Australian Paramedics Association NSW | Non-governmental organisation (NGO)

Australian Paramedics Association NSW

Phone: (02) 9564 3261

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24.01.2022 Captured last night: 8 cars trapped in bed block at John Hunter Hospital. Another 3 were stuck waiting elsewhere in the Hunter. These scenes illustrate the NSW Government's ongoing failure to adequately address regional communities' healthcare needs. We’ll be representing Paramedic voices in submissions to a new inquiry into healthcare in non-metropolitan NSW. Take this survey to tell us your story, and help us get the complete picture: https://bit.ly/3lYBcao

23.01.2022 We have recently been receiving more questions about what entitlements you have access to if you have to go home due to COVID-19 symptoms. If you are directed home due to symptoms (such as temperature over 37.5, mild cold or cough) NSW Ambulance have stated you will have to use your sick leave. We find this practice abhorrent. If you are directed home when you do not believe you are unwell, advise your manager that you are not sick and do not believe you should have to take... sick leave. Visit a doctor and get a certificate stating you are not unfit and then apply to have your sick leave recredited. If you contract COVID-19, this is covered under Workers Compensation. You don’t have to prove you got it at work, thanks to advocacy from David Shoebridge MP and APA (NSW) delegates. In these cases your sick leave will be recredited. If you are running out of sick leave, let us know immediately. We will strongly fight for you to be given more special leave. No Paramedic should be out of pocket for absences directed by NSW Ambulance. If NSW Health are serious about tackling COVID-19 then they should not be making it harder for Paramedics to stay home when they have symptoms.

20.01.2022 After APA (NSW) pushed for genuine consultation, NSW Ambulance have released a survey to all staff regarding changes to the Paramedic Initiated Transfer Policy. We want to ensure that everyone is provided with the information they need to make an informed vote. If you vote to INCLUDE other roles, such as DOMs and SOs, in the Paramedic Initiated Transfer Policy, this will mean that those positions are first advertised to people who currently hold those roles substantively.The... position will only be advertised to the wider workforce if no one elects to transfer into the vacancy. This may result in very few or no positions being available to Paramedics in more sought after locations. If you vote to NOT INCLUDE other roles, such as DOMs and SOs, then there would be no change to the Paramedic Initiated Transfer Policy. This would mean that positions are filled through current merit-based selection processes, such as assessment centres. If current substantive SOs and DOMs wanted to transfer to other areas, they would also have to go through the assessment centre, achieve a ranking, and be offered positions as they come up. Please see our recent member updates for more information.

19.01.2022 APA (NSW) is standing in solidarity with all public sector workers today at the "Scrap the Wage Cuts" Rally. Paramedics and our frontline colleagues have worked tirelessly through fires, floods and the COVID pandemic. Every obstacle that we have faced in the past year, we have worked to overcome. The thanks we get from the NSW Government is empty words.

19.01.2022 Thank you to all those who have been taking part in our weekly survey on Friday night deployment levels. NSW Ambulance CAN and MUST act now to ensure communities are adequately covered. The solutions aren’t complicated! ... Update the MOLs to meet current demand, Fairly compensate staff who work Friday night shifts with penalty pay, and Employ more Paramedics See more

19.01.2022 More evidence of what we already know: systemic underfunding by NSW Health has been leaving NSW communities behind. In south-west Sydney, lower spending and fewer health workers mean second-class outcomes for a community already left behind by Ambulance’s cost-cutting ‘Superstation’ model

18.01.2022 APA (NSW) is aware that staff have been informed that if they need to access personal carer's leave, they must produce supporting documentation (ie a statutory declaration or medical certificate). We do not believe that a blanket requirement for supporting documentation is consistent with the spirit of the Leave Matters Policy. The policy is intended to make things easier for people trying to take personal leave. NSW Ambulance should take a reasonable approach when determining whether documentation is required. We have requested a meeting with NSW Ambulance to address concerns that members have raised with us regarding this practice. Please let us know if you have had any issues access carer's leave, or any issues with pay being withheld due to a lack of documentation for carer's leave.

