- Home
- About Us
- Membership
- Learning & Professional Development
- Mature Workers Matter Resource
- Publications
- Useful Links
Members login
Aged & Community Services
SA & NT Inc©
246 Glen Osmond Road,
Fullarton SA 5063
Phone: (08) 8338 7111
Fax: (08) 8338 7077
Disclaimer & Privacy Statements
web design by 
Snippets – Volume 8 Issue 9
September 2008
Please note some of the articles provided have additional papers which can be downloaded or links to another website page. In some cases these documents are linked to the ACS Members Only section of this website and will require a Username and Password. All members have been issued with a Username and Password. If you have not received this please contact the Communications Officer with your contact details and you will be issued with your access details.
Index
From the CEO's desk
ACSA National Conference
The South Australian conference organising committee can be justifiably proud of its work on this year’s conference. As I write, total registrations have reached almost 1000 – a fantastic response and easily the largest attendance figure at an ACSA National conference in recent years. The number of registrations from South Australia alone is now above 370. I am sure those attending will not be disappointed by the quality of the speaker program. The program has also been enhanced with the addition of early morning meditation, Chi Kung and Tai Chi.
I look forward to catching up with as many of my fellow South Australian delegates as possible.
ACS Annual General Meeting
The Aged and Community Services SA&NT AGM is just around the corner – 11 am on Friday 24 October, immediately following the October ACS Board meeting. All members attending are invited to stay for a light luncheon to meet ACS Board members and ACS staff.
Tjilpi Pampaku Nguar (Docker River)
ACS welcomes Minister Elliot’s recent announcements about the Government’s plans to improve the long-term quality of care for Indigenous communities. We express our condolences to the family of Ms Dulcie Brumby.
Of particular importance is that the announcements have been supported by a $46.2 million program to support care staff and management, provide locum relief and improve facilities. Put simply, this is long overdue.
The Minister also announced that the Aged Care Commissioner, Ms Rhonda Parker, will undertake an independent assessment of the Tjilpi Pampaku Nguar Flexible Aboriginal Aged Care Service. ACS intends to speak with Commissioner Parker about the broader issues impacting on flexible services generally. This represents a good opportunity for the whole Service to be examined, with a view to developing an appropriate plan for the way forward, ensuring improved quality of care for our Indigenous older Australians.
ACS Training in 2009
ACS has compiled a survey for members to provide feedback about training needs in 2009. Your input would be greatly appreciated and will enable us to prioritise the training needs of the sector and therefore offer the most relevant courses.
Complete the survey by Friday 17 October 2008 to enter a prize draw to win a complimentary attendance at any single day ACS event (to the value of $200).
Please click here to access the survey.
General News
National Report Issue 188
The latest edition of the National Report is now available from the Members Only section. Click here to download. Issues covered in the latest edition include:
- ACSA CONFERENCE
- ACSA Awards for Excellence\
- Commonwealth to Take Over All Aged Care
- Queensland Government to get out of Residential Aged Care
- CAP Review Now Seeking Submissions
- ACSA Signs up with Center for Aging Services Technologies
- Economic Report Card on Aged Care Sector
- National Evaluation of the Transition Care Program
- National Institute of Clinical Studies Fellowships
- Community Aged Care Workforce Training Initiatives
- New ABS Population Projections
Findings of the aged care component of the Workplace Ombudsman’s National Human Services Campaign
The National Human Services Campaign aimed to improve compliance with the Workplace Relations Act 1996 in relevant sectors of the human services industries. Between April and July 2008, the Workplace Ombudsman undertook 179 compliance audits in the aged care sector nationally, and 25 in South Australia. Nationally, 100 (68%) employers were found to be compliant and 31 (21%) in breach.
In South Australia:
- no breach was identified or the breach was not sustained for 15 employers;
- one employer did not fit in the parameters of the campaign;
- of the five employers who had a breach identified, one was sustained with no further action; four were resolved with voluntary compliance; and
- four audits have not yet been finalised.
Those employers found to be in breach were generally in breach of Regulation 19 – Records relating to employees and payslips (for example, failing to maintain a record of employment status i.e. casual or full-time or failing to maintain accurate superannuation records when a casual was converted to a full-time position).
A significant number of SA employers (42%) were found to be recording leave accruals inaccurately in accordance with the Workplace Relations Act 1996 (i.e. accruing annual leave yearly rather than every 4 weeks).
