MEETING YOUR CPD REQUIREMENTS? – ½ Day

n BALLINA Thursday 2 November An essential ½ day workshop for all nurses and midwives to learn about CPD requirements and what’s involved in the process. Members: $40 | non-members: $85

LEGAL & PROFESSIONAL ISSUES FOR NURSES & MIDWIVES – ½ Day n BALLINA Friday 3 November n GYMEA Friday 17 November. Learn about potential liability, disciplinary tribunals, NMC and HCCC complaints, Coroners Court and more. Members: $40 | non-members: $85

FINANCIAL WELLNESS SEMINAR This free half-day seminar is designed to assist people in their decision making regarding their financial future. Subjects covered on the day are detailed below and cater for all ages.

PROGRAM

• Superannuation Guarantee • Government CoContributions Scheme • Contribution Limits • Salary Sacrifice • Consolidation of Multiple Accounts (Rolling Over) • Insurance (Income Protection / Death Cover / Total and Permanent Disability / Binding Nominations / Nominated Beneficiary) • Investments (Asset Classes / Volatility etc) • Transition to Retirement • Help Links (e.g. MyGov Website / Money Smart Website) • ASFA Retirement Standard (the difference between a modest and comfortable retirement) • Centrelink (General Information e.g. income asset tests) • Q&A •

PRACTICAL SKILLS GETTING PEOPLE ON-SIDE – 1 Day

n WATERLOO Wednesday 8 November Members: $85 | non-members: $170

BALLINA

APPROPRIATE WORKPLACE BEHAVIOUR FOR NURSES AND MIDWIVES – 1 Day

n NEWCASTLE Wednesday 8 November n GYMEA Friday 1 December This one-day seminar covers topics such as anti-discrimination law, identifying unlawful harassment and bullying, understand what can be done if subjected to harassment and bullying and also assists managers and supervisors to identify, prevent and resolve bullying and harassment. Members: $85 | non-members: $170

FOOT CARE FOR NURSES – 2 Days n WATERLOO Thursday 16 and Friday 17 November This 2-Day course is designed to equip nurses, Registered, Enrolled and Assistants in Nursing with the knowledge and skills for maintenance of healthy, functioning feet. Members: $203 | non-members: $350

www.nswnma.asn.au

Wednesday 1 November Ballina RSL 9am to 2pm

Lunch and refreshments provided Nurses and midwives: this seminar will not attract CPD hours. Numbers are limited in some locations. Pre-registration is essential.

Click on the education tab. Scroll down to the education session you would like to register into and click Register Online. For enquiries contact NSWNMA • Metro: 8595 1234 • Rural: 1300 367 962

YOUR RIGHTS

Ask

Judith Breaking News Workers and their representatives under constant attack! The Turnbull government’s response to the appalling disclosure of systemic wage theft from workers at 7/11 was a piece of legislation that had, in the fine print, coercive powers that could have denied the right to silence for Australian workers during certain investigations. Amazingly for a Bill that was to protect workers’ rights and entitlements, it included a provision that if workers refused to give evidence against their work mates or their union during investigations initiated about unprotected industrial action, they could be fined $126,000. ALP amendments to overturn these provisions and protect the civil liberties of workers were passed in the Senate, with the support of Senator Xenophon’s Team, the Greens, and Senators Lambie and Hinch. If the original provisions had passed as contained in the Vulnerable Workers Bill, it would have extended some of the coercive powers that sadly are currently directed to workers in the construction and building industry. Perversely, a Bill to protect workers would have only made them more vulnerable. At a time of record low wages growth and rising insecurity at work, it is no wonder that inequality is on the rise. But attacking workers and unions only entrenches this inequality or more likely makes it worse. This is hardly what the economy and workplaces throughout Australia need right now.

Are all nurses included in NHPPD? I am a registered nurse working in a public hospital. The ward I work in has a staffing arrangement of six NHPPD (nursing hours per patient day). Are all nurses working in the ward included in the NHPPD?

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

No. Clause 53 (Staffing Arrangements) of the Public Health System Nurses’ and Midwifes’ (State) Award 2017 states that “only nurses providing direct clinical care are included in the NHPPD. This does not include positions such as nursing unit managers, nurse managers, clinical nurse educators, clinical nurse consultants, dedicated administrative support staff, and wardpersons”.

