CUT TO THE BONE: Paramedics will consider action over roster changes.
PARAMEDICS including a representative from Orange will decide this morning whether or not to ramp up their campaign to stop the NSW government implementing roster changes which will affect shifts.
Orange Health Services Union representative Ian Spurway, who has been actively lobbying on behalf of Orange paramedic members to have staffing levels increased at Orange, says a number of options will be considered today.
“That will include everything from a more high profile publicity campaign to industrial action,” he said.
Mr Spurway said the rostering system changes to be implemented in Orange in the second stage of the NSW government’s plan will involve more shifts worked per week through the introduction of shorter eight-hour shifts.
Member for Orange Andrew Gee has called on NSW Ambulance and Orange paramedics to come to the negotiation table following a meeting with Mr Spurway on Monday.
Mr Gee contacted NSW Ambulance after the meeting asking for a resumption of talks.
“So far I haven’t heard from NSW Ambulance,” Mr Spurway said.
Orange has two ambulance crews rostered on during the day and one at night with a second ambulance on call.
Mr Spurway was asked yesterday by the CWD about a recent incident in Orange when an ambulance was called to assist an elderly resident after a fall.
A second ambulance called to help was not available police said.
“I don’t know about this particular case, but it would not be beyond the realms of possibility for that to happen under the current system,” Mr Spurway said.
A NSW Ambulance spokesperson told the CWD police assistance was needed on the night to lift the patient.
“The on call ambulance was responding to another call-out.
“It is not uncommon for other emergency services to be called upon to assist paramedics to lift a patient,” an ambulance spokesperson said.