ANMF nurses from the Launceston General Hospital Emergency Department go on strike over staffing and resourcing issues

The ongoing dispute between the ANMF and the health department has resulted in nurses taking industrial action they say would result in a code yellow.

ANMF Tasmania Branch Secretary Emily Shepherd shares why IVF Tas nurses are preparing for industrial action. Picture: Stephanie Dalton

The Department of Health has denied reports that strike action has forced the Launceston General Hospital Emergency Department to declare a code yellow.

LGH ED workers from the Australian Nursing and Midwifery Federation (ANMF) went on strike on Wednesday morning as part of an ongoing dispute with the Department over staffing and resourcing.

ANMF Tasmanian Branch Secretary Emily Shepherd said the industrial action would result in a code yellow.

However, LGH Chief Executive Fiona Lieutier said no such code had been activated.

“The current status at the LGH is operating as normal and we are working with our operational managers and clinical staff to provide ongoing care and our usual services at the LGH.

“A code yellow is an internal hospital emergency that can only be called by the DoH (Department of Health) in exceptional circumstances.

“The public are advised if, and when, a code yellow is put in place.”

Launceston General Hospital. Picture: Amber Wilson

Mr Shepherd said nurses were prepared to escalate industrial action if their demands were unmet.

“It is unfortunate that LGH ED members have had to take this action when their calls for additional resources to support the additional workload of the transfer of care procedure have been ignored,” she said.

“The ANMF has lobbied the Tasmanian government the DoH and even raised members’ concerns in the Tasmanian Industrial Commission regarding the eventuality that has now transpired.

“The increase in transfer of care of patients has meant an increase of patients in the waiting room and the corridors without an increase in staffing.

“This may mean a faster transfer into the ED – it has not led to quicker treatment or care.”

Minister Guy Barnett. House of Assembly question time returns in the Tasmanian parliament after the Winter break. Picture: Nikki Davis-Jones

Health Minister Guy Barnett said the DoH was working with the ANMF to address the issues.

“Recruitment remains an ongoing focus, which is why we are undertaking a recruitment blitz that is delivering, with over 600 staff joining the ranks since late April, including 176 nurses,” Mr Barnett said.

“I can confirm the department is also working to bring in up to 10 agency nurses at the LGH to cover shifts while longer-term recruitment is concluded, which I absolutely support.

“I remain in contact with the ANMF to progress in a collaborative and constructive way, as we all want the same thing – to ensure we are providing the best possible care to Tasmanians, when and where they need it.”

Originally published as ANMF nurses from the Launceston General Hospital Emergency Department go on strike over staffing and resourcing issues