18.01.2022 WILL YOUR COMMUNITY BE ADEQUATELY COVERED THIS FRIDAY NIGHT? Friday night deployment levels continue to be a critical issue across the state. We really appreciate everyone completing this survey each week, we're gathering some significant evidence about how widespread this issue is.... To help us address this issue, take this survey to let us know how your station is faring this week: http://bit.ly/fridaynightMOL

16.01.2022 Your Executive in action: Secretary Gary Wilson and Committee Member Brendan McIlveen at NSW Ambulance today. APA (NSW) has been advocating for increasing MOLs to safely meet demand, and ensuring Paramedics swapping lines for Annual Leave aren’t forced to work excessive unpaid overtime

16.01.2022 This week, the latest edition of APA (NSW)’s Newsletter will be arriving at stations across NSW. The newsletter is a reminder of the strength we have in unity and solidarity. It is filled with stories of fights we have taken on and won, and fights that we are continuing to have. We will need this strength in the coming weeks and months, as we fight for our pay on two separate fronts. APA (NSW) has spent time this week speaking to crossbenchers in the NSW Parliament. ... The NSW Government are attempting to legislate a wage cut for the entire public service, and we will not let that happen.

15.01.2022 Yesterday, the IRC handed down their decision regarding the applications made by the PSA, NMA, HSU and ASMOF regarding the annual 2.5% wage increase. This decision does not relate to those employed under the Paramedics and Control Centre Officers (State) Award. The IRC determined that salaries and allowances in the relevant awards should be increased by 0.3% with effect from the first full pay period on or after 1 July 2020. ... In pushing for a wage freeze, the NSW Government has shown how little it truly values frontline workers. We stand in solidarity and fury with all workers who have worked tirelessly through the COVID-19 pandemic and natural disasters. At the beginning of this fight we made the decision to have our case heard separately, and our proceedings are still underway. We will continue to work hard to win every Paramedic the 2.5% wage increase we more than deserve.

15.01.2022 Meet any Paramedic whose been in the job for a while, and what’s the one piece of advice they’ll give you? Not a member yet? You can join your colleagues here https://www.apansw.com.au/join-now/

15.01.2022 After almost three years of advocacy from APA (NSW) delegates, NSW Ambulance has begun consultation on a new fatigue management policy. If you want to join this fight or have questions about this issue, contact APA (NSW) on [email protected]

14.01.2022 R U OKAY DAY CONTENT NOTE: THIS POST DISCUSSES MENTAL HEALTH, DEPRESSION, ANXIETY AND PTSD. We all know the risks that come with being a Paramedic. ... Shift work and the constant exposure to trauma mean that we face an increased risk of depression, anxiety and PTSD. APA (NSW) is grateful to the organisations who recognise the importance of peer and social support for emergency workers. Now, more than ever, we’re all doing it tough, and need to be there for each other.

13.01.2022 One of the ways APA (NSW) helps our members is by providing free access to Ausmed! With registration date coming up at the end of the year, we’ve all started thinking about getting our CPD points done. Ausmed makes it easy to record and gain your CPD points. We recently passed along member feedback to Ausmed about what content you wanted to see more of! We’re also working with Ausmed to come up with some ways for you to gain face to face points during the pandemic.

13.01.2022 When in doubt, call your local delegate. Hear more from Brendan McIlveen in APA (NSW)’s Spring 2020 Newsletter, arriving at stations around NSW in October.

13.01.2022 Recently, NSW Ambulance attempted to release a new Compassionate Transfer policy without consultation. APA (NSW) put a status quo on the policy immediately. We are fighting to ensure that you don’t have to wait for months on end to get an outcome to your application. We are fighting for an application process that ensures you maintain your right to privacy. We are fighting to make sure that the policy is genuinely about compassion, not making it easier for NSW Ambulance to block legitimate transfers. When tough times hit NSW Ambulance should be there to help you, not make everything harder.

12.01.2022 We are receiving increasing reports of secondments being awarded, but release being knocked back due to operational requirements. If NSW Ambulance was genuine about awarding secondments based on merit, they would backfill any secondment requests.

12.01.2022 A safe workplace is one where everyone is respected and can be proud of who they are. We all have a responsibility to create a welcoming environment so that every LGBTQ+ young person considering a career as a Paramedic knows that they will be safe at work.

