ALL staff at Brisbane’s Royal Children’s and Mater Children’s hospitals have had to reapply for their jobs, leaving many in limbo as they await Queensland Health to decide who will be employed at the new $1.5 billion The Lady Cilento Hospital.
It is understood some Mater staff will be redeployed while Queensland Health will offer some who are not required at the new hospital other clinical positions. There will be some clinical staff left without jobs.
The Sunday Mail can reveal management positions have already been decided, with the 26 most senior doctors to be publicly announced in the coming weeks.
Staffing positions will be filled as each section of the corporate structure is complete.
Health Minister Lawrence Springborg is attempting to salvage the controversial state-of-the-art hospital, which has more than doubled its original cost when announced by then premier Peter Beattie.
Mr Springborg confirmed two sets of staff were being merged into one.
“The LCCH will merge the staff and expertise of the Royal Children’s Hospital and the Mater Children’s Hospital with clinical recruitment on track to be completed in July,’’ he said.
“A staged advertising approach was taken to this recruitment campaign. Verbal position offers were provided to nursing staff as each stage was completed.
“This allowed a nurse who might have been unsuccessful at one stage to participate in the next stage of recruitment.’’
The uncertainty is another hit for Queensland’s medical workers who have battled a payroll scandal and a recent battle over doctor’s contracts.
The Newman Government inherited the hospital plan which has been dogged by union issues, cost blowouts and ownership controversies.
Mr Springborg said he was determined to make the new hospital a success. It is expected to be open by November.
“Initial planning for this 359-bed facility was badly mismanaged by the former Labor State government, resulting in a blow out in costs which more than doubled to $1.5 billion,’’ he said.
“Nevertheless, the completed hospital will be the central hub of an enhanced statewide network of children’s health services.”
Source: Courier Mail