For those of you that attended the recent ACORN Conference may be aware that the new ACORN staffing standard was discussed.

There have been some major changes to this standard from the 2006 standard which could impact on our members greatly.

SAPNA is concerned at the way this standard was reviewed and changed. There was no consultation with SAPNA and the first we knew about the changes was after they were ratified.SAPNA feels that all states and territories should have been consulted and had input in the proposed changes.

We now have the ACORN standards recognising the use of Anaesthetic Technicians in the perioperative environment. This was to reflect current practises in other states but SAPNA feels this will now allow for the introduction of technicians in SA – something we have previously fought to avoid.

SAPNA is currently in the process of voicing our concerns to ACORN over these and other issues. If you have any concerns or opinions regarding the new ACORN Staffing standard we would love to hear from you.

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