Access to LSL I have been working as a registered nurse for eight years in aged care. I am thinking of leaving but worried I will lose my long service leave, as under my enterprise agreement I am only eligible for LSL if I resign after completing 10 years of service. What are my rights? This would need to be carefully assessed under the relevant provisions in your agreement. Most awards, agreements – and certainly the Long Service Leave Act 1955 – contain a provision that if an employee with at least five years of service resigns due to “illness, incapacity or domestic or other pressing necessity”, an entitlement of pro rata long service leave may exist. However, the Act does not explicitly define these terms so it does require an assessment of the individual circumstances involved. The approach adopted by industrial courts expect an employee to demonstrate that their circumstances give them no option but to resign from work (i.e. it was the real or motivating factor for doing so). Evidence regarding your circumstances – e.g. ill health, carer needs – and that it is the reason for your decision to leave work should ideally be provided to the employer at the time of your

resignation rather than after you have left. Members should seek advice prior to any decision to resign.

Ten-hour shifts I am an enrolled nurse at a public hospital. The ward I work in has always had 10hour night shifts. Recently we were approached to see if we would agree to change this. Most of us don’t want to change to a shorter shift, so what can we do? Clause 4(iv)(b) of the Public Health System Nurses’ and Midwifes’ (State) Award 2017 states that where 10-hour night shifts are in operation in any health facility, “… the length of these shifts must not be altered without the consent of the Head Office of the Association.” Accordingly, the hospital or LHD must directly consult with the Association, and we would of course in turn consult with members prior to providing any response or agreement.

Leaving Ramsay I have worked at a hospital operated by Ramsay for eight months. However, a nursing opportunity elsewhere has come up that I want to take. How much notice do I need to give them to resign? Under Clause 3.9.14 of the Ramsay Health Care Australia Pty Limited, and NSW Nurses & Midwives’ Association /ANMF Enterprise Agreement 2015-2018, an employee who has less than one year’s continuous service is only required to give one week’s notice. Beyond one year’s employment, at least two weeks’ notice would be required (unless a greater period is specified in your contract of employment). THE LAMP OCTOBER 2017 | 37

Upgrade REGULARS your NSWNMA membership & you could win a relaxing 5 NIGHT ESCAPE in

LEGIAN, B ALI!

ARE Y OU AN ASSOCIATE, AIN OR EN MEMB ER?

Any member who upgrades their membership by 31 March 2018 will be entered into the draw to win 5

. . .

nightsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; accommodation (for two guests) at the Astagina Resort Villa & Spa in a deluxe room Daily breakfast for two 2 x dinners for each guest 1 x 60 minute massage each Return airport transfers. The NSWNMA will arrange and pay for return f lights for two to Denpasar. You will experience a traditional Balinese escape in Legian - a short stroll to the beaches and restaurants of Seminyak. Astagina Resort Villa & Spa is perfectly situated close to the famous Cocoon Beach Club and Double Six Beach, trendy boutiques and cafes and bars Seminyak has to offer. Or choose to relax by the pool and be pampered at the Anjali Spa, where you will be left feeling relaxed and rejuvenated.

E VERY MEMB ER WHO UPGRADES THEIR MEMB ERSHIP WILL B E ENTERED INTO THE DRAW!

PRIZE DRAWN 1 APRIL 2018 38 | THE LAMP MARCH 2017

Conditions apply. Prize must be redeemed by 1 April 2019 and is subject to room availability. Block out dates 1 July to 31 August 2018 and 20 December 2018 to 10 January 2019. Booking to be made directly through Astagina Resort Villa & Spa on info@astaginaresort.com. Competition opens on 1 October 2017 and closes 31 March 2018. The prize will be drawn on 1 April 2018. Must be a financial member of the NSWNMA at time of travel. 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/17/01625

SOCIAL MEDIA

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

New on our Support Nurses YouTube channel

The shocking state of oral health in our nursing homes UNION DAY OF ACTION The Future of Maitland Hospital http://bit.ly/maitlandmeeting

NEW TIMES, NEW WAYS OF WINNING http://bit.ly/HHan1 Connect with us on Facebook Nurse Uncut www.facebook. com/NurseUncutAustralia New South Wales Nurses and Midwivesâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Association www.facebook.com/nswnma Ratios put patient safety first www.facebook.com/ safepatientcare Aged Care Nurses www.facebook.com/ agedcarenurses Look for your local branch on our Facebook page www.facebook.com/nswnma Follow us on twitter @nswnma / @nurseuncut Share on Instagram by tagging @nswnma and donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t forget to use the hashtag #nswnma!

