Tuesday, August 7, 2007

** Tasmanian, Australia medics begin work bans

** South Australia confirms eight allergic reactions to uniforms

AUSTRALIA NEWS

** Tasmanian ambulance workers instituted work bans Monday morning. That is the word from The Mercury (August 5) which said the industrial action is related to an issue extending back to the previous year. By way of protest, medics are refusing to trial a new electronic patient reporting system. Practitioners are also standing down from using work vehicles for non patient related matters. Health and Community Services Union spokesman Tim Jacobson said members are frustrated with the state government’s delay in dealing with the union’s issues. Although vague on what those issues are, the newspaper did say it had to do with community services provided by staff.

** Eight South Australia medics have so far been confirmed as reacting allergically to their uniforms. That is the word from ABC News (August 5) which said in one instance a serious anaphylactic reaction was observed. South Australia medical director Dr. Hugh Grantham said despite the service not being able to identify the source of the irritation, uniforms issued last November are now being withdrawn. The statement was, however, contested by Ambulance Employees Association secretary Phil Palmer. Palmer said his members have not been made aware of the recall. Safework SA is now investigating.