A small number of employers (10%) were not ensuring the assessment of disability support provisions were made with the Australian Industrial Relations Commission.
An interpretation issue emerged around whether penalty rates of pay under the Health Services Employers Award/NAPSA and relevant Collective Agreements are compounding upon the casual hourly loaded rate of pay where the NAPSA and/or Collective Agreement provided that the additional penalty is loaded upon the ordinary rate of pay. The issue was still unresolved at the time the report was released.
In SA, a total of $7,021 is due to be recovered for workers as a result of this campaign. $114,209 is due to be recovered nationally.
ACS has been advised that another audit will be conducted within the next twelve months to monitor compliance.
Information obtained from the Workplace Ombudsman Audit Report - please click here to read the full report, which provides details for each state.
Food Safety Programs for food services to vulnerable persons
Some members have reported they will be unable to meet the 5 October 2008 deadline to comply with Standard 3.3.1 of the Food Safety Standards, due to the lack of availability of auditors to endorse their food safety plans.
ACS has raised this issue with both the Department of Health and Ageing and The Aged Care Standards and Accreditation Agency.
Aged Care Planning Advisory Committees
The Australian Government announced the membership of its State and Territory Aged Care Planning Advisory Committees (ACPAC) - under the Aged Care Act. These Committees advise the Government on the distribution of aged care places, including the different types of care and proportion of care, among the specified aged care planning regions.
Please click here for the full media release:
2008–2009 Aged Care Approvals Round (ACAR) timetable
Advertisements for the 2008-2009 Aged Care Approvals Round (ACAR) will appear in selected newspapers on 8 November 2008.
ACAR timetable:
- Applications from aged care providers close on 19 December 2008
- Assessments of the applications – January to May 2009
- Announcement of the ACAR – June 2009
- Stage Two of Zero Real Interest Loans and Associated Places Round – late 2009
Pharmaceutical reform in South Australian public hospitals
The key outcomes of recent pharmaceutical reform in SA public hospitals are:
- Increased equity of access to medications for patients via public hospital access to medicines under the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS), and
- Improved safety and quality of medication services through implementation of the Australian Pharmaceutical Advisory Council’s (APAC) guiding principles to achieve continuity in medication management.
Please click here for further information.
National Respite for Carers Program (NRCP) 2008 one-off funding round
The Department of Health and Ageing is seeking applications from existing NRCP and Commonwealth Carelink Program (CCP) grant recipients for one-off funding grants.
The One-Off Funding Round is a competitive process closing on 3 November 2008. The announcement of successful applicants is expected in early 2009.
Please click here for the application form, including guidelines.
ACSA overseas workers’ employment policy
The current workplace shortage is one of the major issues facing the aged and community care industry, especially in rural and remote areas. Providers are often unable to fill vacancies within Australia and may decide to recruit overseas workers to continue providing the best services possible in the immediate term.
This raises a number of issues including salaries, contracts, induction processes and assistance with settlement for overseas workers. Please click here for ACSA’s policy on these issues.
$3 million boost to support carers of people with dementia
The Australian Government will provide a further $3 million to support the individual needs of carers of people with dementia. Funding will be given to Commonwealth Respite and Carelink Centres (CRCCs), for providing skill enhancement activities that help carers in their valuable role. CRCCs will be able to apply for funding to provide specialised services for carers in their local area.
Training places to help carers working with people from diverse backgrounds
Minister for Ageing Justine Elliot has announced that the first 500 of 2000 training places for community aged care workers from culturally-diverse or indigenous backgrounds will soon be available.
The training places will include the nationally recognised Certificate III in Home and Community Care, the Certificate IV in Service Coordination and access to aged care language and literacy training.
Please click here for further information.
Housing Affordability Fund
The Housing Affordability Fund (HAF) was launched on 17 September 2008. The HAF will invest up to $512 million over five years to lower the cost of, and address the barriers to, building new homes. Local, State, and Territory Governments and private companies can apply for grants from the Housing Affordability Fund for this purpose.
The HAF will address two significant barriers to the supply of housing: the holding costs incurred by developers as a result of long planning and approval waiting times and the infrastructure costs, such as water, sewerage, transport, and open space.
The first round of Expressions of Interest commenced 15 September and will cover the 2008/09 financial year. A second round is scheduled for March/April 2009, covering the 2009/10 financial year. Please click here for a copy of the guidelines
$30 million from the Housing Affordability Fund will be used to fast track the national roll-out of an electronic development assessment (eDA) system to use 21st century technology to replace a 19th century paper-based system which will improve the efficiency of the planning and development paper trail.
