We lodged a dispute with Southern Cross Care today over their attempt to get care workers to monitor blood pressure and blood sugar levels for “deteriorating” residents.

It appears that SCC are struggling to find nurses to cover shifts and perform nursing duties, so they are trying to dump more tasks on already overworked care workers.

This is not acceptable. Care staff shouldn’t bear the consequences of SCC’s disreputable household model, which has seen most ENs leave the job. Pushing nursing tasks onto care workers is not a solution to short staffing. Our position is clear: Nursing tasks stay with nursing staff. It’s about quality care, plain and simple.

I will keep you updated on the progress and outcomes of this issue. If you have any questions, please contact me through HACSUassist on 1300 880 032.