In an extraordinary move, Southern Health advertised a naturopath position in the Endometriosis Clinic at Moorabbin Hospital. Only internal applicants were considered. Applications closed on 15 February and an appointment has already been made. Of great concern is that treatment modalities may include nutrients, dietary homeopathic or other therapies, and the person is required to ‘support women with nutritional advice before and after surgery’.

The position description refers to a ‘Licensed Naturopath’ but we are not sure what this actually means. It appears to be a term which is used in North America.

Leaving aside the question of evidence based practice in relation to the use of naturopathy and homeopathy in acute hospitals, clearly the scope of practice of the position cuts across that of dietitians.

The Union has not been consulted in relation to the appointment, or about the implications for dietetics and for pharmacy services. We understand that there has not been any consultation with pharmacists or dietitians either.

Full Time Staff – Public Sector 

We confirm again that the VHIA agrees with the Union that members who work full-time Monday to Friday in the public sector are entitled to payment for a day and a half in respect to Boxing Day 26 December 2009.

If you have not been paid correctly please advise your pay office and HR department that this situation is covered in VHIA Bulletin 1024.

The federal Department of Health and Aging has announced a review of the funding of pathology services as part of the government’s agenda to ‘ensure that spending on health is sustainable, affordable and provides maximum benefit to the greatest number of people’. The tasks of the Review of Pathology are to:

• Establish appropriate fee relativities for MBS items for different pathology disciplines;
• Identify groups of pathology tests that might have different funding arrangements;
• Identify options for tendering for selected pathology services.

More information is available on the DoHA website at http://www.health.gov.au/internet/main/publishing.nsf/Content/MBRT-Pathology

A Pathology Review Consultative Committee has been established. While there is representation from AIMS, AACB, ASM, ASC and HGSA there is no representation from Unions which represent medical scientists. The AMA has a representative on the Committee.

The questions that are posed by the discussion paper include:

• What are the common minimum requirements for high quality pathology services?
• How many pathologists are needed to run an efficient pathology laboratory in each discipline?
• How many scientists and technical staff are needed to run an efficient pathology services in each discipline?
• How could improved work practices be incorporated into the funding formula?
• What is the impact of the ‘episode cone’ on provider incomes? Should it be changed?
• What are the pros and cons of different methods of funding pathology in Australia?
• Can the costs of ‘medical’ and ‘technical and scientific’ aspects of testing be separated and different payments made for services on this basis?
• Public/private mix in pathology
• Funding of Point of Care testing

Negotiations are continuing under the auspices of FWA.

The Fourth National Mental Health Plan was released in November 2009. More details are available on the federal Department of Health and Aging website. Go to http://www.health.gov.au/internet/main/publishing.nsf/Content/mental-pubs-f-plan09

The Union’s Professional Indemnity insurance cover only applies to financial members of the MSAV and VPA. If you have not paid your MSAV or VPA membership subscription this year please do so immediately to ensure your cover is not at risk.

Consultations are continuing with Alfred CAMHS re restructuring associated with the extension of the service to 18-25 year olds. Discussions are focusing on creating career paths for psychologists and ensuring that there are sufficient P3s to provide supervision.

We have now established Symbion Health’s extensive ‘log of claims’ wish list. Symbion management wants to reduce core entitlements including accrual of sick leave. And rather than offer increased wages in exchange, Symbion wants to pay less than their competitors. This is in the context of the MSAV agreements with St John of God, Gribbles, Cabrini and Melbourne Pathology over wages which deliver parity with the public sector with no loss of entitlements.

Management has announced a ‘restructuring’ of the Gippsland Pathology Warragul laboratory, due to a reduction in private work. The restructure involves the redundancy of 1.0 EFT scientists as well as the loss of all laboratory assistant and data entry positions. Peter Gioulekas will be at the laboratory tomorrow to meet with members, as well as with management. Members adversely affected by any proposed changes in rostering and duties or who have received notice that their position is to be made redundant should contact Peter.

We will be organising members’ meetings to discuss the Gribbles pay offer for technicians and scientists. The offer matches market rates of pay. We will be seeking member feedback.