Welcome two new industry supporters: Adelaide Bank and BDO Kendalls
ACS extends a warm welcome to Bendigo & Adelaide Bank and BDO Kendalls who recently became Industry Supporters.
Bendigo & Adelaide Bank
Prior to the merger, Adelaide Bank had been an active participant and advocate in the Aged Care industry for more than 20 years. Bendigo & Adelaide Bank maintains a strong commitment to funding the industry over the long term, providing finance for start-up developments and established facilities.
For more information email Graham Hackett or phone 8300 6048 or 0438 800 858.
BDO Kendalls
BDO Kendalls provides accounting and business advisory services to individuals, corporates and growth-focused enterprises across a broad range of industry sectors, and the public sector. Their services are delivered by people who share their knowledge and expertise, who have a solid reputation for building trusted personal relationships and delivering results that reflect an understanding of client needs.
Please contact Shirley Shaefer for more information.
Vitamin D reduces hip fractures
More than 2000 South Australians fracture their hips each year and the number has been increasing annually with the ageing of the population. Vitamin D with Calcium reduces the risk of hip fractures in people in residential care by 40%!
You can help to reduce the hip fracture rate in SA by asking doctors to prescribe Vitamin D with Calcium. The recommended dose is Vitamin D3 1000 IU daily with Calcium 600-1200mg.
Please click here for further information.
Bentleys 2008 National Residential Aged Care Survey
This survey, now in its 14th year, provides detailed insight into how residential aged care is performing around the country, identifying and benchmarking business drivers (such as resident mix and staffing hours) for aged care services.
This year the survey will particularly focus on the looming profit issues for aged care services, analysing how the economic climate is affecting the industry. This will enable providers to assess and compare operating costs and identify areas for improvement.
All participants who complete the survey online by 31 October 2008 will receive a free Custom Participant Report, valued at over $400.
Further information is available on the survey website.
Adelaide Zoo guided tour
Horticultural Therapy SA is offering a guided tour through the Adelaide Zoo’s latest developments. Join tour leaders Sharon Mackay (Leading Hassell Landscape Artchitect on the Zoo redevelopment) and Jeff Lugg (Adelaide Zoo’s Head Horticulturalist) - details below.
Date: Sunday 28 September
Time: 11 am
Cost: HTSA members: $10, non-members: $20
RSVP: Glenda Williams on 8339 2229 or email
Click here for further information.
News for Residential Members
Schedule of Resident Fees and Charges
The Department of Health and Ageing has just released the Schedule of Resident Fees and Charges: from 20 September 2008. Please click here for a copy.
Commonwealth Nursing Officers and the Complaints Investigation Scheme
Following discussions with the Department of Health and Ageing, we have been advised that all Commonwealth Nursing Officers (CNOs) are Authorised Officers under the Aged Care Act 1997. What this means for providers is that if a CNO is conducting a validation visit of RCS/ACFI claims and detects something unusual that may place residents at risk, they can cease the validation visit and commence a complaint investigation. The CNO must advise a provider that they are ceasing the validation audit and commencing an investigation. Information regarding the powers of authorised officers is outlined in part 6.4 of the Aged Care Act.
Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) Recalls
The TGA has announced a recall of Argyle Suction Catheter, Catalogue no 1180-851121, Lot 08E622E, Expiry May-2013(ARTG number 38491)(Reference: RN 2008-0562).
The reason for the recall is that one batch of Argyle Suction Catheters may have pinholes in the packaging, potentially compromising sterility of the device. For further information phone Tyco Healthcare on 1800 252 467.
The TGA is also recalling Thermoskin® brand gel hot/cold packs after testing revealed that the packs contain the toxic substance ethylene glycol, rather than the non-toxic ingredient propylene glycol.
The TGA's investigation was prompted by an incident in NSW involving accidental poisoning of a young child following ingestion of the contents of a Thermoskin® brand hot/cold pack.
Electrical Safety Recall
A number of Chief Kitchenware two-globe bathroom heater exhaust fan and light combinations have been recalled. There is a risk of the lamp holders overheating and creating a risk of fire. These products were sold nationally between 2000 and 2007.
Please click here for further information.
