Following 6 months of their concerns falling on deaf ears, members in Medical Records at Sydney Hospital yesterday walked off the job for 2 hours to demonstrate their frustration at short staffing and increased workloads.

Members are not asking for anything unreasonable. All they want is an immediate increase of 5FTE to help with increasing workloads and clear the backlog, followed by a review of the staffing profile – something that hasn’t happened for over 10 years. 

As part of this campaign, the HSU has made a formal complaint to SafeWork NSW on behalf of members and requested an investigation. 

Management might be unwilling to commit to staffing increases or give a timeframe about when a review might commence, but we know SafeWork will be interested in hearing from members and investigating these serious matters.

The action yesterday is the first step in an escalating campaign around staffing which will also support members at Prince of Wales Hospital.

We know Medical Records is not the only area experiencing these issues. In many other departments, workloads have also been increasing and staff are under pressure to pick up extra duties without additional help.

If you or your colleagues are experiencing these problems and want to take a stand, the first step is to encourage everyone to join the Union so our concerns are taken seriously. New members can join at www.hsu.asn.au/join or call 1300 478 679.

Second step is to contact the HSU. Email [E-Mail not displayed] and an Organiser will speak to you and your workmates about how to take action and demand a safe working environment.