Welcome to NSW Health Pathology - An Onboarding Guide for Managers and Employees
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Welcome to NSW Health Pathology
An Onboarding Guide for Managers and Employees
1
Acknowledgement of Country
NSW Health Pathology acknowledges the people of the many traditional countries and language
groups of New South Wales. It acknowledges the wisdom of Elders both past and present and
pays respect to the Aboriginal communities of today.
2
Contents
Acknowledgement of Country .......................................................................................................... 2
Welcome to NSW Health Pathology ................................................................................................. 4
Message from our NSW Health Chief Executive............................................................................... 5
About Us............................................................................................................................................ 6
Our Corporate Compass ................................................................................................................... 7
About NSW Health ............................................................................................................................ 8
NSW Health Structure ....................................................................................................................... 9
About the NSW Public Sector ........................................................................................................... 9
Our Vision........................................................................................................................................ 11
Our Values ....................................................................................................................................... 12
Our Strategic Plan ........................................................................................................................... 13
Annual Operational Plans ............................................................................................................... 13
Our Governance .............................................................................................................................. 14
Our Board ........................................................................................................................................ 15
Our Leadership Team ...................................................................................................................... 15
Corporate Services & Governance .................................................................................................. 16
People & Culture ............................................................................................................................. 17
NSW Health Code of Conduct ......................................................................................................... 18
Employee Assistance Program (EAP) .............................................................................................. 23
Information Technology.................................................................................................................. 27
Strategic Communications .............................................................................................................. 29
3
Welcome to NSW Health Pathology
Welcome to NSW Health Pathology.
This guide has will provide a starting point for commencing in your new role with NSW Health
Pathology. It provides a range of useful information relating to your employment with NSW Health
Pathology. The guide should be used to supplement your manager’s and team’s support during
your on-the-job orientation, induction and career development in NSW Health Pathology.
You are encouraged to read this guide online and utilise the NSW Ministry of Health Health NSW
Gov links to access further information regarding NSW Health, the Ministry of Health and relevant
policies and procedures. The NSW Government, Premier and Cabinet and Public Service
Commission websites also contain valuable information relating to your responsibilities as an
employee in the NSW Public Service.
This guide and the accompanying checklists contain information to support your orientation and
induction at NSW Health Pathology. Following completion, the checklists should be forwarded to
the Manager of the Recruitment and Workforce Operations Unit for NSW Health Pathology to be
placed in your personal file.
Much of the information contained in this guide refers to the NSW Health Pathology intranet. This
site will help you to familiarise yourself with the organisation, the way it works and recent
achievements. You are also encouraged to visit the intranet and login (using the button in the top
right hand corner of the home page), to check your contact details are correct. Visit the Strategic
Communications section of this guide for more on this.
4
Message from our NSW Health Chief Executive
Welcome to NSW Health Pathology.
More than half the population of NSW has used our services
in the last 12 months with around 70% of medical decisions
relying on test results provided by our scientists and
pathologists.
NSW Health Pathology is all about using innovative ways to
provide better care to patients, reducing healthcare costs and
supporting our justice system.
Our staff are our biggest asset and we want you to feel happy
at work and supported so that you can do the best job
possible.
The key to success is making sure our staff, including you, know that you are our most
valuable asset and that your hard work is appreciated and valued.
It’s important that we work together to build stronger relationships with our partners and
manage our resources efficiently so our services are competitive and great value for money.
NSW Health Pathology is adopting smarter ways of working together to deliver excellent
results.
We must be competitive and provide value for money, quality services.
Our future is being built on teamwork and its important all our staff know the contribution they
are making to the bigger picture of a smarter and strong agency that is helping us create
better health and justice systems.
Tracey McCosker
Chief Executive
NSW Health Pathology
5
About Us
NSW Health Pathology provides expert pathology and services for our health and justice systems.
Our pathologists are medically trained clinical specialists who work in public hospitals and modern
laboratories. They’re supported by scientists, technicians and support staff who quickly and accurately
assess samples so clinical teams can make the best possible treatment decisions for patients.
Our Forensic & Analytical Science Service provides independent, objective analysis to the NSW
criminal and coronial justice systems. It also provides environmental health testing to public health
units in NSW and delivers services to the NSW Roads and Maritime Service, local government
bodies and other organisations.
NSW Health Pathology:
operates approximately 60 laboratories
has around 200 pathology collection centres in NSW public hospitals and community
health facilities
employs over 4,000 staff
conducts 61 million tests each year
6
Our Corporate Compass
This graphic represents our organisational compass. It summaries what we’re trying to
achieve and how we’re working to get there. It’s what we’re all a part of.
In the centre is our purpose: creating better health and justice system for the people of
NSW.
Our vision was shaped with input from over 1,200 staff when we developed our five-year
strategic plan.
We have four over-arching priorities which are set out in our strategic and operational
plans.
Our RITE values were also shaped with staff input.