Attention ‘Green box’ users: National Falls Prevention Guidelines review
The Australian Commission on Safety and Quality in Health Care (ACSQHC) is reviewing the Falls Prevention Guidelines 2005, also known as The Big Green Box, to ensure they reflect current practice and best evidence and offer the best advice to health professionals.
If you have used the ‘green box’, there are two ways to suggest improvements or give feedback:
- Participate in a focus group of users which will be held on Wednesday 22 October, 10.30–12.30 am in the Level 2 meeting room in the Citicentre building, 11 Hindmarsh Square. Please register with Michele Sutherland.
- Complete a survey – click here to access. Please fax completed surveys to Sara Twohill on 02 9263 3613 by 17 October 2008.
Click here for further information.
New round in $30 million training boost for aged care workers in remote areas
A further 1,400 aged care workers in rural and regional areas will be offered training places under a new round of the Australian Government’s four-year $30 million Support for Aged Care Training Program. The Government is providing record funding to aged and community care.
This year’s funding round of the Program will provide in-depth training courses for personal care workers in nursing homes and hostels in regional Australia.
Technology and aged care
Aged and Community Services Australia (ACSA) and Aged Care Association Australia (ACAA) under the auspice of the Aged Care Industry IT Council have signed a memorandum of understanding with the Centre for Aging Services Technologies (CAST) to establish a CAST Affiliated Action Network in Australia.
CAST is an international collaboration of over 400 technology companies, ageing-service providers, businesses, universities and government organisations which aims to promote the development, evaluation and adoption of emerging technologies that support people as they age. The purpose of the Australian network will be to facilitate the exchange of ideas about ageing services technologies.
ACFI Update
ACFI Assessment Tools
The Department of Health and Ageing has reported they do not want to see any changes that alter the integrity of the ACFI assessments. We recommend that you do not add anything to the assessment tools other than your organisational logo. If you have made changes to the tools you can email them to the ACFI Hotline, and the Department will advise if your changes are acceptable.
The Department has also advised that the assessments have Commonwealth copyright. You may freely download, display your own logo etc., print and reproduce the material in the Assessment Pack provided it is unaltered internally, the source (copyright of the Commonwealth) is clearly acknowledged and it is used only for non-commercial use or within your organisation only.
Diagnosis
Residents with a diagnosed brain injury should be coded as 580 in the Mental and Behavioural Diagnoses section.
Access Economics Report now available
The report on Access Economics’ independent analysis of the new Aged Care Funding Instrument (ACFI) has been released. Please click here for a copy of the report.
Validation
Transfer of residents
Where a resident has transferred to another facility and the ACFI classification was accepted by the new facility, both facilities lose money if the classification is subsequently downgraded on validation. Following a validation, the classification can only be backdated to the start date of the classification, or if this is more than 6 months ago, to a maximum of 6 months.
Validation of saved rates
The Department of Health and Ageing has been targeting those residents on RCS saved rates during recent validation visits. This means that they are looking at the documentation related to the RCS claim (submitted 12 or more months previously) and not the ACFI claim.
Anecdotal information has been received that RCS claims for deceased residents have also been validated. If you have experienced this please contact Natasha Searcy.
News for Community Providers
Consumer Directed Care – explore what this means for your organisation
Consumer Directed Care (CDC) is a term heard increasingly often in aged care; it is used broadly to cover a number of models of support. ACS is hosting a CDC Forum on 7 November 2008 to encourage exploration and debate of the concept of CDC with members, to gain a consistent understanding of its scope, to identify the current thinking regarding CDC and to discuss what models are delivered both in Australia and internationally.
The Forum will aim to identify potential policy directions from Governments, explore legislative and legal implications of delivering a CDC model of support and highlight the benefits of CDC from both a consumer and provider perspective. There are many unanswered questions and the CDC Forum will provide the opportunity to identify areas for clarification. This will assist members who choose to pursue CDC as a model of service delivery and those who are considering how best to position themselves if older people choose this model in the future. The Forum and feedback from members will enable ACS to establish a policy position on CDC to represent members’ interests in the future.
The target audience for the Forum is Board members, CEOs and Senior Managers through to Team Leaders. To assist ACS to deliver relevant CDC information, we invite members to forward questions to Peta Braendler. These questions will shape the Forum to make it relevant to members’ needs. After the Forum, where we anticipate additional questions will be raised, ACS will develop a question and answer paper for members’ information.
