Covid-19 continues to present a range of issues for CPSU members working across disabilities. The CPSU would like to acknowledge the fantastic job our members are doing in looking after the most vulnerable in our community under extremely trying circumstances.
In the interests of representing our members, the CPSU has been in regular contact with Northcott management.
Recent issues include:
Mandatory Vaccination: This is perhaps the most widely discussed issue this week. The CPSU NSW encourages vaccination and suggests members who remain hesitant should speak to their doctor to discuss their concerns.
Priority Vaccination: Following the Premiers announcement on the need for essential workers in LGAs of concern to be vaccinated, Unions NSW negotiated priority Pfizer bookings. Here is the link
https://www.nsw.gov.au/covid-19/health-and-wellbeing/covid-19-vaccination-nsw/authorised-workers
It is a very easy process:
• Provide your name;
• Provide mobile no.;
• Provide an email address; and
• Confirm you live/work in one of the LGAs of concern
Please contact the CPSU NSW if you have any concerns relating to vaccination or are uncomfortable with any work related direction from Northcott regarding vaccination requirements. We’re here to help.
Service Coordinators required onsite M-F: Support workers and Service Coordinators (SCs) expressed concern over Northcott’s refusal to be flexible regarding Service Coordinators working in the office Monday-Friday. The NSW Government and health advice asks workers to work from home whenever possible. Everyone understand the numerous benefits of someone not travelling through the community. Even if people are being as careful as possible there are risks associated with increased contact with others. Northcott’s position is contradictory. On one hand they maintain SCs are the first line of ‘Risk Management’ and backup, so need to be in the office Monday to Friday (Saturday and Sunday are not risky days apparently) yet in practice some SCs are already managing more than one house, will not be replaced while they are on leave for up to two weeks, or regularly manage workload to allow for absences from the house.
Clients visiting the community: Members are concerned with risks associated with clients. Independent clients take themselves out of the house and are able to enter the community. There is no mechanism to monitor what behavior the client has engaged in while out of the house so members and staff are left ‘hoping’ that the client hasn’t put themselves at risk while being in the community. Perhaps some assurances from the client or guardians should be made that the clients will not leave the house unnecessarily.
The CPSU is in continuing discussion with Northcott on these and other issues. Keep an eye out for future bulletins which will provide updates.
Members can check the latest advice for the Disabilities sector at this link or by scanning the QR code below. [attached –placed below]
https://www.health.nsw.gov.au/Infectious/covid-19/Pages/disability-latest-advice.aspx
Concerns? Contact the CPSU Member Support Centre, Ph: 1300 772679 or email:
Remember, Stronger Together – Join the CPSU today!
