On Friday we put in a right of entry notice to management so we could visit you today – our organiser planned to speak with members about this ‘blame the NUMs for nurse staffing decisions’ agenda of Healthscope’s.

They refused entry claiming the recent public health direction meant we weren't allowed, but we passed on the advice from the department secretary that clearly states unions are exempt from the direction for the wellbeing of our members.

It’s noteworthy that we have been allowed to visit other hospitals across the state.

Healthscope is now trying to frame this as a workplace health and safety event, rather than the legal rights issue that it is – but for the sake of clarity, our organiser is fully vaccinated, understands COVID-19 infection control protocols and will always follow reasonable directions when in your facility.

We’ve just sought an urgent hearing in the Fair Work Commission to ask for their help to resolve this matter and we’ll let you know the outcome.

Please contact us by ringing HACSUassist on 1300 880 032 or emailing assist@hacsu.org.au if you have any concerns about this – especially if you’re aware of other unions who’ve been allowed to enter while we’ve been refused.