There are many useful papers available to help gain a better understanding of CDC; please click on the links for ACSA CDC Discussion paper and a CDC paper by Anna Howe.
Please click here for the Forum flyer and registration. For further information please phone Peta Braendler on 8338 7111 or email.
Home and Community Care Services (HACC) for people over 65 in Supported Residential Facilities (SRFs)
Older people living in SRFs have been identified as a priority for funding in the HACC Triennial Plan for SA 2008–2011. In 2008-09, $600,000 in one-off HACC funding has been recommended to support people aged over 65 living in SRFs. This funding is expected to be provided to Anglicare SA for assessment and assertive case management, Domiciliary Care SA for allied health for 190 clients, Royal District Nursing Service for nursing care for 190 clients and Adelaide ACAT for aged care assessments within South Australia. Outcomes of the effort in 2008-9 will inform requirements for the period 2009-10 to 2010-11.
HACC-funded services already being provided are expected to continue.
As of 1 October 2008, the Office for Disability and Client Services will no longer fund services to residents of SRFs aged 65 years and over. These residents will receive services funded under the HACC program.
In Mount Gambier and Whyalla services will be contracted to the local HACC-funded agency best able to provide the required services.
For further information phone Natasha Rees, Office for the Ageing, on 8207 0609.
SA Community Care Access Points
Information on the Access2HomeCare Demonstration project can be obtained from the Department for Families and Communities website.
National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Flexible Aged Care Program
There are 30 services funded nationally through the Flexible Aged Care Program, which provide aged care services for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, mainly in rural and remote communities. The Australian Government has released a plan to support and improve the quality of the flexible Indigenous aged care services.
Key elements are:
- Development of an independent quality framework to set standards for the National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Flexible Aged Care Program.
- A program of grants to improve infrastructure of the flexible Aboriginal aged care services. This includes funds for new building, refurbishment, extensions, staff housing and an ongoing maintenance program.
- A Peer and Professional Support program
- An emergency assistance program to provide short-term help in a crisis.
- Expanding employment and training opportunities for Indigenous people in aged care.
Please click here for the full media release.
New CACP, EACH and EACHD care recipient contribution rates
The Hon Jenny Macklin MP recently announced the new pension rates, effective 20 September 2008.
The maximum contribution for CACP, EACH and EACHD recipients will increase from $6.60 to $6.78 per day. This figure is 17.5% of the base rate of pension per day (ie. excluding the GST Supplement), rounded down to the nearest cent.
Please click here for further information.
News for the Retirement Sector
National Rental Affordability Scheme (NRAS) – Update
Round 1 (the first call) for applications is now closed. Round 2 will commence in October 2008 and close January 2009. To be eligible for incentives under the Scheme, applicants must meet National Mandatory Requirements and Weighted Criteria.
NRAS Facilitation Workshop
As part of a three-month facilitation program, Lesley Dredge and Roland Naufal presented a workshop to ACS members on 1 September covering the Federal Government’s National Rental Affordable Housing Scheme (NRAS).
The workshop explored how NRAS can work for housing providers in the Aged Care Sector. If you wish to speak with the facilitators please email Lesley Dredge or Roland Naufal.
$1.7 million to bolster National Rental Affordability Scheme (NRAS) Foundations
The Australian Government will provide close to $1.7 million over the next two years to fund products, activities, resources and tools to help deliver improved housing affordability through an NRAS Capacity Building Strategy. A series of workshops will provide an understanding of requirements for investors, developers, not-for-profit providers and other organisations.
The Strategy will help fund a range of products to meet the needs of potential partners in NRAS – legal documents, financial planning modules, standard partnership agreements and partnership development kits. The Strategy's tools and products will be available to any interested applicants and partners in NRAS through a Business Development Clearinghouse.
The Government will engage the Community Housing Federation of Australia to deliver the workshops and to establish and manage the Clearinghouse. It will provide access to resources and information on NRAS, including information on individuals and organisations with proven expertise in affordable housing. It will also provide an opportunity for participants and other interested parties to share information and link with organisations seeking partners.
The Clearinghouse will operate from the Community Housing Federation of Australia's website.
Not for Profits Essential Governance workshop
Not for profit organisations often find themselves in conflict over determining what the board’s responsibilities are versus CEO and staff responsibilities.
Designed for chairs, committees, board members and managers in the Not For Profit sector, this workshop will expand your knowledge of corporate governance and your responsibilities.
