HNELHD is proposing to alter the current Bedmaker/ afternoon shift Cleaner model within the Patient Support Services department at John Hunter Hospital.

The proposal involves:

• Merging of the two teams (Bedmaker and afternoon shift Cleaner) with a change in title to “Cleaning Squad”
• Scheduled “afternoon shift” duties will be spread across the team
• All staff will be allocated a DECT phone and blocks where they will be responsible for scheduled duties and infectious/discharge cleans and bedmaking as required
• Task allocation will be received via the DECT phone and/or the Leading Hand on duty and/or direct request from the Wards
• Revised Duty schedules to include the new task allocations - each staff member will have a dedicated cleaning responsibility and individual duty schedule
• Shift length to be 8.5 hours in duration rather than 8 hours to incorporate 30 minute unpaid break as per relevant Award conditions

You can view the correspondence at the below link:

• Letter to HSU

What do you think?

It’s important for union members to lead this discussion. How will this affect you? Please send your feedback on this proposal to [E-Mail not displayed] by COB Thursday 1st June 2023, using the subject line JHH Patient Support Services Changes.

If no members raise concerns, the Union may take no action in response to the proposal.

Your union at work

Everyone affected by these changes needs to be a union member. Members deserve to have control over their working lives. Tell your colleagues now is the time to join.

New members can join at www.hsu.asn.au/join or call 1300 478 679.