Recent events have brought oral health in aged care back into the limelight. http://www.nurseuncut.com.au/theshocking-state-of-oral-health-in-ournursing-homes/

8 tips to help prevent varicose veins in nurses Make sure you look after yourself and avoid getting varicose veins! http://www.nurseuncut.com.au/8tips-to-help-prevent-varicose-veinsin-nurses-and-midwives/

Casual on-call rostering for nurses A student enrolled nurse sent us a message about the severe limitations of casual on-call rostering. http:// www.nurseuncut.com.au/ casual-on-call-rostering-for-nurses/

7 reasons why you should register to vote for marriage equality We asked some students why they think you should register to vote on the upcoming marriage equality survey. This is what they had to say. http://www.nurseuncut. com.au/7-reasons-why-you-shouldregister-to-vote-for-marriageequality/

Rheumatic heart disease in pregnancy in Australia While largely forgotten in the general community, this disease continues to be prevalent in the Indigenous, Maori and Pasifika communities http://www.nurseuncut.com. au/rheumatic-heart-disease-inpregnancy-in-australia/

Listen to our podcast PROFESSIONAL DAY 2017 http://bit.ly/ profession17 THE LAMP OCTOBER 2017 | 39

Invitation COME ALONG AND BE A PART OF THE FIRST SERIES OF SKIN & MAKEUP WORKSHOPS

hosted by iconic Australian beauty brand, NAPOLEON PERDIS Part of the exclusive ongoing benefits for NSWNMA members Hosted at NAPOLEON PERDIS’ Alexandria Makeup Academy Campus, come along and join in the fun! Workshops are being held on the following dates: TUESDAY 14 NOVEMBER 10am – 1pm & 3pm – 6pm THURSDAY 16 NOVEMBER 6pm – 9pm SATURDAY 18 NOVEMBER 11am – 2pm Please RSVP to Danielle Nicholson, dnicholson@nswnma.asn.au advising your preferred workshop date and time, name as well as member and contact number. Enrolment fee of $49 per member, which is fully redeemable on products purchased on the day of the event attended Spots are limited. Don’t miss out on this educational, informative and enjoyable event!

Napoleon Perdis Workshop Invite half.indd 1

19/09/2017 11:33 AM

Going to work shouldn’t be like this

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!

40half.indd | THE LAMP MARCH 2017 Violence 1

NSWNMA Toolkit App is FREE and available to download from iTunes and Google Play store

19/09/2017 1:43 PM

SOCIAL MEDIA

your

Say

From normal to physiological birth The British Royal Council of Midwives has backed away from a campaign to push for natural childbirth. Here’s what you thought about this move: Every midwife strives for a woman to have a healthy pregnancy and a healthy baby! I do agree that certain terminology should be changed; however, both sides – Medical and Midwifery – need to listen to what the woman wants – however and whatever it will be. We need to give true and unbiased advice so women and their families can make informed decisions and not be swayed by fear. We should be promoting birth as a normal physiological event and stop generating so much fear, especially for women with low risks. However, I also believe we need to recognise that not every woman will be fortunate enough (or want) to have a vaginal birth. Perhaps it is the word ‘normal’ that needs to be discarded and we should simply say vaginal birth, instrumental birth or caesarean birth. Maybe people need to stop thinking in terms of success and failure and more in terms of process and acceptance.

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

Major concerns about an ‘artificial womb’ We posted a video about the development of an ‘artificial womb’. The invention received a mixed reaction online. This is terrible. It will encourage “baby farming” for all the wrong reasons. It is dehumanising our race and babies in general. I will not be part of this as a midwife if this happens in my work lifetime! And how do they propose bonding occurs? Or breastfeeding? I envision higher rates of PND, higher rates of asthma and other respiratory disorders in the children born from this monstrosity – lower rates of breastfeeding among other things. This is just ridiculous and completely unethical! This is making my posthumanist tail wag. A controlled environment would mean that foetuses are less at risk and so are women. The foetuses are less likely to suffer from trauma that the mother cops, exposure to toxins that the mother takes in like nicotine or alcohol, conjoined twins, placenta previa, etc. This will be more than a century off; however, how we can and should test if this is safe will be important but when they do, let’s prove again we know better than nature. That is just plain scary. Can you imagine the nutters out there who would try to ensure that their idea of

a perfect race be realised. Babies are able to send stem cells to their mothers when they hurt, they hear their mother’s voice, heart etc. There is more to a developing baby, than just this. There is so much we don’t understand about the mother-child bond. I don’t know if I’m sad or angry at the thought of this. Currently pregnant with my second and wouldn’t give this experience up for anything. Some things just need to be left to God, or the powers of the universe.

the gallery

Preventing burnout

We asked you what needed to occur so that nurses can better cope with fatigue and burnout. Here’s what you had to say.

Better staffing ratios, possibly based on acuity would be great. Nurses need to have wards staffed well enough that they can give quality care and time to those patients who need it. Feeling like you’ve short-changed a patient who needed your care because you were too busy compounds grief with guilt – an unhappy combination. Not replacing RNs that call in sick with AiNs. A work–life balance would help, surely. How about being able to get annual leave when you need it not when it is convenient to the unit.

