Code of Conduct

This code of conduct is based on the following principles which require that staff should:

  • Perform your duties with professionalism, objectively and with reliability
  • Work efficiently and effectively and adhere to the Code of Conduct of the Presbyterian Church of NSW
  • Keep the confidentiality of patient information that is received in the course of their duties
  • Observe fairness and equity in working with stakeholders
  • Avoid real and apparent conflict, and conflict of interest, in working with staff and families

The Code of Conduct is to help staff to identify their ethical responsibilities. It does not cover all concerns which challenge staff.

Acceptable Behaviour

  • Staff will carry out their duties according to their job descriptions and level of training to the best of their ability, and by implementing the policies and procedures of Allowah Presbyterian Children's Hospital.
  • Staff will be familiar with and implement the Code of Conduct of thePresbyterian Church of New South Wales.
  • Staff will maintain and develop their knowledge of their profession and befamiliar and comply with legislation, standards and competencies that relate to their work.
  • Staff will ensure the patients right to privacy and dignity at all times.
  • Staff will treat other staff members, families, visitors and other stakeholders with courtesy and sensitivity of their rights.
  • Staff will avoid waste of the Hospital resources.
  • Staff will maintain a standard of dress that is specified for their role.

Unacceptable Behaviour
  • Staff are not to consume alcohol or drugs while at work, or to come to work under the influence of alcohol or illicit drugs. This is grounds for disciplinary action.
  • Staff are not to be involved in any sexual behaviour with any patient at any time, this is ground for dismissal.
  • Staff are not to make any sexual jokes, innuendos, comments with or about any patient at any time, this is grounds for disciplinary action.
  • Staff are not to engage in any behaviour that can cause fear or distress to any patient.

This includes restraint, isolating a patient or denying basic rights.

  • Staff are not to swear, use abusive or mocking language to any patient at any time, this is grounds for disciplinary action.
  • Staff will not steal from patients or other staff's property, from the hospital or hospital grounds. This is grounds for disciplinary action.
  • Staff will not engage in any sexual activity with staff members or other Stakeholders on the hospital premises.

Breach of the Code of Conduct

Any breach of the Code of Conduct for any reason is to be reported to the Executive Director of Nursing and the Chief Executive Officer as soon as possible. This will then be reported to the Child Protection Unit of the Presbyterian Social Services and the Department of Community Services if it comes under the guidelines of the mandatory reporting requirements.