Our promise is what we commit to delivering on a consistent basis to our customers, our
partners, and our health and justice systems.
7 The outer ring is the value we provide – the combined features that make up our overall
value proposition.
About NSW Health
We are one of the Statewide Health Services within the NSW Health family.
NSW Health works to provide the people of NSW with the best possible health care that not
only meets today’s health needs but also responds to the health needs of the future.
It is the biggest public health system in Australia with more than 220 public hospitals and over
100,000 dedicated staff who make up the health workforce.
NSW Health is the lead agency for delivering two of the NSW Government’s 2021 Goals
(www.2021.nsw.gov.au): Keep people healthy and out of hospital (Goal 11) and Provide
world-class clinical services with timely access and effective infrastructure (Goal 12).
The NSW State Health Plan 2023 is currently being developed. For updates please go to
NSW State Health Plan
8NSW Health Structure
NSW Health Pathology is one of the statewide health services within the broader NSW Health
system. The image below provides a snapshot of the NSW Health structure. You can also
find this on the NSW Health website
About the NSW Public Sector
The NSW Public Sector represents approximately 11% of the total NSW workforce making it the
largest employer in Australia.
The NSW Public Sector works to deliver services to support the NSW Government’s priorities
which are set out in NSW 2021: A Plan to Make NSW Number One (www.2021.nsw.gov.au).
The NSW 2012-2015 Plan includes strategies to rebuild the economy, return quality services,
renovate infrastructure, restore accountability to government and strengthen the local
environment and communities of the state.
The NSW Parliament website Parliament of NSW provides information regarding the structure
and operation of the NSW Government.
9The NSW Public Service Commission website Public Service Commission provides
comprehensive information about the role of the NSW Public Service Commission and the
strategic direction for 2012-2015. The NSW Public Service Commission’s vision is a highly
capable public sector workforce characterised by a culture of integrity, trust, service and
accountability.
A summary of websites for more information include:
NSW Parliament - www.parliament.nsw.gov.au
NSW Government - www.nsw.gov.au
Premier and Cabinet - www.dpc.nsw.gov.au
Public Service Commission - www.psc.nsw.gov.au
10Our Vision
To help guide our efforts, NSW Health Pathology has developed a vision that articulates our
aspirations for the future. This vision was developed with input from our staff as part of the
development of our five-year strategic plan.
11Our Values
More than 1,200 staff across our five networks provided feedback on the values most important
to them. Our values shape our organisational culture and guide how we interact with one
another, our partners, customers and patients.
As part of the broader NSW Health system, we will also respect and display the CORE values in
our day-to-day actions and decisions. That means actively encouraging Collaboration,
Openness and Respect in the workplace to create a sense of Empowerment for our staff to use
their knowledge, skills and experience to provide the best possible care to patients, their families
and carers.
You can learn more about the development of our Vision, Values on the NSW Health Pathology
Intranet: http://intranet.pathology.health.nsw.gov.au/
12Our Strategic Plan
The NSW Health Pathology Strategic Plan 2014 – 2018 (PDF 4.5MB) sets the overarching
direction for our organisation and articulates the vision and strategic priorities that will drive our
efforts over the next five years.
Nearly 1,300 staff were involved in the development of this plan. They attended over 90 staff
workshops to share their views on the vision, values and most significant issues facing NSW
Health Pathology.
The plan was endorsed by our Board in March 2014 and will be reviewed and amended annually
to take into account any emerging issues or significant changes in the landscape.
Annual Operational Plans
Each year NSW Health Pathology develops an annual operational plan which details the
initiatives to be implemented over the coming year to support the longer-term directions outlined
in our five-year strategic plan.
The Strategic Leadership Team leads implementation of the initiatives and reviews progress
each quarter.
You can learn more about our plans and priorities on the NSW Health Pathology intranet (see
About Us / Plans and Priorities)
13Our Governance
NSW Health Pathology is committed to the principles and practice of good governance.
As stated by the Audit Office of NSW “Good governance is those high-level processes and
behaviors that ensure an agency performs by achieving its intended purpose and conforms by
complying with all relevant laws, codes and directions and meets community expectations of
probability, accountability and transparency. Governance should be enduring, not just
something done from time to time.”
Our governance framework is underpinned by the seven key standards:
Robust governance and oversight frameworks
Ensure clinical responsibilities are clearly allocated and understood
Set the strategic direction of the organisation
Monitor financial and service delivery performance
Maintain high standards of professional ethical conduct
Involve stakeholders in decisions that affect them
Establish sound audit and risk management practices
The graphic below demonstrates our governance structure
14Our Board
Our nine-member advisory board is responsible for ensuring:
NSW Health Pathology has effective corporate and clinical governance frameworks in
place,
systems are in place to support integration of pathology within the clinical services
provided by the state’s local health districts and specialty networks,
robust and transparent reporting mechanisms are in place,
NSW Health Pathology services are effective, efficient and sustainable, and
monitoring of NSW Health Pathology’s overall performance.
