Expanding COVID transports union survey

  • Published September 3, 2021
  • Industries

As cases continue to rise and the whole health system is pushed to the limit, HealthShare is expanding its Covid-19 transfer capacity. As this happens HSU delegates and members are working hard to ensure that this critical expansion is done as safely as possible.

In 2020, PTS was identified as a source of transmission, following this the Office of Dr. Kerry Chant recommended a separation of BAU and Covid transfers. As the situation evolves it is essential that the PTS does not become a source of transmission once again.

The expansion was outlined in a meeting of 1st of September between HealthShare management and staff, and initial questions from HSU delegates were addressed. Some safety measures planned go some of the way to addressing concerns, such as Rapid Antigen Testing at the beginning of each shift, training, and additional make ready services provided to assist with the workload.

The rollout is planned to commence at North Ryde on Monday 6th September, with other stations to expand to supplement Covid capacity in the following weeks.

As seen on many occasions, HSU PTS members standby each other during challenging times, and there’s no doubt this is one of the most challenging periods ever. While HealthShare asserts it is necessary for PTS to provide additional COVID support to their Ambulance colleagues, there are still concerns about ensuring this expansion happens safely. It is essential to make your voice heard during this period of transition.

Share your thoughts in this filling in this survey and adding additional comments here.

In unity,

Gerard Hayes

Secretary, HSU NSW/ACT/QLD