SHOCKED NURSES LEFT SEARCHING FOR DETAILS
THE nurses union says its phone lines are running hot from bewildered healthcare workers seeking clarity over the vague new mandatory vaccination rules.
However, Australian Nursing and Midwifery Federation Tasmanian secretary Emily Shepherd said none was forthcoming from the government, which remains light on the finer details.
The health department said it would be explaining the details, such as who classifies as a healthcare worker, at a later date.
In the meantime, Ms Shepherd said they were left with nothing but a shot in the dark.
“The ANMF has sought urgent information on this decision so that we can reliably inform members,’’ she said.
“We have also requested an urgent meeting with the Department of Health to better understand what this will mean for members.
“We were only advised minutes before this was announced and we were not consulted on this decision.”
Healthscope general manager Kathryn Berry said it supported the Tasmanian government’s announcement and would work to get all of their staff vaccinated.
“Our patients and the community expect healthcare workers to be vaccinated because we care for vulnerable people,” she said.
“We are an organisation that champions safety for our people, doctors and patients. Being vaccinated is evidence of that safety commitment to protect our people and community.”
Australian Medical Association Tasmanian president Helen McArdle said doctors supported the government’s no jab, no job healthcare policy.
“We’re very pleased with the announcement today,” Dr McArdle said.
“It’s something that folks at a national level and a local level have been advocating for some time.
“If a person absolutely will not submit to vaccination, then they should seriously reconsider whether they are in the appropriate profession.”