1/ S hellharbour and Port Kembla nurses and midwives at a candlelit vigil to draw attention to the future of their local hospital 2/ M aitland nurses and midwives drive to Sydney to watch the debate on the future of their local hospital 3/ N SWNMA President Coral Levett fights for marriage equality at a 30,000 strong rally 4/ Shellharbour and Port Kembla Hospital nurses and midwives meet their local MPs at a parliamentary debate on the future of their hospital 5/ Maitland nurses and midwives at a community meeting on the future of their hospital with NSWNMA General Secretary Brett Holmes THE LAMP OCTOBER 2017 | 41

LIONS NURSES’ SCHOLARSHIP Looking for funding to further your studies in 2018? THE LIONS NURSES’ SCHOLARSHIPS OPEN ON 1 AUGUST AND CLOSE ON 31 OCTOBER EACH YEAR The trustees of the Lions Nurses’ Scholarship Foundation invite applications for scholarships. Nurses eligible for these scholarships must be resident and employed within the State of NSW or ACT. You must currently be registered with the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia

and working within the nursing profession in NSW or the ACT, and must have a minimum of three years’ experience in the nursing 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 Administration Liaison Lions Nurses’ Scholarship Foundation 50 O’Dea Avenue Waterloo NSW 2017 or contact Matt West on 1300 367 962 or education@nswnma.asn.au

COMPLETED APPLICATIONS MUST BE IN THE HANDS OF THE SECRETARY NO LATER THAN 31 OCTOBER Lion Nurses Scholarship.indd 1

10/07/2017 10:37 AM

Great deals for members at

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

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

1300 368 117 unionshopper.com.au 42 | THE LAMP OCTOBER 2017

NURSING RESEARCH ONLINE TED is a non-profit devoted to spreading ideas, usually in the form of short, powerful talks (18 minutes or less). TED began in 1984 as a conference where Technology, Entertainment and Design converged, and today covers almost all topics – from science to business to global issues – in more than 100 languages. Meanwhile, independently run TEDx events help share ideas in communities around the world. TED is owned by a non-profit, non-partisan foundation with an agenda to make great ideas accessible and spark conversation. How do we heal medicine? Atul Gawande March 2012 Our medical systems are broken. Doctors are capable of extraordinary (and expensive) treatments, but they are losing their core focus: actually treating people. Doctor and writer Atul Gawande suggests we take a step back and look at new ways to do medicine – with fewer cowboys and more pit crews. https://www.ted.com/talks/atul_gawande_how_do_we_ heal_medicine

No one should die because they live too far from a doctor Raj Panjabi June 2017 Illness is universal – but access to care is not. Physician Raj Panjabi has a bold vision to bring health care to everyone, everywhere. With the 2017 TED Prize, Panjabi is building the Community Health Academy, a global platform that aims to modernise how community health workers learn vital skills, creating jobs along the way. https://www.ted.com/talks/raj_panjabi_no_one_ should_die_because_they_live_too_far_from_a_doctor

What makes life worth living in the face of death? Lucy Kalanithi May 2017 In this deeply moving talk, Lucy Kalanithi reflects on life and purpose, sharing the story of her late husband, Paul, a young neurosurgeon who turned to writing after his terminal cancer diagnosis. “Engaging in the full range of experience – living and dying, love and loss – is what we get to do,” Kalanithi says. “Being human doesn’t happen despite suffering – it happens within it.” https://www.ted.com/talks/lucy_kalanithi_what_ makes_life_worth_living_in_the_face_of_death

A tribute to nurses Carolyn Jones November 2016 Carolyn Jones spent five years interviewing, photographing and filming nurses across America, travelling to places dealing with some of the nation’s biggest public health issues. She shares personal stories of unwavering dedication in this celebration of the everyday heroes who work at the front lines of health care. https://www.ted.com/talks/carolyn_jones_a_tribute_ to_nurses

A doctor’s case for medical marijuana David Casarett November 2016 Physician David Casarett was tired of hearing hype and half-truths around medical marijuana, so he put on his sceptic’s hat and investigated on his own. He comes back with a fascinating report on what we know and what we don’t – and what mainstream medicine could learn from the modern medical marijuana dispensary.

https://www.ted.com/talks/david_casarett_a_doctor_s_ case_for_medical_marijuana

How racism makes us sick David R Williams November 2016 Why does race matter so profoundly for health? David R Williams developed a scale to measure the impact of discrimination on wellbeing, going beyond traditional measures like income and education to reveal how factors like implicit bias, residential segregation and negative stereotypes create and sustain inequality. In this eyeopening talk, Williams presents evidence for how racism is producing a rigged system – and offers hopeful examples of programs across the US that are working to dismantle discrimination. https://www.ted.com/talks/david_r_williams_how_ racism_makes_us_sick

