THE Penola War Memorial Hospital came under the spotlight at a parliamentary committee after former registered nurse Sylvia Jones provided evidence on incorrect payments.
In a statement lasting more than 30 minutes, Ms Jones faced the four member committee on wage theft last week to discuss five years worth of issues with the State Government department.
Ms Jones told committee chair Irene Pnevmatikos, Terry Stephens, Emily Bourke and Connie Bonaros of complications with payroll and “bullying and harassment”.
According to Ms Jones, she was granted carer’s leave, but discovered it had been removed from her pay sheet while away.
“These time sheets were adjusted without my knowledge and or my approval,” she said.
“It was common practice at the time.”
Ms Jones said she was refused payment for the carers leave and was instead given the option of take leave without pay or annual leave.
She said the situation had contributed to severe stress levels, culminating in Ms Jones being admitted to hospital with chest pain.
The condition allowed Ms Jones to access the employment assistance scheme, which then became a WorkCover case.
However, Ms Jones claimed further incorrect payments, saying the information provided by the hospital was incorrect.
Ms Jones said an internal memo sent to all staff outlined employees who remained at work after their shift should not fill out overtime sheets on the basis the additional payment would be denied.
“Staff were advised all overtime requests would have to go through the South East Local Health Network chief executive Jayne Downs.
“Otherwise, overtime was to be taken as time in lieu.”
Ms Jones also claimed she had been overpaid.
A Country Health SA spokesperson said the department was not aware of any resolved pay issues with health services staff in the South East.
“We want out staff to be paid accurately and on time and we encourage staff members to promptly raise any issues with their line manager so they can be resolved,” the spokesperson said.
“Inaccuracies are raised with Shared Services SA, which looks after payroll for all South Australian departments.”
