Hiring changes at Tasmanian health department spark fears for patient outcomes
A recent hiring change to Tasmanian allied health staff positions has meant vacant positions are more likely to be filled by junior staff, sparking fears for patient care.
Source excerpt
A mental health clinic leader in Tasmania's north-west has called the government's move to "declassify" some positions in the state's health service as "ludicrous".
Steve Hayes, clinical lead at Devonport's Adult Community Mental Health Service, said downgrading some roles would ultimately result in waiting lists blowing out, and force senior clinicians to spend more time supervising instead of helping patients.
Under planned changes to Statewide Mental Health Services, all vacant AHP 3 (allied health professional 3) roles would be reviewed upon becoming vacant, with the aim of increasing the number of more junior AHP 2 or AHP 1–2 roles.
Level 3 allied health professionals are experienced clinicians who are typically psychologists, physiotherapists, occupational therapists or social workers.
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