After a protest and petition campaign, the transfer of the hospital back into public hands should be hitch-free for staff members.
Hawkesbury Hospital staff have won the right to transfer their accrued annual and long service leave entitlements to their new public sector employer, NSW Health.
Oversight of Hawkesbury Hospital operations from St John of God Health Care, who have been running the hospital since 2015, will transfer to Nepean Blue Mountains LHD upon expiration of the SJOG’s current services arrangement on 30 June.
Last week the staff organised protests and a petition after concerns were raised that accrued annual leave and long service leave would not be carried over due to “legal implications” incurred by the transition of hospital operations from the private to public sector.
Yesterday that campaign had a successful ending with the NSW Nurses and Midwives’ Association announcing a positive resolution.
“This news comes as a great relief to my colleagues, many of whom were incredibly distressed by the thought of losing control of their leave entitlements,” said Ben Wright, the NSWNMA Hawkesbury District Health Service branch secretary.
“It’s a complete turnaround.
“In early March, we were facing a forced leave payout, a loss of accrued sick leave entitlements and a drop in take-home pay due to changes in salary packaging arrangements.
“We’ve now been assured that all our sick leave will be transferred, our current salary packaging arrangements will continue for another two years, and members will have the choice to transfer their long service and annual leave entitlements.
“We are grateful for the support of the Hawkesbury community. It’s good to know that the Hawkesbury cares for us, as much as we care for the Hawkesbury.
“This community’s overwhelming support lifted our spirits when we despaired over the possibility of having our leave taken out of our hands.”
NSWNMA general secretary, Shaye Candish, said it was a fantastic result for Hawkesbury’s hardworking nurses and midwives.
“We thank the NSW Government and St John of God Health Care for working collaboratively with us on this issue to achieve a positive outcome for staff,” said Ms Candish.
“We know this has been an incredibly stressful and anxious time for our members, so this decision means a lot to them and their families.”