The announcement by the federal government 5 weeks ago that Covid-19 vaccinations will be mandatory for aged care workers will no doubt have ramifications across the broader health sector. Conversations are being held at the highest levels regarding how mandatory vaccinations will impact other health services.
Recent surveys have reported that approximately 75% of the population support mandatory vaccinations for workers. It seems that the writing is on the wall, the only decision left is when will governments pull the trigger. If you are planning to be vaccinated but have not yet made an appointment, it would be worth looking into your options before an announcement is made and there is an inevitable rush on vaccination bookings. See below for further details.
MICA SELECTION & MICA INTERNSHIP PROGRAM
On 3 August AV emailed all operational employees re the new MICA selection program. AEAV will review the changes in consultation with members. One stand out concern is AV’s continued reliance on psychometric testing. A recruitment “tool” that has failed every time AV have used it for internal recruitment and has resulted in AV over-riding the results. You can read more about the programHERE.
PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY’S EMERGENCY DEMAND CONSULTATIVE AND ADVISORY FORUM
On Thursday of last week I attended the third and final meeting of the PSEDC&AF. The third meeting concentrated on actions being put in place in the short term and discussion around long term fixes to address the issues of demand exceeding supply of services. To read more about the outcomes of the Forum click HERE.
MEDIUM ACUITY TRANSPORT SERVICE PROPOSAL
Recently AEAV were invited to a meeting with AV where it was announced that AV would be implementing a Medium Acuity Transport Service trial as part of the $759 million investment budgeted by the Victorian Government. The trial is for additional resources to attend code 2 & 3’s with crews made up of Transition to Retirement staff and Graduates who are on the Order of Merit but not next in line to be offered a GAP position. Although we are supportive of additional resources and believe the program has merit, AEAV has written to AV expressing concerns about the rushed implementation and some other concerns that are yet to be ironed out. You can read our letter and the response from AV HERE.
FTS GRIEVANCE
The AEAV is in the process of preparing a grievance on behalf of Financial Transaction Services (FTS) team members regarding the Mercer work value classification system. Classifications have been decided under the black hole that is the Mercer system, and workers are left completely in the dark about how their work value has been determined. To read more about the Mercer system and the issues for FTS and other admin staff covered by it read our article HERE.
ESTA UCC UPDATE
The ESTA UCC was held on 27 July and covered ARO for ErtComm, Peer Support, Info statements, Training Courses, Mental Health Training, Benestar Visits, Selection Processes for courses, CAD updates and so on. Read notes from the UCC HERE.
MEMBER WINS IN DEFENCE OF HIS AHPRA REGISTRATION
Last year we told you about the win we had in VCAT challenging AHPRA’s decision to suspend Rob Paton’s paramedic registration whilst they investigated an incident where Rob had defended himself against an aggressive patient. On 23 June 2021 AHPRA completed their investigation and concluded that no further action need be taken, so Rob is free to continue on in the profession he loves. Read more about Rob’s case HERE.
TAX OPTIONS FOR WORKERS
The AEAV has struck a deal with AASB accounting to provide AEAV members a 10% discount on their tax returns. AASB has extensive experience preparing tax returns for Ambulance workers and health care workers. To read more about the offer click HERE.
HEALTH AND WELLBEING FEEDBACK
Ambulance Victoria is seeking submissions for their next iteration of their mental health action plan. This is a big area for fixing cultural problems at AV, however, we’ve all heard stories of their penchant for retribution – which makes us wonder whether anyone would contribute. If you’re keen to contribute anonymously, use our suggestion box HERE to provide feedback that we will pass on to AV.
COVID-19 VACCINATION INFORMATION
Healthcare workers have always been a priority, as the risk to you on the front line is greater. Currently the Victorian Government is providing priority access to Pfizer vaccines for healthcare workers. Ambulance Victoria have asked that we provide details to staff about how to access this, and how to log your vaccine in Kiosk. Click HERE for the information.
A joint statement from AHPRA and TGA can be found HERE. AHPRA documents provide information about any impact on registration status.
If you have any questions or concerns about the current arrangements for AV operational staff, please reach out to the AEAV on 9287 1713 or via email at [email protected]
JOKE OF THE WEEK
Barry walks into a dentist’s office and says, “I think I’m a moth.”
Dentist: “You shouldn’t be here. You should be seeing a psychiatrist…”
Barry: “I am seeing a psychiatrist.”
Dentist: “Well then what are you doing here?”
Barry: “Your light was on.”
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]