Want kids to learn well? Feed them well Sam Kass November 2015 What can we expect our kids to learn if they’re hungry or eating diets full of sugar and empty of nutrients? Former White House Chef and food policymaker Sam Kass discusses the role schools can play in nourishing students’ bodies in addition to their minds. https://www.ted.com/talks/sam_kass_want_to_teach_ kids_well_feed_them_well

What really happens when you mix medications? Russ Altman November 2015 If you take two different medications for two different reasons, here’s a sobering thought: your doctor may not fully understand what happens when they’re combined, because drug interactions are incredibly hard to study. In this fascinating and accessible talk, Russ Altman shows how doctors are studying unexpected drug interactions using a surprising resource: search engine queries. https://www.ted.com/talks/russ_altman_what_really_ happens_when_you_mix_medications

How we’ll fight the next deadly virus Pardis Sabeti May 2015 When Ebola broke out in March 2014, Pardis Sabeti and her team got to work sequencing the virus’s genome, learning how it mutated and spread. Sabeti immediately released her research online, so virus trackers and scientists from around the world could join in the urgent fight. In this talk, she shows how open cooperation was key to halting the virus... and to attacking the next one to come along. “We had to work openly, we had to share and we had to work together,” Sabeti says. “Let us not let the world be defined by the destruction wrought by one virus, but illuminated by billions of hearts and minds working in unity.” https://www.ted.com/talks/pardis_sabeti_how_we_ll_ fight_the_next_deadly_virus THE LAMP OCTOBER 2017 | 43

Bali?

REGULARS

Do you want to escape to

i! l w a r a r e n d b d g o e i h n a t t o m e m B u, ew g n g n a a C n i t to win a 5 night holiday rui

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

Every member you sign up over the year gives you an entry in the draw! Conditions apply. Prize must be redeemed by 30 June 2019 and is subject to room availability. Block out dates 1–30 August 2018 and 24 December 2018–5 January 2019. Competition opens on 1 August 2017 and closes 30 June 2018. The prize will be drawn on 30 June 2018. If a redraw is required for an unclaimed 44it |must THE prize be LAMP held up toMARCH 3 months2017 from the original draw date. NSW Permit no: LTPM/17/01625

Prize drawn 30 June 2018

CROSSWORD

test your

Knowledge 1

11 13

12 14

16 17

18 23 26

25 28

29 31 32

33 34

ACROSS 1. An anaplastic, highly malignant, and usually bronchogenic carcinoma composed of small ovoid cells with very scanty cytoplasm (3.4.7) 9. Rubbed or scraped areas on skin or mucous membrane 11. With no delay; at once 12. Plicae 14. One who cause to become twisted together 16. Exit a computer (3.3)

17. Cheese containing a blue mould 18. Pertaining to the mental processes of comprehension, judgement, memory, and reasoning 21. The alternating pattern of releasing and tightening a muscle 23. Amino acid (1.1) 24. A nurse classification (1.1) 25. Venereal disease (1.1) 26. Motor aphasia, aphasia

in which there is impairment of the ability to speak and write (9.7) 29. Remove colour from, bleach 30. Booth, stall, cubicle 31. Intensity-modulated radiation therapy (1.1.1.1) 32. Any plant of the genus Urtica, covered with stinging hairs 33. To emit or lose blood 34. Filling out; making plump

35. Developmental anomaly arising from maldevelopment of neural crest cells

DOWN 1. Dentin usually associated with dentinogenesis imperfecta that gives an unusual opalescent or translucent appearance to the teeth (10.6) 2. An agent or influence that causes physical defects in the developing embryo 3. Necessary, indispensable 4. Toilet 5. Able to take in, or suck up and incorporate 6. Oily yellowish crust that sometimes appears on the scalp of an infant (6.3) 7. Boundaries 8. An extracorporeal hemodialyser (10.6) 10. Nitrogen free extract (1.1.1) 13. The ethereal and immortal essence of a person or living organism 15. Lysinuric protein intolerance (1.1.1) 19. Relating to the same part 20. Stomachs 22. Pain in an ovary 27. Boundary; border 28. To certify or guarantee as meeting required standards 33. Behavioural Neuroscience (1.1)

THE LAMP OCTOBER 2017 | 45

EDUCATION@NSWNMA

what’s ON

Midwifery

NEW

Forum

REGISTE NOW & R SAVE TH E DATE!