Expert presenters will provide case studies and a practical guide to compliance and overall governance in a changing environment. The workshop will give an overview of the essential issues, procedures and requirements for the appointment and removal of directors, board performance and risk management processes.
Date: Monday 27 October 2008
Time: 2.00 pm to 5.00 pm
Venue: Darwin Convention Centre Stokes Hill Road, Darwin
Cost: $210 for ACS members
To register, please email sa@csaust.com or phone Susan Bradbrook on 08 8132 0266.
Click here for further information.
Workplace Issues
Industrial Relations updates from EMA Consulting
EMA Note Edition 22 2008: $40,000 Payout for Employee told to "choose between job and daughter"
Please click here for the full Note.
EMA Note Edition 23 2008: Workplace Agreeements and Date of Operation - Beware of the Risks!
Please click here for the full Note.
EMA Note Edition 24 2008: Labor Outlines New IR Legislation - More Change on the Way
Please click here for the full Note.
Research, Publications and Grants
189 new postgraduate community nursing scholarships in 2009
Next year, 189 scholarships valued at up to $10,000 will be offered for community aged care nurses to improve their skills. In total, over the next three years, 410 scholarships will be made available.
Click here for further information or phone the Royal College of Nursing Australia on 1800 551 201.
Extended closing date for Aged Care Nursing Scholarship Scheme
The Aged Care Nursing Scholarship Scheme is an Australian Government initiative aimed at encouraging more people to enter aged care nursing and increasing the skills of nurses working in the aged care sector.
The postgraduate application period for study commencing in 2009 has been extended to 3 October 2008.
Please click here for more information.
National Evaluation of the Transition Care Program - Final Evaluation Report
The final evaluation report of the National Evaluation of the Transition Care Program conducted by Flinders Consulting has been released. The evaluation found that patients and their families highly valued the additional treatment and care provided by the Transition Care Program. Functional improvements occurred; those who received Transition Care had fewer re-admissions to hospital and were less likely to move into permanent residential aged care.
These outcomes were achieved at a comparatively high cost. For every day a recipient of Transition Care survives without institutional care – i.e. without hospital or residential aged care over a six-month period – it costs $344 per day.
Click here for the full report.
Planning Institute Australia (PIA) SA’s policy position statements
PIA SA’s policy position statements on sustainability and integrated land use and transportation have now been finalised. For more information and to view submissions and statements go to the website and click on Policy.
Health and welfare expenditure report
AIHW has released a report Public Health Expenditure in Australia 2006-2007. The report shows that organised immunisation programs accounted for $436 million (25%) of the $1.7 billion spent on public health activities by Commonwealth and state and territory health departments in 2006-07.
The Australian Government provided $1,001 million (58%) of the funding for public health activities in 2006-07. Of this, $508 million was funding for its own programs and $493 million was provided to state and territory governments to fund activities for which they were responsible. State and territory governments provided $714 million (42%) of the funding for public health activities in 2006-07.
The Northern Territory had the highest average per person expenditure on public health at $316, nearly four times the national average of $82 per person.
The full report is available here.
New Productivity Commission Report Trends in Aged Care Services
The Commission research paper, Trends in Aged Care Services: some implications analyses major trends in demand for aged care services and supply of these services. It also explores the implications for the future structure and mix of aged care services, the aged care workforce, and the capacity of the sector to lift its productivity growth. It notes that the ageing of Australia’s population will call for the provision of aged care services to much larger numbers of people over the next few decades. These services will need to meet the challenges posed by the increasing diversity of older people in terms of their care needs, preferences and affluence.
The report can be downloaded here.
Russell Kennedy Health Law Newsletter
Articles in Russell Kennedy’s Spring 2008 Health Law Newsletter include:
- Legal responsibilities regarding volunteers – Michael Gorton
- Employer’s obligations to accept medical certificates – Paul Ronfeldt and Marion Cole
- Human rights and healthcare – Phillipa Davey
- National patient charter endorsed – Solomon Miller
- Specialist obstetrician locum scheme – Solomon Miller
Please click here to access the newsletter.
Conference news
18th Annual Tri-State Conference call for papers
This conference will be held 1–3 March at The Albury Convention Centre. Abstracts for papers are currently open until close of business Friday 10 October 2008. They can be mailed, emailed or faxed to:
18th Annual Tri-State Conference
ACCV Conferences & Events Department
Level 7, 71 Queens Road, Melbourne Victoria 3004
Email: Matthewm@accv.com.au
Fax: (03) 9805 9455
Click here for further information.
