Archived Media Releases: 31 January 2006

Hotline response astounds ANF

The Australian Nursing Federation (ANF) has been surprised by the amount of interest the government’s proposed 24-hour hotline has generated.

‘Nurses are accustomed to giving advice over the phone. This is not a new concept. We have been doing it unofficially for years,’ said ANF Federal Secretary Jill Iliffe .

For instance, nurses working in maternity, children’s and post surgery wards, are often called on to give advice over the phone. In addition to the unofficial services there are already established Hotline services in WA and the ACT. Similar trials in NSW have also been well received.

‘The important thing to remember is if a new service is to be introduced the ANF would like to be sure the necessary infrastructure is in place to support the nurses and that there are appropriate working conditions and remuneration.’

A 24-hour hotline may encourage some nurses to return to work who had previously left the workforce because of the demanding physical nature of nursing work. ‘It could be a good thing for some nurses.

‘However, it doesn’t solve the fundamental issue of workforce shortages. We still need more nurses,’ said Ms Illife.

The 24 hotline initiative is to be discussed at next month's Council of Australian Governments meeting, and is anticipated to cost $40 million a year.

Media Contacts
Jill Iliffe, Federal Secretary 0419 576 590
Ged Kearney, Assistant Federal Secretary 0417 053 322
Lani Stanistreet, Manager Communication & Journals 0414 471 339

The ANF, representing 145,000 members, is the professional and industrial voice for nurses in Australia.