Over recent days the Covid numbers and the overall case numbers indicate that we are heading for a very bleak period in the lead up to the end of the year. Unfortunately, we entered the pandemic with a health service that was already stretched to the brink and employers had already brought in changes to meet their KPI’s. Many of these changes adversely impact your welfare and have meant that surge capacity was already exhausted to some degree.
This has left the system vulnerable to changes in demand. An adequately resourced health service would have been more prepared for increases in demand and could have largely avoided the current situation where the general public and healthcare workers have competing priorities. AEAV is continuing to push for adequate support for all ambulance staff over the next few months, and for a significant rethink of how we fund health services into the future.
UPDATE ON SINGLE OFFICER AND ACO TRAINING PROGRAM – ‘SPARES’ TRIAL
Recently, AEAV wrote to Ambulance Victoria’s, in response to AV’s draft outline for the Single Officer and ACO Training Program. The program is AV’s attempt to fulfil their obligations under the Enterprise Agreement to develop a ‘Spares’ Trial. The AEAV believes the proposed trial does not satisfy this obligation and fails to address safety concerns.
Read the letter that AEAV sent to AV HERE.
PSYCHOMETRIC TESTING OVERALL OUTCOME SCORES
We recently heard back from AV regarding the MICA Selection and Feedback Program. They have unfortunately not provided clarification around the components of the Overall Outcome Score (OOS) or whether the same process will be used for other positions. However, we received greater clarity around how psychometric scores will be used and how candidates are deemed suitable for the MICA recruitment process. You can read the full response HERE.
AHPRA OBLIGATIONS FOR AEAV MEMBERS
An important reminder to all AEAV members: please familiarise yourself with your obligations with AHPRA in relation to the COVID-19 vaccination program. Specifically we’d like to draw your attention to the following:
“Any promotion of anti-vaccination statements or health advice which contradicts the best available scientific evidence or seeks to actively undermine the national immunisation campaign (including via social media) is not supported by National Boards and may be in breach of the codes of conduct and subject to investigation and possible regulatory action.”
IMPORTANT COVID-19 VACCINE UPDATE:
The Acting Chief Heath Officer today confirmed the mandatory vaccination directive for healthcare workers. All healthcare workers will need to have their first dose of a COVID-19 vaccine by Friday 29 October and the second dose by Friday 15 October. You can read the full directive HERE.
You can read the United Workers Union (UWU) position on Australia’s vaccination program HERE.
COVID-19 POSITIVE PATIENT NOTIFICATION RESPONSE
AV recently announced the implementation of an automated notification system for when AV crews are attending the known premises of a COVID-19 positive patient. In announcing the long overdue implementation of a system that AEAV asked for 18 months ago, AV indicated that they would no longer be asking screening questions that were put in place to identify premises where people were required to isolate.
The AEAV wrote to AV on 13 September 2021 and protested that the COVID-19 screening questioning should not be scrapped. On 23 September 2021 AV responded and agreed to continue with the questioning. A win for paramedics and patient transport officers. Read AV’s response HERE.
COMPLETE OUR MEMBER SURVEY
The AEAV are conducting an opinion survey of members to inform and improve union campaigns and member benefits. A reminder to complete it when you get a chance. You should have an email from us specifically about the survey. You can also access it HERE.
INCOME PROTECTION INSURANCE
Income Protection (IP) covers members when they cannot work due to illness or injury contracted or occurred outside of working hours.
Primarily members take out IP for peace of mind in case they unexpectedly fall ill or injure themselves. More recently, the union has seen an increase in members applying for IP during the pandemic to ensure financial protection from complications that could arise from contracting Covid-19.
In July, AEAV delegates requested Operations EMECs formulate an ARO roster to support Ertcomm dispatchers to reduce pressure on TL’s and improve service delivery to AV and the Victorian Community. Delegates are pleased to report that ESTA have outlined a plan – that when an extra Ertcomm dispatcher is already on shift at THO, WFM will roster that dispatcher as an ARO between 1400hrs and 0200hrs.
The doctor says, “Larry, everything looks great. How are you doing mentally and emotionally? Are you at peace with God?”
Larry replies, “God and I are tight. He knows I have poor eyesight, so He’s fixed it so when I get up in the middle of the night to go to the bathroom, bang! The light goes on. When I’m done, bang! The light goes off.”
“Wow, that’s incredible,” the doctor says.
A little later in the day, the doctor calls Larry’s wife.
“Bonnie,” he says, “Larry is doing fine! But I had to call you because I’m in awe of his relationship with God. Is it true that when he gets up during the night to go the bathroom the light automatically goes on, and then when he’s done the light goes off?”
“Oh, no,” exclaims Bonnie. “He’s peeing in the refrigerator again!”
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]