Board members have expertise and knowledge in pathology, public health services and medical
research
Our Leadership Team
The Strategic Leadership Team is responsible for setting and driving strategy and monitoring our
performance.
Each member of the Strategic Leadership Team has clear functional responsibilities. They also
have strong teams to help them deliver on the needs of their portfolio and the organisation.
You can find bios of our Strategic Leadership Team on the NSW Health Pathology Intranet.
15Corporate Services & Governance
Delegations
NSW Health Pathology has a Delegations Manual which established the levels of authority
delegated to the staff of NSW Health Pathology. The manual outlines the accountability and
responsibility for the day-to-day operation of NSW Health Pathology. A copy of the manual can
be found here in the Policy Library Policy Library
Procurement
It is a requirement of NSW Health entities raise a purchase order (PO) for the procurement of
goods and/or services. A purchase order is raised through Oracle. All staff have access to
Oracle through the Stafflink portal on the Health Support Services intranet page.
Time and Attendance – Records
NSW Health Pathology Staff work hours are managed via various rostering systems. Talk to
your line manager about the timesheet and rostering arrangements and requirements for your
team.
Policies
Policies, procedures and guidelines that are specific to NSW Health Pathology are available on
the NSW Health Pathology intranet in the Policy Library Policy Library
Privacy and personal information is bound by the NSW Privacy and Personal Information Act
1998. This Act can be viewed at http://www.legislation.nsw.gov.au.
Forms
The most commonly used forms can be found on the NSW Health Pathology intranet page at:
Forms
To suggest a form be added to the Forms page of the intranet, contact the Communication &
Stakeholder Engagement Unit which maintains the intranet. To make a suggestion contact the
unit on 02 4920 4000 or email them at NSWPATH-News@health.nsw.gov.au.
16People & Culture
Salaries
NSW Health Pathology employees are paid on a fortnightly basis through the HealthShare NSW
payroll service. To access information about your pay, main bank account details, deductions,
allowances, leave balances and other information, click on the StaffLink icon located on your
intranet home page or call the StateWide Service Desk on 1300 679 367. More information
about salaries is available at Remuneration and Conditions
StaffLink
All employees have access to use StaffLink the gateway to Oracle Human Resources
Information System (HRIS), Financial Management Information System (FMIS) and
iProcurement. Employees can view their employment, payroll, personal and leave information
via the Employee Self Service (ESS) responsibility. This also allows employees to update their
bank details, address and contact number/s as needed.
My Health Learning
My Health Learning is a web-based Learning Management System (LMS) that is used by NSW
Health Pathology. Here employees can complete their mandatory training, view available
courses, view current and historical learning and request learning. All new employees must
complete the NSWH Pathology Orientation Learning Pathway. Your manager will guide you with
this.
Workplace Expectations
All public sector employees are expected to understand and support a number of sector wide key
principles and responsibilities in relation to ethical conduct, diversity, equity and safety. The
NSW Government enacted an Ethical Framework Ethical Frameworkfor the public sector in 2011.
The Public Interest Disclosures policy Public Interest Disclosure outlines the process to ensure
that reports of wrongdoing relating to corruption, serious and substantial waste,
maladministration and misuse of government information are treated appropriately and that staff
who report wrongdoing will be protected from reprisal. The Public Service Commission Policy
Statement Public Service Commission Policy provides information about the following key
principles:
Cultural diversity
Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO)
Ethical Practice
Work Health and Safety (WHS)
Please ensure that you read these documents. For more information on being a NSW Public
Sector employee, please refer to the NSW Personnel Handbook. An online publication known as
the NSW Government Personnel Handbook provides detailed information concerning conditions
of employment for public sector employees. Link to Personnel Handbook: Personnel Handbook
17NSW Health Code of Conduct
All employees are expected to comply with the NSW Health Code of Conduct. The NSW Health
Code of Conduct defines standards of ethical and professional conduct that are required of
everyone working in NSW Health in any capacity, the outcomes we are committed to, and the
behaviours which are unacceptable and will not be tolerated.
The Code of Conduct assists with building a positive workplace culture based on our core NSW
Health values of collaboration, openness, respect and empowerment.
The intent of the Code is to provide a framework to promote ethical day-to-day conduct and
decision making. It does not and cannot cover every situation that can arise in the workplace.
The Code does not replace the need for common sense in how staff conduct themselves.
All employees, contractors, volunteers, students, researchers and persons undertaking or
delivering training or education in NSW Health must abide by the Code of Conduct and the core
values and principles that it promotes.
Chief Executives are responsible for ensuring that the Code is promulgated throughout their
agency.
All employees, contractors, volunteers, students, researchers and persons undertaking or
delivering training or education in NSW Health must be given a copy of the Code of Conduct to
read and sign on commencement of work in NSW Health.
Managers must ensure that the staff that they supervise are aware of and understand their
responsibilities under the Code.
