Hello All,
To quote SBA:
"Ambulance officers union secretary Steve McGhie called on Ambulance Victoria to provide information to show there was no conflict of interest. He also said Ambulance Victoria should explain why, when it was struggling to keep ambulances on the road because of a lack of staff, it allowed its paramedics to work after-hours for private companies. EMSA relies heavily on casual staff, often Ambulance Victoria paramedics doing after-hours shifts."
It may have been noticed by some that any continueing story on EMSA and others in The Age Newspaper I brought to your attention appears to have been embargowed by the Victorian Government.
You can form your own opinions on this but I personally think it stinks. The union has gone quiet (naturally because they wouldn't want to rattle fundings) Ambulance Victoria has closed the gate and the Vic Government does not want the public to know the reasons why they can't put ambulances on the road (on all shifts). Okay some para's are double dipping by working for the privates on their off time. I think it is wrong and should be outlawed. Why, patients lives are at risk. Much the same as a truckie not sleeping and getting the much needed rest to continue their work in safety. Paramedics that are working when they should be resting are doing no one a favour by sleeping on the job.
Governments around Australia legislate manatory rest periods for other industries yet they allow paramedics (former ambulance officers) and Police officers to do it.
Okay, what are your thoughts on this?
Please read my next post also.
Kelly