05 January 2021
Following concerns raised by the ANMF (SA Branch) about very high demand and stress levels at the RAH, CALHN has responded by declaring its intention to implement the SA Health Fatigue Management Framework as a “key focus in 2021”.
CALHN says a Staff Wellbeing Strategic Framework is being developed, which will include strategies to prevent fatigue and burnout.
A pilot of the FScan Tool (fatigue risk assessment and management tool) has been undertaken across a number of key areas and the health network is also developing a new roster to support fatigue management.
ANMF (SA Branch) members have previously informed us that there is inadequate staff available to meet demand, with members being asked if they could return from annual leave or being told that their annual leave requests cannot be approved at this time.
CALHN has subsequently advised they are actively recruiting to vacancies and exploring new opportunities for newly graduated Registered Nurses and newly qualified Enrolled Nurses.
In addition, CALHN says expressions and registrations of interest in voluntary separation packages (VSPs) will be “carefully assessed’’ to ensure they do not impact on clinical outcomes or quality of service.
CALHN says it will maintain open communication with the ANMF (SA Branch) regarding VSPs.
The ANMF (SA Branch) will continue to work closely with our members and monitor the situation at the RAH as it progresses.
“We remain very concerned about the extremely high work levels for staff and whilst the implementation of fatigue management policies is encouraging we need long-term solutions to address staff shortages and the corresponding issues relating to burnout,” said ANMF (SA Branch) CEO/Secretary Adj. Associate Professor Elizabeth Dabars AM.
Read the full CALHN response
here.