We met with management last month to talk about your annual benchmarking and make a plan about minimum safe staffing levels on ARU.

When we first caught up with them, we told them we were worried about the fact that half the beds on ARU were downgraded a diagnostic category (DRG). We also told them our concerns about the amount of FTE direct care workers – which wasn’t up to scratch for safe staffing.

Now, because you’ve continued to speak up about these issues, management have told us they’ve committed to put an extra rostered nurse on each weekend morning shift – which means 16 hours more staffing.

We still have some concerns around the lack of uniformity in how DRGs are applied across the state but make no mistake – this is a huge win for safer staffing levels and shows the power of being union when it comes to improving your working life.

We couldn’t have done it without HACSU members like you, so congratulations on making sure you and your colleagues are safe at work.

If you’ve got any questions or need more information, make sure you get in touch with us via HACSUassist on 1300 880 032.