Here are some important updates on proposed funding cuts in NSLHD: 

1. Stop Work Rally  

Yesterday, NSLHD HSU members in Allied Health and Admin stopped work for one hour to send the LHD one message: STOP THE CUTS AND VALUE OUR WORK.

Members unanimously passed a resolution (see below) demanding immediate action from NSLHD. If NSLHD fails to meet these requests, HSU Allied Health and Admin members will commence industrial action on Tuesday 15 October.  

2. Meeting with NSLHD Executive and Chief Executive 

HSU delegates from RNSH, Hornsby and Mona Vale Hospital met with the NSLHD Executive after the stop work meeting. We should’ve brought our corporate buzzword bingo card. Here’s what came out of the meeting:  

• Management want to make $55m in “savings”, much of which will be through “affordable staffing”, and current budget does not support staffing.
• Proposed cuts are on top of current vacancies. The District is hiding the number of current vacancies.
• Staffing will be determined by what management believe the activity levels are. 
• They want to reduce length of stay. 
• They stated it was uncommon for a vacant position not to be filled within 10 days.
• The District wants to review “management staffing levels” but no details has been given.  

These comments prove one thing: management are completely disconnected from the frontline. While they talk about “affordable staffing”, HSU members are fighting to keep services afloat.  

HSU delegates also informed management of the resolution from yesterday’s stop work rally.  

3. Next steps 

It’s time to get ready to take action.  

Union members have made a commitment: industrial action will only be withdrawn if NSLHD commits to working with HSU members to achieve Safe Staffing levels.  

HSU reps from each department at each site will are meeting to develop proposed industrial work bans for each profession and department. These will be put to vote of all affected members. It is crucial these bans are developed by members, for members. If you can step up to be a part of this planning, please email [E-Mail not displayed].

4. HSU Resolution 

If you missed the stop work meeting yesterday, you can read the resolution here:  

HSU members in NSLHD cannot sustain more cuts to budgets and staffing. Staff already perform work beyond their hours every day to keep services running. NSLHD’s proposal to find $55 million in cost savings will cause catastrophic impact to staff, patients and the community. 

HSU members resolve to fight these proposed staffing cuts through escalating industrial action commencing October 15 unless NSLHD guarantees the following: 

1. No reduction in FTE or budget for any HSU Award covered positions.
2. The immediate cessation of the termination of any and all temporary and expiring contracts.
3. Approval is granted to fill all current and future vacant positions within ten days.
4. A district wide review of HSU covered positions, commencing with Allied Health and Administration, to determine the safe staffing levels is implemented.
5. Immediately implement recommendations contained in option 1 of the Mona Vale Hospital Safe Staffing review.