In the last week or so we have spoken a few times to the media about the current demand crisis and have focused on the fact that we went into the pandemic with a broken system. Our view is that if we don’t highlight the issues and push back on the rhetoric that Covid broke the system then we are destined to never learn and be better prepared for future events. To catch up on some of the media check below. We will continue to push back on the messaging and build the platform for a different approach to health moving forward.
ST JOHN BARGAINING
The AEAV is involved in negotiations with St Johns and other representative bodies to commence discussions on the inaugural St John Ambulance Enterprise Agreement. To date, St John Ambulance staff have been covered by the iterations of the Ambulance and Patient Transport Industry Award 2020. This will be an opportunity for St John Ambulance members to have a say on their conditions of employment. To be engaged in the process please email us at [email protected] or call on 9287 1713. Don’t forget to leave a message if we don’t answer immediately.
LATERAL TRANSFERS
The AEAV has written to AV regarding their approach to lateral transfers and the inconsistencies around these. We cannot publish the letter because of confidentiality for the member but the concerns raised in the letter are like those raised by other members. Lateral transfers can be a good way to get suitably qualified people into desired positions and locations but without clear guidelines around the process, it can lead to inconsistency and positions not being filled permanently for extended periods. This causes distrust in the system and in some cases prolonged instability. If you have concerns regarding the lateral transfer process, please contact us at [email protected] or call on 9287 1713 and leave a message and we will call you back.
PSYCHOMETRIC TESTING
Recently we wrote about the response from AV re the use of psychometric testing in internal recruitment and specifically the MICA recruitment process. You can find the interaction with AV HERE.
The indication was that psychometric testing would not be used as a gatekeeper to enter the remainder of the process.
We were hopeful that this approach would apply for other positions but then we read yesterday the internal advertisement for TM positions. This advert appears to imply that once again if you don’t go well in the 15-minute psychometric test then you will be excluded from the process. We have spoken to AV today to clarify what appears to be a step backwards and are waiting to hear back. If you are worried about how the psychometric testing will impact you then contact us and we can assist with psychometric coaching. For more info on psychometric coaching clickHERE.
HOSPITAL SURGE SUPPORT ALLOWANCE
The Victorian Government is delivering support to paramedics in the form of an allowance of up to $60.00 per shift commencing this week. The new ‘Hospital Surge Support Allowance’ will be paid to patient-facing healthcare workers, providing direct care in public hospital services and Ambulance Victoria, over the next four months. Disappointingly though there are numerous members who will miss out on this completely or receive reduced payments. This is what happens when governments make decisions without consulting those who are impacted.
You can read more about the payments HERE.
RECOGNITION FOR NEPT MEMBERS
The AEAV is particularly disappointed that the state government has not included private patient transport members in the hospital surge support allowance. NEPT members are facing the same challenges as on-road AV staff and deserve respect and recognition for their work. The union is in discussion with the Health Minister and we encourage NEPT members to get in touch to find out how you can play a part in amending this ongoing issue.
Our Secretary Brett Adie has been busy speaking in the media on behalf of members, calling out the fact that the emergency healthcare system had been stretched to breaking long before the pandemic.
Watch Brett on The Project HERE.
And listen to Brett speak with Nicole Chvastek from ABC HERE.
ESTA SERVICE CAPABILITY REVIEW
The Minister for Emergency Services Hon. Jaclyn Symes has called for a review of the Victorian emergency call system. This review is to be run by former Victorian Police Commissioner Mr Graham Ashton.
AEAV officials and Delegate Sharyne Doensen (Tally Ho) will meet with Mr Ashton next week to discuss the recommendations members have collated for the current staffing review.
The union is keen to hear what ESTA member’s want to share with Mr Ashton, so if you haven’t joined the ESTA Staffing Review Facebook group yet, now’s the time. You can do that HERE.
CPD PORTAL TALISIUM NOW FREE!
AEAV have recently made some changes to your Talisium registration, and all courses are now free of charge to members. You will need to register using this link HERE.
Note: registration is processed monthly, so there will be a short wait period before you can gain access.
Another great benefit for AEAV members!
JOKE OF THE WEEK
A priest, a minister, and a rabbi want to see who’s best at his job. So, they each go into the woods, find a bear, and attempt to convert it.
Later they get together.
The priest begins: “When I found the bear, I read to him from the Catechism and sprinkled him with holy water. Next week is his First Communion.”
“I found a bear by the stream,” says the minister, “and preached God’s holy word. The bear was so mesmerized that he let me baptise him.”
They both look down at the rabbi, who is lying on a stretcher in a body cast. “Looking back,” he says, “maybe I shouldn’t have started with the circumcision.”
KEEP IN TOUCH
As always, if you have any issues, questions or queries, get in touch by leaving a message on 9287 1713 or email [email protected]
