Workforce and Recruitment
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
As we prepare for the opening of Orthonova, we recognise that many people have questions about what workforce planning and recruitment will mean for them. This Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) document has been developed to provide clear and consistent information to support this process.
Our priority is to ensure caregivers are kept informed as planning progresses and that recruitment and workforce decisions are undertaken in a fair, transparent and equitable manner. We are committed to providing opportunities for people to understand the process, ask questions, and make informed decisions.
The information in this document reflects our current planning and will continue to be updated as key decisions are made and additional information becomes available. If you cannot find the answer to your question, we encourage you to speak with the Orthonova Commissioning Directors, or the Director of Organisational Development and Improvement.
In addition to this FAQ, we will be holding a series of Workforce Information Expos to provide caregivers with the opportunity to learn more about employment opportunities at Orthonova and within the SJGMH St Veronica Ward (oncology / haematology).
The expos will provide information about the workforce model, available roles, recruitment timelines, and the selection process. Caregivers will have the opportunity to meet members of the leadership team, ask questions, and discuss how their skills and experience may align with opportunities at the new hospital.
Dates, times and further details will be communicated separately.
If I work at Orthonova, will my employer change?
No.
SJGHC remains the employer for all caregivers who work at Orthonova. This means that your continuous service is recognised and entitlements linked to length of service are preserved.
Access to all SJGHC employee benefits also remain unchanged (e.g. salary packaging)
Will my pay be the same?
As SJGHC remains the employer for Orthonova, the SJGHC Enterprise Agreements, terms and conditions and pay rates will apply to caregivers who accept a position at Orthonova.
Is Orthonova part of SJGMH?
Yes.
Orthonova is a Joint Venture between a group of leading orthopaedic surgeons and SJGHC. Whilst the Joint Venture arrangement brings with it differences in the governance and management structure, Orthonova forms part of SJGMH and is physically connected to the Murdoch hospital.
Contracts for Orthonova will be issued separately from SJGMH contracts, however this does not preclude caregivers working across the campus.
What happens if I choose to work across both SJGMH and Orthonova?
If you work across Orthonova and St John of God Murdoch Hospital:
You will hold an employment contract for each position, you will accrue leave balances against both roles and will need to apply for and obtain approval for leave from both line managers.
It is expected that Managers and caregivers will work together to ensure shift patterns are rostered in a way that do not conflict with each other, or breach EBA requirements
Will I be mandated to work at Orthonova or SJGMH in periods of decreased activity?
No.
During periods of decreased activity, caregivers who are contracted to Orthonova will be provided with the option to access their leave, or accept a shift across the campus (if a suitable shift is available). The decision on which option to take will be at the discretion of the caregiver.
This arrangement will be the same for caregivers who are contracted to SJGMH.
Will my leave entitlements be combined?
This depends.
If you hold two jobs / roles which are different from each other and attract different pay rates / EBA’s, then leave (excluding LSL) will be accrued based on the hours worked in each job / role.
Subject to approval, caregivers appointed to a role at Orthonova may be able to transfer accrued leave entitlements from their SJGMH role upon commencement. This can be discussed during the recruitment and appointment process to ensure suitable leave balances are maintained across both roles for caregivers who elect to work across both hospitals.
Will I be required to commit to as minimum number of contracted hours?
No.
There is no fixed commitment to minimum contract hours, Individual circumstances and department requirements will vary and can be negotiated case by case. Where you are maintaining employment at SJGMH and identified as a preferred candidate at Orthonova you will be required to nominate what will occur with your SJGMH role (maintain, reduce hours or resign) and the offer of employment and change to position at SJGMH will occur as a single transaction where these changes can be reasonably accommodated.
Who can I speak to if I have questions?
Kimberley Montgomery - Commissioning Director, Nursing
Sarah-Jayne Powell – Director of Nursing
Cate Thomas – Director of Organisational Development and Improvement
Ben Dellar – Director of Corporate Services