News
15th June, 2021
Meal Breaks at Hospital
Ambulance Victoria have announced that they intend to introduce a new practice of directing crews to have their meal breaks at hospitals or within 15 minutes of clearing from hospital as opposed to returning to their home branch where they can rest and recline.
The VAU does not agree with this proposal. We are working hard and collaboratively with AV and Government on measures to improve resourcing and reduce demand on ambulance services and emergency departments. Our members are sacrificing enough already without removing the ability to have a break at branch.
As members know, the meal break is not just about consuming food. A short break away from the ambulance vehicle, away from hospital, away from the public and away from radio traffic is an important component in managing fatigue and preventing mental health injury. This is especially important at a time when our members are working incredibly hard with enormous amounts of incidental overtime and the ability to rest and recline on shift a very rare luxury.
On Friday 11 June, the VAU held a meeting with Health and Safety Representatives (HSR) to discuss safety concerns that have been raised by their members.
Concerns raised by members with their HSRs include:
- Removal of a fatigue control (rest and recline);
- Mental health concerns with being unable to de-stress;
- Being approached/confronted by members of the public while on meal break;
- Access to appropriate and healthy food;
- Dietary requirements for those with allergies, gastro-intestinal issues, medical issues;
- Safe storage of food;
- Inability to control food temperature (access to heat or cooling);
- Reduction in resources in peripheral areas;
- Access to appropriate and clean amenities including bathrooms;
- Infection control, hygiene inside ambulance;
- Distance from branch at time of finishing shift;
In response to these concerns being raised a number of HSRs have either issued Provisional Improvement Notices (PIN) or have begun the process of doing so. This will bring WorkSafe into the process.
The VAU have had preliminary discussions with WorkSafe, who are currently undertaking work in fatigue and cognitive overload in health services.
The VAU strongly encourage members to raise their concerns with their branch HSR for action. Each branch has its own circumstances and challenges which need to be properly raised and consulted.
HSRs need to have concerns raised directly with them in order to properly raise those concerns on your behalf.
The VAU will be holding regular meetings with HSRs to assist with raising health and safety issues and coordinating action.
Members can find out who their branch HSR is by using this link.
https://intranet.ambulance.vic.gov.au/sites/Teams/takecare/Pages/HSR-Contacts.aspx