As you know, the HSU has been involved in a dispute with Mid North Coast LHD around their interpretation of HSA duties at Kempsey Hospital. 

At a meeting of HSA members, the following position was endorsed:

No HSU member, that is required to undertake the role of HSA at the Kempsey Hospital, will be undertaking terminal cleaning as part of their duties, as doing so prevents an immediate response to a security issue. Subsequently, if any HSU member is reprimanded for abiding by these conditions, the HSU will take immediate and effective action.

Following the meeting with HSA members, the HSU wrote to management on behalf of members to inform them that “the position articulated by the MNCLHD that terminal cleans are part of a HSA’s duties is rejected.”

We have now been made aware of an email from management to the effect that they do not agree with the prioritisation of duties by HSAs and believe that HSAs should be undertaking terminal cleaning duties at Kempsey Hospital. 

The HSU urges members to maintain your endorsed position. Hold the line and continue to prioritise your security duties, as agreed upon by your fellow members. 

The Union is once again writing to management to outline this position. We urge you to keep record of any discussions with management and to contact the HSU immediately if any further disciplinary action is threatened against you.

In unity,

Gerard Hayes

Secretary, HSU NSW/ACT/QLD