22 June 2022
The ANMF (SA Branch) is calling on the State Government and SA Health to reinstate free or subsidised hospital car parking for health workers.
The measure was introduced under the previous government in response to the COVID pandemic to support frontline staff as they protected the health of South Australians. The Labor Government has now indicated the incentive will conclude with payments/deductions to recommence in the second pay period in July. They claim this is a result of the COVID emergency declaration being revoked last month.
ANMF (SA Branch) CEO/Secretary Adj Associate Professor Elizabeth Dabars AM told ABC Radio the Government needs to rethink that decision.
“We have been urging the former government and now this Government to try and provide incentives to encourage people to remain in, or rejoin the health care profession given the current and impending workforce shortages,’’ Ms Dabars said.
“So imposing those car parking fees on people in this environment is really contrary to encouraging participation.’’
The ANMF (SA Branch) has written to SA Health urging it to extend the car parking incentive.
“The system is still at breaking point. Public sector hospitals across the state are in ‘Code Yellow’ or other heightened operational levels due to increased demand from influenza, COVID and other seasonal admissions,’’ Ms Dabars said.
“There is a nursing and midwifery shortage which has been exacerbated by furloughed staff and heightened demand and capacity. Members are working double shifts, additional shifts, and overtime to maintain care.
“We do not believe that recommencing parking fees in this current environment will assist the system in efforts to recruit and retain nursing and midwifery staff or to maximise participation.
“Recommencing payments, which can be upwards of $1000 per annum, is a big blow to their budget.
“We cannot understand the rationale behind this decision, given the predicted peak of the new COVID subvariant BA.5. Modelling suggests COVID presentations are expected to increase next week and peak around mid-July. Again, adding further strain on the workforce.’’
The ANMF (SA Branch) will continue to advocate for the reinstatement of free car parking for the Nursing and Midwifery workforce who continue to work tirelessly, without reward and with real risk to their own safety.