A copy of the Code is available at Code of Conduct
Breaches of the Code of Conduct, including breaches of other NSW Health policies, may result in
disciplinary action being taken against an employee up to and including termination of
employment.
Workplace Culture
The NSW Health Workplace Culture Framework Workplace Culture Framework - Workforce
is a Statewide Framework designed to assist each of us to contribute positively to the culture in
our workplace. The NSW Health Code of Conduct defines standards of ethical and professional
conduct that are required by everyone working in NSW Health in any capacity, the outcomes we
are committed to and the behaviours which are unacceptable and will not be tolerated.
Leave Management & Entitlements
Employee leave provisions are based on a combination of awards and policy directives from
NSW Ministry of Health. Below is a summary of the most common leave arrangements but staff
should refer to the relevant full policy for more information. To search for NSW Health policies
click on Policy directives and guidelines
Some brief information about the various categories of leave is outlined below. Please note
however that all staff must submit an ‘Application for Leave Form’ and have this approved by
their appropriate line manager prior to leave being taken.
18Annual Leave
Leave entitlements vary from Award to Award. All full time staff employed in the NSW Health
Service are entitled to a minimum of four weeks’ annual leave in respect of each completed year
of service. All staff wishing to apply for annual leave must, at least one month prior to the
commencement of the leave, complete an application for annual leave and submit it to the
manager/supervisor/department head for approval. Annual leave must not be taken without
appropriate approval.
Sick Leave
Permanent staff receive paid sick leave under their award. Sick leave is paid at the ordinary rate
of pay. A doctor’s certificate is generally required when an absence of more than two
consecutive work days occur. The Managing Sick Leave Policy indicates that a staff member
who has had 8 separate absences, unsupported by medical certificates, in any period of 12
months is considered to have an unsatisfactory sick leave record.
Long Service Leave
Fulltime staff are entitled to two (2) months long service leave on full pay for four (4) months on
half pay after ten years of service. Employees with previous eligible service must produce proof
of that service in order for it to be counted toward their LSL entitlement. Check your relevant
award for more details.
Family and community service leave
Each Award covering staff employed in the NSW Health Service includes provisions for family
and community service leave and personal/carer’s leave. The relevant Award should always be
read in conjunction with this policy directive. Employees have a responsibility to utilise FACS and
personal/carer’s leave for appropriate reasons. Employees must notify absences in accordance
with the established procedures and provide such documentation as is required.
Additional days off
Some employees are entitled to ADOs under their award as follows:
Health Employees’ Conditions of Employment (State) Award
Hospital Scientists (State) Award
Public Health System Nurses’ and Midwives’ (State) Award
Public Hospital Career Medical Officers (State) Award
Public Hospitals Medical Officers Award
Public Hospitals (Professional and Associated Staff) Conditions of Employment (State)
Award
Generally, ADOs should be taken as they fall due. Check your relevant award for more details.
19Maternity Leave (including parental leave and adoption leave)
Current maternity and adoption leave provisions allow for fourteen (14) weeks at full pay (or 28
weeks at half pay). Paternity leave allows for one (1) week paid leave or up to 12 months unpaid
leave if the father is the primary care giver for the child. Check the relevant award for more
information.
Leave Without Pay
Leave without pay may be granted at the discretion of the employer. See Department of Health
Policy Directive 2005-009 for more information about conditions and entitlements.
For further information on all of the above leave types, please refer to the Leave Matters Manual
Leave Matters for the NSW Health Service
Disciplinary Policy
NSW Health Pathology acknowledges that on occasion managers will need to resolve issues
relating to misconduct, consistent poor performance issues or inappropriate behaviour. A copy of
the NSW Health Policy framework for managing misconduct and the disciplinary process in NSW
Health (PD2014_042) can be found at Managing Misconduct For further information regarding
disciplinary issues please contact your manager.
Grievance Resolution
NSW Health Pathology is committed to ensuring fair, equitable and safe work practices.
Complaints may arise from staff conflict and/or actions which affect an individual. Generally
complaints are able to be resolved through discussion and a mature approach to seeing the
perspectives of others. In some instances this may be difficult and hence a formal grievance
management procedure may be necessary.
Before entering into formal processes, unless grievance relates to unlawful discrimination or
sexual harassment, the aggrieved staff member should attempt to resolve the grievance with his
or her supervisor, who has the delegation to resolve the grievance. A copy of the NSW Health
Policy – Grievance – Effective Workplace Resolution can be found at:
Resolving Workplace Grievance. For further information regarding grievances please contact
your manager.
Performance Management
NSW Health Pathology conducts a regular performance development planning and review
process with all staff. The process is conducted between an employee and their line manager.
For new employees, a performance development plan should be developed before conclusion of
3 months. Subsequently performance development planning and review should on at least an
annual basis. A copy of the NSW Health Policy – Work Health and Safety: Better Practice
Procedures (PD2013_050) can be found at Better Practice Procedures
20Payroll Enquiries
All Payroll enquiries should be directed to HealthShare’s Statewide Service desk on 1300 679
367.
