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The ANMF (SA Branch) has received written assurance that SA Health will commit to “the early and full implementation” of existing Department for Health and Wellbeing policies addressing the issues of workplace violence, aggression and fatigue.
This commitment was won as part of our recent in-principle Enterprise Bargaining Agreement with a proposal received from the State Government that retains our existing working conditions as well as offering a two per cent wage increase each year over three consecutive years, backdated to January 1, 2020.
Back in March, ANMF (SA Branch) members responded favourably to the proposed SA Health Challenging Behaviour Strategic Framework, which describes how to prevent and respond to challenging behaviour during health care, to minimise potential harm to staff and consumers.
ANMF (SA Branch)’s professional team had reviewed and compared its own 10-Point Plan to End Violence and Aggression against the framework and believes the latter addresses criteria identified in our 10-Point Plan.
The policy guideline gives clear and easy-to-understand information on processes and aims of the policy.
In addition, SA Health chief executive Dr Chris McGowan further confirmed that if a Local Health Network wished to develop its own policy/ies on the issues, the policy would need to be no less than the approved Departmental policy and be subject to the consultative provisions of the proposed new enterprise agreement.
ANFM (SA Branch) CEO/Secretary Adj. Associate Professor Elizabeth Dabars AM said the full implementation of the proposed SA Health framework was vital for its success.
“We are very pleased SA Health has given this commitment to early and full implementation of Departmental policies to counter the scourge of violence and fatigue across the health system in this state,’’ Ms Dabars said.
“Violence and fatigue are two key issues for members which had led to state-wide campaign action last year.’’