MNCLHD management has refused to undertake a trial of HSA duties following the presentation of an alternate proposal endorsed by HSU members. 

Management has also maintained its position in requiring HSAs to undertake terminal cleaning duties and in so doing delay them from responding to security or duress calls within Kempsey Hospital. The HSU has formally rejected the position taken by management.

At a meeting yesterday afternoon, members undertook a vote. Effective immediately, no HSU member working as a HSA at Kempsey Hospital is to undertake any terminal cleaning tasks. Members also agreed that as the only health security presence at KDH, HSAs will continue to prioritise security tasks as per Award descriptions. 

This dispute has allowed for HSU members to voice their concerns around inadequate resourcing, not only in security services, but also patient support services. The Union urges members throughout Kempsey Hospital to monitor your workloads and inform your union representatives of concerns around workloads and resourcing. Together, we can demand better.

If you know someone who hasn’t yet joined the HSU, tell them to take the plunge today. There’s never been a more important time for health workers to stand together. New members can join at www.hsu.asn.au/join or call 1300 478 679.