Staff on Secondment/Contractors/Project Officer/Casual Staff
Some NSW Health Pathology staff are currently based offsite but generally spend some time
each month at the Executive Office. Some staff may also be on secondment, into or out of NSW
Health Pathology and project officers, contractors or casual staff are employed at various times.
Working Remotely From Home
Working remotely and working from home is available within NSW Health Pathology. However,
approval must be gained via your line manager prior to commencement.
Unions & Contact Details
Australian Salaried Medical Officers (ASMOF) Federation
Membership includes all levels of medical practitioners including interns, residents,
registrars, hospital specialists, consultants, medical academics, medical administrators
and salaried doctors generally.
Contact details are (Ph) 02 9212 6900(F) 02 9212 6911
Health Services Union (HSU) East
Contact details (Ph) 1300 478 679 Email: info@hsueast.com
The New South Wales Nurses Association (NSWNA)
This is the registered union for all nurses and midwives in New South Wales
Contact details:
Telephone: 02 8595 1234 (metro) or 1300 367 962 (regional) Fax: 02 9662 1414
Email: gensec@nswnurses.asn.au
Health, Safety and Wellbeing
NSW Health Pathology is committed to providing a safe and healthy workplace environment as
far as reasonably practicable for all staff and visitors. It is our objective to prevent injuries and ill
health from occurring in the workplace by identifying and eliminating as far as reasonably
practicable the associated risks.
Worker’s Responsibilities
As set out in the Work Health and Safety (WHS) Act 2011 “Every worker shall take reasonable
care for the health and safety of persons who are at his or her place of work”. This means that
everyone is required to cooperate with the WHS legislation, policy and programs to maintain their
own health and safety and that of others in the workplace.
21Others Including Patients and Visitors Responsibilities
Patients, visitors, clients, customers, friends and family at the NSW Health Pathology workplace
have WHS responsibilities and must:-
Take reasonable care for their own and others health and safety
Comply with reasonable instruction that is given by NSWHP to ensure a safe workplace
Safety Programs
In order to implement the general provisions of the WHS policy, the following services are
provided within NSW Health Pathology:
WHS training and education
Information on work design, workplace design and standard work methods
Information on safety
Reporting and recording of incidents, accidents, injuries and illnesses
Other WHS information and advice to employees and managers
WHS Committees
The WHS Committees bring together workers and management to discuss Work Health and
Safety issues within your Network. Each committee is made up of representatives from each
motivated workgroup to ensure all staff has representation on the committee. For further
information on WHS and Workers Compensation (WC), contact 1800 220 176 or your Network
WHS and Injury Management Coordinator. More information can be also found on the
Workcover website at www.workcover.nsw.gov.au.
WHS Documentation
NSW Health Pathology and your Network hold all current WHS and Workers compensation
information on your Quality System or shared drive.
Pathology West – QPulse
Forensic and Analytical Science Services – QPulse
Sydney South West Pathology Services – QIMS
Sydney East Area Laboratory Services – Shared Drive
Pathology North – QUOVIS
The primary NSW Health Pathology WHS and WC documents on the Quality System or shared
drive that new staff should read on their commencement with the organisation include:-
WHS Policy
Personal Protective Equipment Policy
WHS Issue Resolution Flowchart
Worker’s Compensation and Injury Management Policy
Rehabilitation Program
Worker’s Compensation and Injury Management Summary Flowchart
If you get injured at Work Poster
22Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
The Employee Assistance Program (EAP) is a free service offered to employees and their
immediate families. It provides independent, confidential and professional counselling services
concerning personal or work related problems. The EAP provider for NSWHP is Converge
International.
What might people talk about with counsellors?
Work Issues Personal Issues:
Work Relationships Relationships
Career Counselling Stress, Depression Anxiety
Conflict Resolution Substance Abuse, Addictions, Gambling
Bullying, Harassment Grief, Loss, Bereavement
See your Quality System or Shared Drive you an FAQ on the services provided by Converge
International.
Any contact with the EAP service provider is confidential. NSW Health Pathology is not advised
of the names or circumstances of any staff members using the service. To arrange a confidential
counselling session contact Converge International on ph: 1800 337 068. This is a 24-hour toll
free number or you can access the website: www.convergeinternational.com.au.
Get Healthy Information and Coaching Service
This is a free and confidential telephone service that provides information and ongoing support to
NSW adults who would like to eat healthier, be more active or achieve and maintain a healthy
weight and lifestyle.
By visiting the Get Healthy Service website at www.gethealthynsw.com.au or by calling the
Service on ph: 1300 806 258 (Monday to Friday, 8am - 8pm), NSW residents can be sent a
detailed information kit or elect to take part in a six month coaching program. The coaching
program also offers participant’s access to their own university-qualified health coach who will
assist them set healthy lifestyle goals, overcome barriers and setbacks, maintain motivation and
achieve long term lifestyle changes.