ACS Education & Training Events
Papers and Presentations from ACS Forums
Papers and Presentations from some of the recently held ACS Forums are available for members only access. Click here to view the list of presentations available.
2008 ACS Training Program
The full 2008 ACS Training Program is available on the ACS Website. Registration forms for the events will be placed on the website as they are prepared, and also sent to members. Please mark this page as a bookmark and return to it regularly to view any changes and additions.
ACFI Training
ACFI Uncovered
Register three or more delegates from the same organisation for a 10% discount ($15 off per person).
ACFI facilitator Jacqui Banham recommends that at least three staff attend this training to help information dissemination and change management when newly-trained staff return to the facility.
Topics include:
- How it works
- What it means for you
- Validation - what you need to know
- How to prepare for an ACFI claim
- How current clinical documentation fits in ACFI, RCS and Accreditation
- Taking a deeper look at the 12 ACFI questions.
Date: Wednesday 15 October OR Wednesday 19 November (identical sessions)
Time: 9 am - 4 pm
Venue: ACS Training Room
Presenter: Jacqui Banham
Please click here for further information and registration form.
NEW! Members-only ACFI course: Using the Medicare online claiming system
Pamela Ovens and Mark Walker, Business Development Officers from Medicare SA & NT, are presenting this interactive session to assist organisations with their Medicare online ACFI claiming.
Numbers are limited and bookings close on 7 October (if not full before then) as there will be an opportunity for registrants to submit ACFI claiming questions to Medicare prior to the session.
Date: Tuesday 21 October
Time: 9-10.30 am
Venue: ACS Training Room
Please click here for further information and registration form.
ACFI Accurate Assessment in Aged Care - Friday 7 November or Thursday 4 December
Please click here for further information:
Revised and revamped Leadership Series begins Wednesday 8 October
Alli Taylor will present the revamped Series, which takes a comprehensive look at what it takes to be a leader - discover how to be a leader who inspires, participates and respects others.
The new compact format means that you complete the series in just four days (two modules per day) and the total cost is only $800 (save $200). A 10% discount will apply for two or more registrations from one organisation.
I was extremely happy with the way this series is taught - each topic had just the right amount of time taken. I was surprised at how confident I felt during this course; Ali made us feel comfortable in participating during the day. The information was interesting and relevant and I use much of it in my daily activities.
Tracey, ACH Group
Please click here for further information and registration form.
Understanding food safety risk management and food safety programs
Two weeks to go! National food safety expert in Adelaide for ACS for one day only.
This is a must-attend workshop for Chief Executives, Directors of Care and facility managers! It will provide the policy and legislation context for food safety programs, and assist you to identify specific business and food safety risks with your food operations.
Public health and food safety management consultant, Dr Jim Smith, and TAFE SA lecturer Andrew Thomson will advise on the legislation and approaches to managing your risks, food safety program development, and effective implementation issues.
The workshop is designed to provide you with an opportunity to learn about the issues relevant to your service or business, and how you can manage these effectively. 
Date: Monday 13 October
Time: 1–4 pm
Venue: ACS Training Rooms
Sponsored by CCI Group Purchasing.
Please click here for further information and registration.
Attention providers: special opportunity for food safety private consultation
An opportunity exists for a one-hour private consultation with presenters Jim Smith (Infocus Management Group) and Andrew Thomson (TAFE SA).
Time: 11–12 pm
Cost: $500 includes seminar, private consultation fee and lunch
InFocus Management Group
The team at Infocus Management Group, led by public health advisor Jim Smith, provides specialist consultancy, planning and course work services to local government authorities, industry associations, community organisations and private sector enterprises.
ACS SA&NT Affordable Housing Forum
Date: Friday 5 December
Venue: Morphettville Junction
Please mark this Forum in your diary; further details TBA
E-learning
The following recruitment courses are offered online via the ACSA e-Learning system:
- EEO – Best Practice Recruitment Guidelines
- Privacy For The Onhire and Recruitment Industry
- Effective Reference Checking
- Workchoices – Fundamentals
- Recruitment and Selection
- Develop Business Strategies To Source and Assess Candidates
- Develop Employment Management Services For Candidates
- Manage The Recruitment Process For Client Organisations
Formal Qualifications:
- Certificate IV in Business (Employment Services)
Click here for full details.
