Healthscope hospitals Members of the MSAV and VPA negotiating team met with management representatives this week to begin negotiations for a new agreement to cover psychologists, dietitians and sleep scientists. We will be meeting again next week. We note that Healthscope reported its annual profit for 2007-2008 last week, with revenues rising 16% to $1.49 billion, and the CEO Bruce Dixon reporting that Healthscope hospitals are experiencing strong demand.

Dorevitch Pathology We held a further meeting with management this week and expect to start negotiations proper very soon. We will be holding more meetings of members in regional laboratories next week to discuss the claims and the negotiating process. Members at Dorevitch received an increase of only 1.5% from 1 January 2008 and we are seeking a further interim increase from 1 July 2008, while negotiations take place.

Melbourne Pathology We have begun a series of meetings with members in preparation for the renegotiation of the agreement which expires in March 2009. If your lab does not yet have a meeting planned please leave a message for Heidi Brown - Heidi will respond on her return from leave in September. 

Cabrini – EBA – we’re nearly there!! The finalised EBA document at Cabrini has taken longer than expected to complete.  It is hoped that final checks will be completed shortly with the agreement being circulated (at least 7 days) for consideration next week with ballot to follow.