Smoke- Free Workplace
A primary objective of NSW Health is ‘to promote, protect and maintain health’.
Smoking inside all NSW Health buildings, including staff residential accommodation has been
banned since the time of the 1988 policy. Under the 1999 policy this ban remains in place.
Depending on the status of the policy in the relevant facility, those who wish to smoke can do so
in designated smoking areas, or if they no longer exist, must smoke off-campus.
If the public health organisation implementation committee has agreed that there is no outdoor
area of the facility that can meet the safety criteria set in the Smoke Free Workplace Policy
manual, smoking is to be banned on the entire campus of the facility.
The following criteria relate specifically to staff:
Staff wishing to smoke while at work are only to do so in award rest breaks (morning
tea, afternoon tea, lunch and dinner).
23Anti-Bullying Advice Line
ABAL is a state-wide telephone advice line for all NSW Health staff. Advisors can answer your
questions about the process for managing bullying complaints, or what you can do to make the
bullying behaviour stop.
ABAL provides independent, confidential advise and Advisors will not judge you or your situation.
No matter where you work in NSW Health, you can call the same number 1300 416 088.
Advisors are available to take your call between 7am and 6pm, Monday to Friday. Outside these
hours, leave a message and they will call you back. For further information see Anti-Bullying
Advice Line.
Ergonomic Assessment
Ergonomics is all about changing work to suit people. Talk to your manager about ways to
ensure that your workplace meets ergonomic needs.
Fire Training
For employees located in the Newcastle and Chatswood Corporate Offices, the buildings are
monitored by a fully automated fire control system that is located in the control room with
automatic reporting to the fire station. The NSW Health Pathology fire safety officers/wardens for
the Corporate Office are listed in the lunch rooms. The floor plans showing the nearest fire exit,
extinguisher, fire blankets and fire stairs etc is located in the lunch room.
For employees located in the Networks, please have a look on the LHD intranet for details of the
firewardens within the LHD or consult with your line manager for further information.
It is your responsibility to make yourself familiar with the fire exits and equipment in your
workplace area. Regular in-services are provided for staff for Fire Safety and Evacuation, OH&S
and Manual Handling.
First Aid Responses
First aid kits can be found at the Corporate Offices in the Culture Room (Newcastle only) and the
Kitchen, please check the WHS board on the NSW Health Pathology intranet for the names of
your first aid officers. Safety and Wellbeing For all Network Staff, please contact your line
manager for further information on where the first aid kits are located and who your first aid
officers are.
Hazardous Substances
NSW Health Pathology keeps a register of hazardous substances which is updated annually.
24Incident Reporting
In the event of an incident/accident the staff members must ensure that they:-
Seek medical attention and support from a medical practitioner or an Emergency
Department if required.
Report the incident/accident to their Supervisor or Manager as soon as possible and/or
within 24 hours of the incident occurring.
Complete an incident, hazard and near miss report form
Assist the manager, if possible, with the incident/accident investigation report
Infection Control
Flu is spread mainly from person-to-person through infected people coughing and sneezing.
Particles from coughs and sneezes can remain infectious on people’s hands and on surfaces
around the workplace. If you are sick with a flu-like illness, you should stay at home until your
symptoms are gone. To prevent the spread of influenza, use of hand washing facilities or
alcohol-based hand-rub is encouraged. If staff are sick with an influenza-like illness, they should
be advised to stay at home until well and limit contact with other people to avoid infecting them.
The following advice is useful for staff with symptoms of the flu to help stop spreading it to
others.-
Over your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Throw the tissue in
the garbage when you are finished with it.
Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after you cough or sneeze or go
to the toilet.
Alcohol based hand cleaners are also effective.
Commonly touched areas in the workplace are cleaned regularly, as influenza viruses can
survive on hard surfaces for several hours.
Further information is available at
http://www.health.nsw.gov.au/policies/PD/2011/PD2011_005.html and
http://www.health.nsw.gov.au/pandemic/Pages/hand-wash-community.aspx
For a copy of the Infection Control Policy see Infection Control Policy - NSW Health
Manual Handling
Manual handling is any task requiring the use of force exerted by a person to lift, lower, push,
pull, carry or otherwise move, hold or restrain any object or person. This also includes tasks
using repetitive movement and sustained postures. Manual handling is recognised as a
significant workplace hazard. It is the most frequent cause of injury and workers compensation
claims and all staff have a responsibility to comply with policy.
Smoking
Smoking is NOT permitted in any part NSW Health buildings/campus or within 10 meters of any
entrance to any NSW Health building/campus. Smoking in NSW Health Pathology fleet vehicles
is also not permitted.
25Staff vaccinations
The flu vaccination will be offered free to all employees from March/May each year. For more
information please see: Influenza Vaccination.
