CDHB Backtracks On Clinical Records Staff

Monday 13 December 2004

MEDIA RELEASE
ATTENTION: INDUSTRIAL/HEALTH REPORTERS

CDHB Backtracks On Clinical Records Staff

“The CDHB has been forced to back down to striking Clinical Records staff at Christchurch Hospital and reinstate extra staff to replace those who have been sent packing over the last two months,” said Martin Cooney, Organiser of the National Union of Public Employees (NUPE) today.

“The CDHB is now admitting it will need 21 Full Time Equivalent staff in Clinical Records when its July proposal for change said only 12 would be needed,” said Martin Cooney. “We anticipate by the time the changed system is in place, the numbers will be back up to the original 28.”

“Clinical Records staff were informed last Thursday that three extra positions in the Clinical Records Department (CRD) are to be immediately advertised,” said Martin Cooney, Organiser of the National Union of Public Employees (NUPE) today.

“NUPE told the CDHB in our submissions that it had underestimated the work to be done. Staff remaining have been under huge pressure since the CDHB disestablished positions claiming they needed less staff to run a new processing system for records. The Union believes the hidden agenda was to save money to meet the CDHB’s deficit caused by a flawed population based funding model. This backdown is not surprising, though it is still not enough and it’s a pity the Board previously sent staff packing,” said Martin Cooney.

“Staff are still refusing to undertake some of their duties to protect their health and safety due to the understaffing of the Department.”

ENDS

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