Reconfiguration changes take shape

Thursday 18 Dec 2014

While the news is less certain for some people working in WA Health, across the South Metro, the end of the beginning of the reconfiguration is finally in sight.

This time last year it seemed clerical and admin positions at Fiona Stanley Hospital would be contracted out to Serco. While it has been a difficult and stressful year for many we should appreciate that the scenario for HSUWA members is preferable to the one United Voice members are facing.

The initial phase of the reconfiguration for members at RPH and Fremantle Hospital is nearly complete with most employees allocated roles and / or positions. At RPH there are about 15 vacancies at Level 3, which will be advertised internally for Level 2s. There is a similar number of employees at Level 2 who have not yet been allocated roles or positions, so the final outcome should see nearly all clerks and secretaries staying at RPH, should they wish to.

At Fremantle Hospital there are two Level 2s, one Level 3 and a small number of other staff awaiting positions.

Members may have seen the latest advertisement for a range of Level 2 positions at FSH. FSH management said there are about 130 FTE of vacant Level 2 positions to be filled before the hospital opens in February 2015. There are about 50 people in the recruitment pool, many of whom, for one reason or another, are not being placed at this time.

For members at Swan Districts Hospital, there has not been a reliable flow of information between the proposed external employer, St John of God, the separately managed project team at Swan, and area management in North Metro. We will be working to clarify these issues in the new year.

The nature of the changes to date means many members will have to deal with new jobs, new departments, different hours, and changes to shift allowances, to name a few challenges. While some of these changes may not be able to be amended, many will be able to.

If you need advice or assistance please call the union office on 9328 5155 or email union@hsuwa.com.au