Waste Management
All staff have the responsibility to ensure that their workstations are clean and tidy and that waste
is disposed of appropriately. Any recyclable items should be deposited in the appropriately
labelled bin. Any confidential or potentially contentious paperwork should be disposed in the
locked security bins. For more information see: Waste Management.
Workers Compensation
If you have a work related injury or disease and need medical treatment and/or cannot work for a
certain period of time because of the injury then you can claim workers compensation. The
workers compensation system provides you with benefits and assistance to help you recover so
that you can return to work safely and as soon as possible. See Work Health and Safety
for more information.
Workplace Inspections
Under the Work Health and Safety Act 2011, workplace inspections are conducted regularly by
one Safe Practices and Environment Officer and one staff member, covering designated areas
and equipment on a rotational basis. The inspections are to review and monitor the workplace
environment. A report is made and presented to the relevant committee for discussion.
26Information Technology
Staff who are based in the NSW Health Pathology corporate offices (Newcastle & Chatswood)
are required to complete a range of technology access forms and submit to the State Wide
Service Desk for processing.
All forms for IT related resources can be found on the intranet under forms: Forms.
If you are located outside the corporate office and your IT support is serviced by the Local Health
District campus on which you work, please look up the LHDs intranet for information regarding
their IT services. You will also need to contact the relevant LHD IT department for the processes
for accessing the network or for help with IT matters.
NSW Health Pathology IT services
NSW Health Pathology IT Services are the responsibility of the Chief Information Officer who sits
within the Strategy and Reform portfolio. The acquisition of any IT products or services or
undertaking any development work must be approved by the Chief Information Officer (or
nominated delegate) prior to processing.
Staff can access the NSW Health Education and Training Institutes online learning centre for IT
courses Ministry of Health Capability Development (Learning and Development)
Getting Advice on Additional IT Needs
Once approval by your Manager has been given for non-standard items, Desktop Support will
need to be consulted first by calling the SWSD or the IT Helpdesk within the LHD (if you are
located outside corporate office). Desktop Support can then advise and facilitate quotes for
pricing or further investigation. The quotation will include the costs associated with the software
licence as well as any CD/DVD media necessary. It should be noted that this type of default is
considered low priority.
Prohibited Hardware and Software
Technology and Systems Support (TSS) may deem some software and hardware a potential risk
to the organisation, through its interaction with the HSS Network and ICT Environment. The
same goes for LHD IT Departments.
For example, it may have been poorly designed with source coding vulnerabilities during
development. Some software and hardware may cause network interruptions or create
unexpected additional traffic requests on the network. Therefore, they are not to be used without
specific approval from TSS or the LHD IT department that your respective IT network is hosted
by. Please refer to the SWSD or the LHD IT department for further advice.
27State-Wide Service Desk (SWSD)
The State-wide Service Desk (SWSD) is the contact point for information, communication and
technology (ICT) issues for NSW Health Pathology corporate office. Staff that work outside the
corporate office are generally hosted by the relevant LHD.
Hours of operation for the statewide service desk are:
Monday to Friday: 6am – Midnight;
Saturday, Sun and Public Holidays: 8am – 4:30pm.
Outside of those hours, calls are diverted to HSS Data Centre staff who will triage and log the call
to be dealt with the next business day.
The State-wide Service Desk troubleshoots triages, resolves or escalates to the service areas
listed below:
Hardware support
Software support
Network support
Printer support
Web application support
Communications support (data and voice)
Account management
Password management
Purchasing (PC, printers, peripherals)
Outage notifications for state based build applications
The SWSD can be contacted on 1300 28 55 33 and the choices for support are:
Follow-up call
Password
EMR
All other enquiries
Staff are asked to enter the numerical portion of their employee number followed by the # key.
Press # if no employee number is available.
Appropriate use of NSW Health communication systems
All staff have access to NSW Health Pathology intranet and website (as well as other sites) and
should be aware of relevant NSW Health policies. See Use and Management of Misuse of NSW
Health Communications Systems for more information.
28Strategic Communications
The Strategic Communications team leads the organisation’s media relations, issues
management, strategic internal communications, corporate identity, digital media, government
relations and stakeholder engagement strategies.
It provides advice and support to teams in these areas and has developed a range of resources
which staff should be aware of:
NSW Health Pathology Media Relations Guidelines (which can be found in the Policy
Library)
NSW Health Pathology Stakeholder Engagement Framework
NSW Health Pathology Communication Resources
NSW Health Pathology Guide to Government Relations
NSW Health Pathology Style Guide
The Strategic Communications Team also coordinates all requests for information under the
Government Information Public Access Act (GIPAA) and coordinates official briefs to the Ministry
of Health and Minister’s offices.
Media Relations
The media can play an important role in informing the community and shaping public opinion
about the work of NSW Health Pathology and its networks.
The Strategic Communications team works with media outlets to promote the work and
achievements of the organisation and its staff. It also helps ensure NSW Health Pathology and
its networks are portrayed fairly and accurately in the media.
