Nurses and midwives at Hawkesbury District Health Service are feeling distressed over concerns their leave entitlements will not be transferred .

From July , Hawkesbury District Health Service , which has been operated by St John of God Health Care for the past eight years , will return to public hands .

Staff have been informed their accrued annual and long service leave will not be transferred due to legal implications between private sector and public sector systems .

The NSW Nurses and Midwives ’ Association ( NSWNMA ) is exploring

possible resolutions to resolve this .

The lack of certainty has left healthcare workers feeling extremely stressed and anxious about their future , with just over two months until Nepean Blue Mountains Local Health District takes over .

Staff held a rally at the hospital in their own time today , calling for a smooth and seamless transition , which includes allowing employees to transfer their entitlements . If this doesn ’ t happen , staff won ’ t have any leave available from July 1 .

NSWNMA Hawkesbury District Health Service Branch secretary , Ben Wright , said staff were feeling overwhelmed by the uncertainty .

“ After years of loyal and dedicated service to the hospital and community , we feel like this is a real kick in the guts . We are losing the freedom to take our leave on our terms ,” said Mr Wright . “ There is a lot of angst among health workers , particularly around the financial and tax implications of this payout . Some staff have hundreds of hours accrued and have plans on how and when they will use it . This move throws their finances and future goals into disarray .

“ Having our entitlements paid out in a lump sum will be detrimental in many ways . It will affect government support payments like family tax benefits , paid parental leave and childcare rebates , and it will push some into higher tax brackets . It will also result in a loss of superannuation contributions , and the ability to accrue

Concerned health workers at the recent rally .

leave , while on leave .”

NSWNMA General Secretary , Shaye Candish , said while the Association supported the hospital transitioning from private to public , staff needed to be looked after first and foremost .

“ Nurses and midwives have provided many years of service and care to the Hawkesbury community and their dedication and hard work needs to be recognised . We are concerned that this will drive away experienced nurses and

midwives from the hospital ,” said Ms Candish .

“ We know this is causing a great deal of distress to our members , and we are working on a possible resolution which will allow nurses and midwives to keep their well-earned leave entitlements .

“ We are also seeking assurances from the NSW government that no current positions , roles or services will be lost in this process and no staff will be adversely affected by the changeover .”