Following concerns raised by members, HSU Organisers conducted a Work Health and Safety inspection today at Newcastle Private Hospital.

A number of significant issues were identified, particularly a lack of genuine consultation with members regarding the upgrade and redevelopment of the kitchen.

More major issues were discovered in the basement medical records storage area (B1), including:

1. No working duress alarms
2. Insufficient lighting
3. Egress routes obstructed
4. Firefighting equipment either obstructed or missing
5. Active mould growth on the ceiling due to leaking pipes

Hospital management have agreed to the following:

1. Ensuring staff from medical records work in pairs when in the B1 storage area
2. Providing appropriate PPE, including N95 masks
3. Staff will rotate and will not spend more than 15 minutes in the storage area
4. Immediately complete a Riskman and report to BGIS the duress failures
5. Contact BGIS to rectify lighting and other maintenance issues

This is a good start, but management need to provide more information and meet to resolve the outstanding issues.

If you have concerns or comments about safety, please email [E-Mail not displayed] with subject line Healthscope WHS.

Do you know someone who isn’t an HSU member? Encourage them to join our Union today and have a say at work. We are always stronger when we stand together.

New members can join at www.hsu.asn.au/join or call 1300 478 679.