New Medical/Rescue Deal for Gong

Date: 10 June 2004

A meeting of Combined Union Delegates last night in Wollongong resolved unanimously to endorse the terms of the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the Ambulance Service of NSW and Illawarra Health regarding the use of Emergency Department (ED) doctors from Wollongong Hospital for 'out of hospital' emergencies including industrial accidents.

The MOU was redrafted following a meeting on Monday 7 June with key stakeholders including Illawarra Health, the Ambulance Service of NSW including the Medical Retrieval Unit (MRU), Westpac Lifesaver Helicopter Service and the South Coast Labour Council. As a result of that meeting significant changes were made in addition to the reaffirmation of the 24/7 availability of Wollongong ED Doctors to be tasked for out of hospital emergencies.

This included the insertion of an additional clause relating to the local area and specifically the Wollongong/Port Kembla industrial belt where the MRU will task a Wollongong Hospital Doctor for out of hospital emergencies if one is requested by ambulance personnel on the scene.

Combined Union Delegates in the Illawarra had threatened a district stoppage if no progress had been made on this claim within 14 days.

South Coast Labour Council Secretary, Arthur Rorris, said:

"This is good news not just for workers in heavy and dangerous industry but the broader community as well."

"The unanimous vote of combined union delegates is a positive indication that this deal will increase confidence in medical retrieval services in the Illawarra."

"The delegates were particularly appreciative of the goodwill and professionalism of the Wollongong Emergency Doctors who undertook their basic helicopter training at short notice this week given their heavy schedules at the hospital."

"Having secured an acceptable outcome regarding the use of Wollongong ED Doctors, the delegates are keen to ensure that the tasking of Wollongong's Lifesaver 3 Helicopter is also addressed by the upcoming findings of the Aeromedical Review."

For further information

Contact:	Arthur Rorris
Union:	South Coast Labour Council
Phone:	0424 292888
Contact Mobile:	0409 223029

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