12.01.2022 Last week was R U OK? day. It’s important for all of us to remember the lessons from R U OK? day and to carry them through every day of the year. Check out https://www.ruok.org.au/triple-ok for some great resources on how to start or continue a conversation with a colleague or friend.

10.01.2022 Often, NSW Ambulance relies on the goodwill of Paramedics utilising their personal vehicles to facilitate staff movements. It’s important to know that you have NO obligation to utilise your own vehicle for work related purposes. If you’re ever unsure of your rights and responsibilities at work, contact your local delegate or the APA (NSW) office at 9564 3261.

10.01.2022 Enough is enough. Take our survey to have your say on regional, rural and remote healthcare! https://app.surveymethods.com/EndUser.aspx

08.01.2022 Does my APA (NSW) membership include Professional Indemnity Insurance? YES! Professional Indemnity Insurance protects your livelihood and your reputation. It provides a range of covers including protection against legal action and financial loss, such as legal costs and damage resulting from alleged malpractice or professional misconduct. Your PII through APA (NSW) covers you everywhere except the United States of America and Canada.

07.01.2022 Paramedics have been saying for years that the NSW Government needs to provide us with more support to help us get the best outcome for our patients. On 2GB this morning, APA (NSW) Executive Member and ICP/ECP Liu Banchi discussed the example of Nepean Hospital, where the needs of the community are not being met by the services available. https://www.2gb.com/push-to-upgrade-nepean-hospital-to-a-m/

06.01.2022 APA (NSW) is receiving more and more reports of above FTE appointments in rural and regional areas. While some forward planning for staff movements makes sense, this should not mean that staff are posted to areas without accommodation. Additional staff should also be matched with additional cars. Rural stations should not be at almost double their FTE for any period of time, let alone for months on end. If you hear of this happening near you, please let us know via our contact form on our website, messenger, or give us a call.

05.01.2022 On Monday, Executive Committee Members Alan Murphy and Brendan McIlveen met with Sonia Hornery MP to advocate for better Paramedic coverage across the Hunter region. Current Minimum Operating Levels are out of step with population and demandleaving patients with substandard service, and causing unnecessary strain on frontline workers

04.01.2022 For weeks, the NSW Government has said they can’t afford the 2.5% annual wage increase for Paramedics. But in today’s budget speech, Treasurer Perrottet used low interest rates to justify public spending and racking up big debts. If the NSW Government can afford to borrow cash for stimulus, they can afford to maintain wages for the frontline workers keeping NSW safe. The Government is using this pandemic as an excuse to steal from Paramedics

01.01.2022 We all need a reminder sometimes that we CAN and MUST stand up for our entitlements. NSW Health cannot continue to provide services to the people of NSW based on 2010 population figures. It’sno wonder Paramedics and Control Centre staff are at breaking point. Take your breaks when you’re entitled to them, take the time to make or buy healthy food, and put your health, safety and wellbeing FIRST.

01.01.2022 In the news this week: APA (NSW) Delegate and frontline Paramedic Joshua Anthony-Taylor speaks to 7News about the dangers posed by understaffing to patients and staff. We’re continuing to fight for more appropriate staffing levels to combat fatigue, overwork and blown-out response times

01.01.2022 REMINDER: HAVE YOUR SAY ON REGIONAL, RURAL AND REMOTE HEALTHCARE! The NSW Parliament has announced an inquiry into health outcomes and access to health services in NSW. We must take this opportunity to tell the NSW Government EXACTLY what it’s like working in regional health care. ... Take the survey and contribute to APA (NSW)’s submissions to the Inquiry here: https://app.surveymethods.com/EndUser.aspx

01.01.2022 Paramedics in border towns are doing it tough at the moment. It feels like every day there are new rules and restrictions coming out due to COVID-19. On the QLD/NSW border, Paramedics are having to isolate for fourteen days if they leave their border bubble for work. The current special leave limit is 20 days, meaning that you could run out of special leave if you leave your border bubble multiple times. ... APA (NSW) is fighting hard to change that. This is an unacceptable attack on the pay of the people on the frontline of the COVID-19 crisis.