As members will be aware, the HSU has been in dispute with NBMLHD management following the removal of a contract security officer from the Mental Health Unit at Nepean Hospital earlier this year which led to a number of serious assaults.

Members in the security department met and endorsed work bans. The Union subsequently appeared in the NSW Industrial Relations Commission following a dispute notification. The Commission recommended a minimum of two security officers be rostered in addition to the TAC Officer on an interim basis while discussions continued.

While NBMLHD management has reinstated the security officer, they are now recommending moving to replace Security Officers with a HASA staffing model in the TAC. The HSU has opposed this move as it is believed that this staffing model would make it more difficult to relieve HASAs if required which could ultimately reduce security in this area.

The District has now supplied the below documents in support of their proposal:

• NBMLHD Mental Health Security Report October 2021
• Unconfirmed minutes, Mental Health SCC 30 November 2021
• Triage and Assessment Centre Model of Care
• HASA Position Description
• HASA Role Card

The HSU is now seeking feedback from affected members. Please email [E-Mail not displayed] with your comments.

If you know someone who is not yet a member of the Union, tell them to join today and have their say. New members can join at www.hsu.asn.au/join or call 1300 478 679.