FRIDAY 24 NOVEMBER

9am to 4pm NSWNMA 50 O’DEA AVENUE WATERLOO

Hear from a range of speakers and network with colleagues from a range of midwifery settings, across private and public sectors. GUEST SPEAKERS: Fiona McArthur Clinical Midwifery Educator and International Best-Selling Author Dr Elaine Burns Deputy Director of Higher Degree Research, Western Sydney University Hannah Dahlen Professor of Midwifery of Higher Degree Research, Western Sydney University Sharon Coulton Midwife and PhD Candidate, Western Sydney University Other speakers TBC COST: members $30 / non-members $60 • Lunch & refreshments provided

bit.ly/NSWNMAeducation

For enquiries contact NSWNMA Metro: 8595 1234 Rural: 1300 367 962

1 Navy AUS Vests $40. Quantity: S M L XL Size: XS

ESSENTIALS

2XL

3XL

2 Short Sleeve Quick Dry Polo Shirt $20. Quantity: S M L XL 2XL 3XL Size: XS 3 Long Sleeve Quick Dry Polo Shirt $25. Quantity: S M L XL 2XL 3XL Size: XS 4 Madrid Sunhat $25. Quantity: L/XL (one size) Size: S/M (one size) 5 NSWNMA Royal Blue Cap $10. Quantity: 100% cotton; one size fits all; crossover velcro at back 6 ‘Trust me’ Mug $10. Quantity: Postage & handling $5/item. Total cost of order $

2 3

Name Address Postcode Phone H

W MOB METHOD OF PAYMENT Cheque MasterCard

Visa

Money Order

Name of card holder Card no. Expiry date 46 | THE LAMP MARCH 2017

Signature

TO ORDER www.nswnma.asn.au FAX (02) 9662 1414 POST NSWNMA, 50 O’Dea Avenue, Waterloo NSW 2017

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

T ES

S PE

Cathy Glas Harper Element http://www.fishpond.com.au/ RRP $14.95 ISBN 9780008187569

INTE IAL

ST RE

Nobody’s son

SPE C

book club

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

Nurse’s Drug Handbook Patricia Dwyer Schull

McGraw Hill: https://www. amazon.com/ RRP $49.95 ISBN 9780071799423

McGraw-Hill Nurse’s Drug Handbook, Seventh Edition provides everything nurses must know to protect themselves and their patients when administering drugs. The Handbook delivers the evidence base needed to administer more than 3,000 brand name and 1,000 generic drugs – along with important administration and monitoring instructions. The drug monographs are designed for easy understanding and quick access to essential facts.

Thoughtful Healthcare David Seedhouse

Sage Publications: http://www.fishpond.com.au RRP $56.00. ISBN 14739538391

Thoughtful Health Care offers a timely antidote to a climate dominated by endless rules, regulations, mission statements and codes of practice. Fixation on avoiding risk at all costs has created a checkbox culture where everyone is treated according to standardised plans. But people are complicated, and cannot be understood disconnected

from the complex histories, values, and environments that shape us. David Seedhouse explains how simplistic labelling, mindless targets and empty slogans have created a delusion of control and efficiency, obscuring actual patient and carer realities. Thoughtful Health Care is for any health worker committed to caring with ethical awareness and practical sensitivity.

The Mental Health Needs Of Children & Young People: Guiding You To Key Issues And Practices In Camhs Jane Padmore McGraw-Hill Education/ Open University Press: www. amazon.com RRP $73.00. ISBN 9780335263905

This book is an accessible and practical guide to all of the key issues and practices in mental health care for children and young people, aimed at all health and social care professionals working with this age group and partner agencies who work alongside child and adolescent mental health services. Written by an expert in the field, the book brings clarity to practice by exploring and explaining the context, role and processes involving child and adolescent mental health services. It also sets out the specific mental health

Born in a prison and removed from his drugCI AL dependent mother, rejection is all that 7-year-old IN T E Alex knows. When Cathy is asked to foster little Alex, her immediate reaction is: Why can’t he stay with his present carers for the last month? He’s already had many moves since coming into care as a toddler and he’ll only be with her a short while before he goes to live with his permanent adoptive family. But the present carers are expecting a baby and the foster mother isn’t coping, so Alex goes to live with Cathy. He settles easily and is very much looking forward to having a forever family of his own. The introductions and move to his adoptive family go well. But Alex is only with them for a week when problems begin. What happens next is both shocking and upsetting, and calls into question the whole adoption process. difficulties young people and their families present to services as well as how to make good health assessments, plans and interventions used in the treatment of children and young people – including managing risk and safeguarding.