Industry Education & Training
Free Dementia seminar – 16 October 2008
The SA & NT Dementia Training Study Centre (SA & NT DTSC) invites you to attend a free seminar on health professionals' role in advance directives for people with Dementia in Adelaide.
Please click here for further information.
Course subsidy for Dementia, Delirium and Depression course
SA & NT DTSC will be providing a course subsidy for a Dementia, Delirium & Depression continuing education course at Flinders University. The course will be run online commencing 30 October 2008.
The SA & NT DTSC is offering a subsidy of:
- $400 (inc GST) for participants not undertaking assessment. (Full cost $530 inc GST.); and
- $550 (inc GST) for participants undertaking assessment. (Full cost $650 inc GST).
The course is available to health professionals from a variety of disciplines including nurses, physios, occupational therapists, and social workers. If you have any inquiries about the subsidy, please phone 0428 38 9538. For queries about the course, please contact Lesley Siegloff, Senior Lecturer Flinders University, Ph. 08 8201 3370.
Click on the links for a course subsidy application form and the Flinders University course brochure.
Evening Seminar: How does your garden grow?
Horticultural Therapy : Maintaining wellness and connections in an older person's life
This seminar will give an overview of horticultural therapy and some design principles for dementia therapeutic gardens. You will also have the opportunity to view and enjoy the new garden at Helping Hand.
Speakers: Glenda Wiliams Consultant in Garden Design and Horticultural Therapy and Roz Hamilton President: Diversional Therapy Association
Date: Wednesday 15 October
Time: 5.00 for 5.45pm
Venue: Grivell Hall, Helping Hand Aged Care, North Adelaide
Drinks and finger food provided.
Please click here for details and booking information.
Member Services
ACS SA&NT has entered into arrangements with a range of businesses to provide cost effective and quality services to its members. Please be advised that ACS SA&NT has entered into these arrangements with a financial benefit for the Association. Currently arrangements have been made with:
Access OCAR – Employment Assistance
Program
EMA Consulting – Industrial
Advice Service
Mutual Community special offer
Take out Hospital plus Extras cover before 31 October 2008 and Mutual Community will waive the two-month extras waiting period. Click here for further information.
Do you have an Employee Assistance Program?
As part of our ongoing commitment to strengthen services and opportunities for Members, ACS SA&NT is pleased to be able to provide members with access to an Employee Assistance Program (EAP). ACS SA&NT has entered into an agreement with Access OCAR Workplace Consulting to provide an EAP to members at a substantially reduced rate. (Payment is made on a quartlery basis)
An EAP is a confidential counselling service designed to offer an effective means of assisting employees with problems that may eventually affect job performance and personal well-being. Employees have access to qualified counsellors who are located outside of their workplace and are trained to help people identify and resolve their problems. It has been advised that the Unions are in favour of EAP in businesses and often quality and standards accreditation also favour EA programs.
Access
OCAR Workplace Consulting will provide the services of the EAP to members
who join this service.
Click
here to download an expression of interest form. Upon completion of this
form Access OCAR will contact you to commence
the service.
Industrial Advice Service
Since July1, 2006 EMA Consulting has been providing ACS Members with Industrial Relations Assistance. EMA consultants are highly qualified, trained, experienced and are contemporary leaders in their profession. As an ACS Member, you have access to EMA for the following services:
Telephone Advisory Service
- Unlimited access to discuss any Industrial Relations topic
- Deal with IR Consultants
- No charge per call ~ generally limited to 15 minutes per issue. If it does take longer than this, it generally means the issue is complex and you need to get specific advice.
Wage Rate Summary
- Nurses (ANF ~ SA Private Sector)
- Nurses SA
- Clerks SA
- Health Service Employees
Consultant Service
EMA will provide consulting services for all ACS Members at a discounted hourly rate of $175 per hour, which is a saving of $50 per hour. This includes access to a full range of user pays services such as AWAs, training, workers compensation, disputes and collective agreements.
Simply contact EMA with your organisation's name and provide your client access number as shown on your client card (sent with your renewal of membership for 07/08). If you do not know your client number please contact Business Development Manager Kellie Kulinski.
Telephone (VIP toll free number) 1800
632 812
Advisory Service (08) 8221
6565
Telephone (08) 8221 6665
Facsimile (08 8221 6660
Website www.emaconsulting.com.au