Media relations activities include but are not limited to:
Media releases, statements and alerts
Media enquiries and interviews
Journalist briefings
Editorial for newspapers, newsletters, magazines and other publications
Letters to the editor
Television broadcasts
Radio broadcasts
Web-based mediums including websites, podcasts and other digital / social media
channels
The NSW Health Pathology Media Relations Guidelines outline how media relations activities
are managed within NSW Health Pathology. These guidelines apply to all employees,
contractors and volunteers of NSW Health Pathology and its networks, including those with
designated communication managers. All queries from journalists must be directed to the
Strategic Communications team on:
During business hours: (02) 4920-4000
After business hours: 0419 669 142
via email at NSWPATH-News@health.nsw.gov.au
29The NSW Health Pathology Media Relations Guidelines can be found on the NSW Health
Pathology intranet. A Fact Sheet has also been developed to help educate staff about the
guidelines and how media matters are managed.
Media Consent Forms
Employees, contractors, volunteers, patients and business partners who may be filmed,
photographed or recorded for promotional purposes and media relations activities need to
provide informed consent to ensure they understand how their image / likeness may be used in
the public domain.
To support this, persons involved in such activities must complete a NSW Health Pathology
Media Consent Form which will be held on file within the Strategic Communications team.
The media consent form can be found on the NSW Health Pathology intranet in the Forms
section.
NSW Health Pathology Templates & Style Guide
NSW Health Pathology has developed a suite of corporate templates that are to be
consistently used staff.
Using the common set of document masters helps ensure consistency in both appearance
and content and reflects the information standards of NSW Health Pathology.
The NSW Health Pathology Style Guide and suite of templates can be found on the NSW
Health Pathology intranet.
Use of NSW Health Pathology Logo
The NSW Health Pathology logo cannot be reproduced on any published material or resource
without approval by the Executive Director, Strategic Communications. Approval to reproduce
the logo is conditional upon agreement of the intended use by NSW Health Pathology and
acceptance of NSW Health Pathology’s logo reproduction conditions.
External parties seeking to use NSW Health Pathology’s logo should be advised to contact the
communications team on 02 4920-4000.
Request to Reproduce NSW Health Pathology Copyright Material
All material produced by NSW Health Pathology is subject to copyright and cannot be
reproduced without prior signed approval from NSW Health Pathology. Approval to reproduce
NSW Health Pathology’s copyright material is conditional on NSW Health Pathology’s approval of
the intended resource and acceptance of the copyright reproduction conditions. Parties seeking
to reproduce NSW Health Pathology materials should contact the communications team on 02
4920-4000.
Corporate Publications
All official NSW Health Pathology corporate publications and promotional materials are to be
reviewed by the Strategic Communications team prior to finalisation, publication or release.
30This includes newsletters, brochures, formal strategic publications and other official documents,
particularly those that will be published externally.
The team will review formal corporate publications to ensure they are in-line within the NSW
Health and NSW Health Pathology style guides. It will also help ensure material is written in plain
English, aligns to the strategic directions and positions of the organisation, and is appropriate for
the intended audience.
Teams must consult with the Strategic Communications unit prior to creating any proposed new
publication or promotional tool. The Unit will work with the team to ensure there is an actual
demonstrated need for the resource, that it can be maintained and managed by the project team
in the long-term, and that it is in-line with NSW Health and NSW Health Pathology style guides. It
can also provide advice and ensure teams have considered issues such as target audiences,
content plans, development, printing, distribution mechanisms and costs, and other matters.
NSW Health Pathology Intranet and Website
The Strategic Communications team manages the NSW Health Pathology intranet and website.
It regularly reviews content, monitors usage trends and seeks feedback to continually improve
both resources.
To make suggestions, suggest content or report an issue, contact the Unit’s web Digital
Communication Manager Ms Peta Cooper on 02 4920-4000 or via email at NSWPATH-
News@health.nsw.gov.au.
Social Media Guidance
The use of social media channels follows the same standards of professional practice and
conduct associated all communication activities in NSW Health Pathology and the broader public
health system. Common sense and sound judgement are vital.
All use of social media technology undertaken by NSW Health Pathology should be part of a
broader communication strategy and should be discussed with and endorsed by the Strategic
Communications team. NSW Health provides guidance on the appropriate use of social media
for official and personal purposes via the following resources:
Code of Conduct
Use & Management of Misuse of NSW Health Communications Systems
NSW Government Social Media Policy
Respecting staff and patient privacy
All staff working in the NSW public health system are bound by law, by the NSW Health Privacy
Manual for Health Information, and by a strict code of conduct to maintain confidentiality of patient
and staff information.
This may include employment-related staff records, basic demographics and patient pathology
results and case notes.
The NSW Health Pathology intranet contains information and downloadable resources to support
staff in respecting the privacy of our colleagues and patients.
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