Supporting Children’s Health and Wellbeing Jackie Musgrave SAGE Publications: www.footprint.com.au RRP $59.00. ISBN 9781473930322

‘Safeguarding’ measures to ensure the health and wellbeing of all children has become an increasing focus in the early years. Supporting Children’s Health and Wellbeing helps early years students and practitioners working with children and young people gain an understanding of the key issues relating to children’s health in particular, examining the possible ways in which health can impact upon young children’s early childhood education and care. All books can be ordered through the publisher or your local bookshop. NSWNMA members can borrow the books featured here via the Library’s Online Catalogue: visit http:// www.nswnma.asn.au/library-services. Call 8595 1234 or 1300 367 962, or email gensec@nswnma.asn.au for assistance with loans or research. Some books are reviewed using information supplied and have not been independently reviewed. THE LAMP OCTOBER 2017 | 47

COVER STORY

JOURNEY ACCIDENT INSURANCE Your journey injury safety net

DID YOU KNOW THAT

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. As a financial member of the NSWNMA you are automatically covered by this policy. Make sure your membership remains financial at all times, so you’re covered.

Unsure if you are financial?

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

“

It was nice to know that the Association was there to provide that assistance. I am so impressed and indebted to them for it. RN Alexis Devine

”

bit.ly/NSWNMA-alexis Watch Alexis talk about Journey Accident Insurance

“

The Association has been absolutely marvellous, helping me step by step throughout the whole process. They also organised and helped me go back to work on restricted duties. RN Shari Bugden

”

bit.ly/NSWNMA-shari Watch Shari talk about Journey Accident Insurance

www.nswnma.asn.au

48 | THE LAMP OCTOBER 2017

REVIEWS

at the movies

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

RUR

DVD GIV E

EM OM B

WI N

MET R

R BE

Home Again

MEM AL

E GIV E

Home Again stars Reese Witherspoon (“Big Little Lies,” Wild, Walk The Line, Sweet Home Alabama) as Alice Kinney in a modern romantic comedy. Recently separated from her husband, (Michael Sheen), Alice decides to start over by moving back to her hometown of Los Angeles with her two young daughters. During a night out on her 40th birthday, Alice meets three aspiring filmmakers who happen to be in need of a place to live. Alice agrees to let the guys stay in her guest house temporarily, but the arrangement ends up unfolding in unexpected ways. Alice’s unlikely new family and new romance comes to a crashing

GUERRILLA Set against the backdrop of one of the most explosive times in U.K. history, Guerrilla tells the story of a politically active couple whose relationship and values are tested when they liberate a political prisoner and form a radical underground cell in 1970s London.

halt when her ex-husband shows up, suitcase in hand. Home Again is a story of love, friendship, and the families we create. And one very big life lesson: Starting over is not for beginners. Email The Lamp by the 12th of the month to be in the draw to win a double pass to Home Again thanks to Entertainment One. Email your name, membership number, address and telephone number to lamp@nswnma. asn.au for a chance to win!

This six-part limited series is from Academy Award®-winner John Ridley and stars Frieda Pinto, Babou Ceesay and Idris Elba.

Email The Lamp by the 15th of the month to be in the draw to win a DVD of Guerrilla thanks to Acorn Media. Email your name, membership number, address and telephone number to lamp@ nswnma.asn.au for a chance to win! THE LAMP OCTOBER 2017 | 49

DIARY DATES

make a date

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

EVENTS: NSW Waves of Change: PANDDA Conference 10–11 October 2017, Novotel Parramatta www.pandda.net Audiometry Nurses Association of Australia Annual Conference. 25–27 October 2017. Novotel North Beach, Wollongong. www.anaa.asn.au Lee.Lewis@sswahs.nsw.gov.au 4th International Collaboration of Perianaesthesia Nurses [ICPAN] Conference 1–4 November 2017, Luna Park, Sydney www.icpan2017.com.au Westmead Hospital Critical Care Nursing Conference 3 November 2017 Jennifer.Yanga@health.nsw.gov.au Where is God in mental health? Professional Breakfast 4 Nov 2017, 9 am, Coorong West Ryde http://ncfansw.org - mobile: 0412 862 776 Australian College of Critical Care Nurses NSW Branch Seminar 17 November 2017, Colombo House Theatres, UNSW, Randwick https://www.acccn.com.au/events/event/ nsw-critical-care-seminar-17-november-2017 The Jo Kent-Biggs NETS Neonatal Retrieval Seminar 10 November 2017 Pier One, Sydney Harbour NETS.health.nsw.gov.au jane.roxburgh@nets.health.nsw.gov.au 5th National Elder Abuse Conference 19–20 February 2018 Sofitel Sydney Wentworth togethermakingchange.org.au

