Page 41 - ANZCP GAZETTE DECEMBER 2023

AROUND THE PUMP ROOM – at Ashford Hospital, South Australia
Andrew Sanderson
Just an update from Ashford Hospital where we are now approaching or have reached several milestones. We have almost achieved 12,000 cardiac cases, both Jane and I have now been here for over 30 years, and sadly both have hit 60. And we’ve cleaned our current heater coolers 639 times. On a less sombre note, we now have, after 7 years of lobbying, a TEG6s. Thanks to the ANZCPR and its annual clinical reports we identified that our benchmarked post theatre
blood product usage was consistently high amongst the units in the Collaborative. One of the measures proposed was to obtain a means of quantifying coagulation issues that would allow judicious application of factors rather than bulk factor administration. We’re hoping that TEG use will help with that appropriate product use. We’ve had it installed for a month now and are both getting our heads around the different shaped wine glasses that result.
Source: @DocXology
Also of note is we recently picked up a new Cardiohelp (cleaned that heater unit 15 times also!!).
We’re now experts at priming it and it sits quietly in the corner behaving itself.
Jane attended the final PDU conference in Queenstown in August and I was able to attend the ANZCP ASM in Sydney this September.
NSW PERFUSION
Andrew Lahanas
It has been an eventful year for NSW Perfusionists, marked by a significant degree of workforce mobility and transformation. Looking back, it's challenging to recall a period in our profession with such rapid changes. This trend is not unique to us, as the broader healthcare industry and the Australian workforce, in general, grapple with workforce shortages.
Being a specialised and relatively small group, Perfusion Departments in NSW are facing even more pressure to maintain adequate staffing levels compared to other healthcare sectors. The nationwide demand for qualified Perfusionists, combined with variations in award conditions across different states and territories, has led to Perfusionists relocating to fill both clinical and corporate positions, particularly in Victoria. This shift has also encouraged mobility within NSW, as perfusionists explore new opportunities closer to home.
Here in NSW, we're addressing the challenges faced by perfusionists, with a focus on rectifying the discrepancies in award conditions between states and territories. These discussions are currently underway in consultation with the Health Services Union (HSU) as part of the ongoing award reform process. It's worth noting that award reform
took place over two decades ago, and it's evident to most of us that our roles have expanded significantly since then. We've witnessed growth in areas such as out-of-hospital transport, E-CPR, education and training, heater cooler disinfection, and cardiology interventional support (including procedures like TAVI and lead extractions).
In addition to this, the increasing complexity of cases and longer work hours have created a pressing need for work reform. The lack of uniformity in shift breaks, on-call conditions, annual leave, and safe staffing levels further underscores the necessity for a comprehensive and up-to- date award structure.
As we near the finalisation of the position paper, the next step involves restructuring award classifications and aligning core conditions with other health professionals before we submit the proposal to the NSW Government. I extend my gratitude to the individuals on the Perfusion Award Committee of NSW for their invaluable contributions to this process. By modernising the award to align with the evolving demands of our profession, we aim to ensure the highest quality of care for our patients while enhancing the working conditions of perfusionists throughout our state.
DECEMBER 2023 | www.anzcp.org 38