Southern Cross Care Queensland Announces Nursing Cuts
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QUEENSLAND not-for-profit aged care provider Southern Cross Care has been accused of putting profits above its clients’ well-being after it announced a restructure to align its rosters with the amount of funding it receives.
Southern Cross Care Queensland, which operates 11 centres, told staff in early June about the changes, however the union has described it as a move away from providing a quality service.
Queensland Nurses and Midwives Union acting secretary Sandra Eales said the not-for-profit organisation would reduce the rostered hours for some staff, along with the length of many shifts.
She also believed fewer enrolled and registered nurses would be employed, with some enrolled nurses to be demoted to personal carer roles.
“They are moving away from providing a service towards a business and profits mindset,” Ms Eales said.
“The whole sector is pretty rife like this, we’re trying to preserve and maintain nursing numbers and skills in the sector but it is a constant battle.
In response, Southern Cross Care Queensland chief executive Peter Bell confirmed the “roster realignment” across the state would see the morning shift lose two nurses and one staff member cut from the afternoon shift, but there would be no alteration at night.