EVENTS: INTERSTATE The National Enrolled Nurse Association of Australia (ANMF SIG) 11 October 2017, Wrest Point, Hobart nena.org.au/2017NENAConference.html 20th ACM National Conference 2017 30 October–2 November, Adelaide http://www.acm2017.org/conference2017/ 17th National Nurse Education Conference 1–4 May 2018, Crown Promenade, Melbourne www.dcconferences.com. au/nnec2018

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

Dunedin, New Zealand disability.matters@otago.ac.nz 10th European Congress on Violence in Clinical Psychiatry 26–28 October 2017 Crown Plaza, Dublin, Ireland http://www.oudconsultancy.nl/dublin_10_ ECVCP/index.html 3rd World Congress on Midwifery and Women’s Health November 13–17 2017, London, UK http://midwifery.conferenceseries.com/europe/ 4th Commonwealth Nurses and Midwives Conference 12 March 2018 London, UK http://www.commonwealthnurses.org/ conference2018 3rd Asian Conference in Nursing Education April 18–20 2018 Yogyakarta, Indonesia. http://acine2018.fk.ugm.ac.id/ 12th PACEA CONFERENCE: Preconference training courses 4–6 June 2018 Taipei, Taiwan http://ncfi.org/conference/ ncfi-pacea-regional-conference/ NCFI PACEA Conference ‘Christian nursing in a troubled world’ 7–11 June 2018 Chientan Youth Activity Center, Taipei, Taiwan ncfi.org/conference/ ncfi-pacea-regional-conference

EVENTS: REUNIONS Sydney Hospital Graduate Nurses’ Reunion Lunch 4 October 2017 Parliament House, Macquarie Street Jeanette Fox: (02) 4751 4829 or bekysa@tpg.com.au Hornsby Ku-Ring-Gai Hospital 1984 intake Orange Group 30th Reunion Saturday, October 14 2017, Sydney susan.cushway@health.nsw.gov.au St George Hospital Graduate Nurses Association 70th Anniversary and Reunion 22 October 2017, 12 pm The Gardens on Forest, 764 Forest Rd,

CROSSWORD SOLUTION

VENTS: E INTERNATIONAL IHF 41st World Hospital Congress 7 October – 9 November Taipei International Convention Centre, Taiwan https://ihfnews.files. wordpress.com/2017/01/ ihf-tapei-call-for-abstracts11jan17.pdf Disability Matters: Making the Convention Real 26-27 November 2017 50 | THE LAMP OCTOBER 2017

Peakhurst Joan Wagstaff: 02 9771 2508 Lewisham Hospital Graduate Nurses Association Annual Lunch Saturday 4 November Dalton Gardens Ryde (formerly Mount St Margarets) 1100 Mass followed by lunch Chris Majewski: 0401 866 377 Tamworth Base Hospital February 1984 Intake 30-Year Reunion 25 November 2017 Rachel.Peake@hnehealth.nsw.gov.au Vickie Croker: Vickie.Croker@hnehealth.nsw. gov.au Wendy Colley: Wendy.Colley@hnehealth.nsw. gov.au Nurses Christian Fellowship, Christmas BBQ 4 December 2017, 6pm Balls Head Reserve, Sydney http://ncfansw.org Prince of Wales, Prince Henry Hospitals and Eastern Suburbs NSW of UNSW 1973 PTS class 17 February 2018, 6 pm Malabar (Randwick) Golf Club Roslyn Kerr: gert@optusnet.com.au Patricia Marshall (Purdy): tapric135@bigpond.com Crown Street Women’s Hospital Graduates March 1968 50-Year Reunion Lunch 1 June 2018 Wendy Wooler kwooler@tpg.com.au RNSH Hospital July 1977 Intake 40-Year Reunion Ann Fincher (Wyllie-Olson) afincher0@gmail. com Linda Tebbutt lyndagtebbutt@gmail.com Tamworth Base Hospital February 1976 intake 40-Year reunion Sandra Cox: sandra.cox@hnehealth.nsw Sean O’Connor: 0408 349 126 Gerard Jeffery: 0417 664 993 Camden District Hospital PTS February 1978 Reunion Gay Woodhouse 0438 422 069 Gay.woodhouse@health.nsw.gov.au

While you look after those who need it most, we’re looking out for you. Contact us to register today.

02 9965 9456

nurses@pulsestaffing.com.au pulsestaffing.com.au

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

r! fe oo

Be A TRI sw P ep t

AL B O OT

WI N

CHANGED YOUR EMAIL? CLASSIFICATION CHANGED?

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

5 nights’ in your very own one bedroom pool villa at the luxurious Villa Kayu Raja. YOU AND A FRIEND WILL ENJOY:

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

lt er

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

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