What's happening at RPH/Bentley?
Friday 10 Apr 2015
Lead Organiser Richard Barlow and Senior Organiser Melissa Wagner recently met with Dr Aresh Anwar, Assistant Executive Director, Royal Perth Hospital/Bentley Hospital, and other senior management personnel to discuss the next steps at RPH and Bentley and potential impacts on members.
Members at both RPH and Bentley have recently been subjected to significant changes, mostly because of the reconfiguration of services at Fiona Stanley Hospital.
Based on feedback from Workplace Reps and members, the meeting addressed several issues, including "unattached staff" - permanent employees who do not yet have a substantive position. We were advised that there are 39 HSUWA-covered employees on this list.
There are still two processes to play out. First, a number of Level G-3 positions need to be filled and it is likely that most, if not all, of these will be filled by Level G-2 staff. Second, some members on the list are waiting to hear if their EOI for voluntary severance is accepted.
There was some reticence by management about Dr Anwar's recent commitment that all permanent employees will remain permanent staff members. This was because of the prospective changes to the redundancy regulations by the Barnett Government. We will be taking this up with SMAHS and WA Health.
For Bentley, it seems decisions about jobs are on hold until decisions about the mix of services Bentley will have are made. This delay is causing avoidable stress and anxiety for members. The Government and WA Health have had ample time to plan for reconfigured health services, but appear to making decisions on the run.
While this does not shed much more light than what was covered in Dr Anwar's presentation to Bentley staff in February, it seems clear that Obstetrics will close, surgical services will be limited, and there will be fewer beds.
We were also advised that Allied Health at both sites is being reviewed and changes are likely to be announced in May / June.
RPH and Bentley will likely be integrated, with changes to management and reporting structures. We have requested consultation about any changes to Allied Health structures. If members would like to discuss this further, please contact Melissa Wagner at mwagner@hsuwa.com.au.
Management advised that there is no specific plan to outsource Medical Typing beyond what is currently done and they are looking to extend the list of providers to better manage risk. They believe the current Medical Typing workforce numbers was about right and likely to remain for the foreseeable future.
Dr Anwar agreed to provide a list of current fixed-term contract positions. This will help determine if there are any areas where temporary employment is excessive, or if a member has a claim to permanence. Dr Anwar said there was not a systemic block to permanent employment.
With regard to the immediate future of RPH and Bentley, there is a significant financial deficit, continuing demand for services, ABF, and changes to the mix of services.
Dr Anwar agreed that we should establish a more formal consultative process to work through the coming changes.
We should be able to report further on that following our next meeting with Dr Anwar in a couple of weeks.
You are the eyes and ears of the union. If you are aware of changes in your department or work area please let us know. If you would like to discuss workplace changes or other issues please contact the union office on 9328 5155 or union@hsuwa.com.au
