UNISON Shropshire Health Branch

Branch Elections

2011-02-07T15:46:00.000Z

We have come around to that time of year again when the branch carries out its elections for branch officers.

The date for the elections is 17th February 2011, and if you want to come along and maybe put yourself up as a steward or officer we would love to see you.

We will meet at The Royal Shrewsbury Hospital in the Union Office from 10-00am to 12-00pm then we move to The Princess Royal Hospital in the afternoon from 1-30pm to 3-30pm, so even if you do not want to be an officer come along and say hello.

Changes to IT system

2010-09-21T23:08:00.000+01:00

Can we just inform you that the Trust are making changes to the IT system, the following is a copy of a recent email sent out..........

"In the next couple of weeks we will be making changes to the way we access the internet from PRH, RSH and Douglas Court. In technical terms, we will be replacing the internet proxy servers which control access to the internet.

We will make every effort to ensure continuity of service, but please be aware that there may be some disruption to internet access (including internet based application) and spine/N3 services whilst the changes take place.

You will also notice the WebSense quota time system is being removed for the time being. This system allocated quote time for websites that are not deemed essential to the business of the NHS. With our new system we will be logging all internet usage to individual user accounts and computers. This will help us to ensure that our

Information Systems Security Policy

is being followed. For example, the HR department will be able to follow up inappropriate use of the internet with individual users.

The exact timing of these changes has not been confirmed, but please check for updates in the

IT Alerts

section on the front page of the intranet."

Can we just point out the red highlighted sections, watch what you are doing!!

Recruitment and Retention Premia (RRP)

2010-08-30T22:17:00.000+01:00

NHS Employers had been commissioned by the NHS Staff Council to commission a review of the national Recruitment and Retention Premia (RRP) in Agenda for Change.
This followed the decision in the Hartley equal pay Employment Tribunal that the national RRP must be reviewed by the NHS Staff Council before the 1 April 2011.
Following a tender exercise panel on the 10 May it was reported that the tender had been awarded to the Institute of Employment Studies (IES).
An initial meeting with the research team is scheduled for next week.

KSF

2010-08-30T21:55:00.000+01:00

INDEPENDENT REVIEW OF THE KNOWLEDGE & SKILLS FRAMEWORK — UPDATE FOR BRANCHES

Branches will be aware that the NHS Knowledge and Skills Framework (KSF) has been the focus of an independent review commissioned by the NHS Staff Council. This was prompted by concerns that the KSF (the career and pay progression strand of the NHS pay system), has not been fully implemented across the service. The latest staff survey for England tells us that around one-third of the NHS workforce is still not receiving any form of appraisal or KSF development review to discuss their training and career development needs. The Institute for Employment Studies (IES) carried out the review earlier this year. Its report and recommendations, which have been broadly accepted by the NHS Staff Council, are to:

• Clarify and establish a stronger link between KSF and appraisals
• Simplify the KSF to allow greater flexibility and meet local needs
• Increase support for NHS organisations to enable them to deliver KSF on a local level

The IES has now been commissioned to take forward the recommendations, including redesigning and simplifying the KSF framework. UNISON believes this work is crucial to encourage full implementation of the KSF so that all NHS staff covered by Agenda for Change will be able to exercise their contractual right to access to learning and development opportunities. The IES is being supported by a small technical working group of employer and staff side representatives, and a wider partnership reference group. It will deliver a progress report to the NHS Staff Council in July and is aiming to complete its work later this summer.

The Staff Council has given a commitment that whatever revisions are made to the KSF, it will not compromise the good practice that is already going on within the service. It is therefore important that local organisations continue to implement and use the existing KSF/appraisal procedures to ensure that all staff have an annual KSF appraisal meeting and a personal development plan.

Pay - what it means in the NHS!

2010-08-30T20:41:00.000+01:00

The Coalition Government policy for public sector pay, including the NHS for 2011 — 2013 is as follows:
• That pay points at £21,000 p.a. and above will be frozen until 31 March 2013. In the NHS Pay Spine 2 all pay points would be frozen at pay point No 16 and above.
• That pay points below £21,000 p.a. would not be frozen and should be increased by at least £250 p.a. in each of the next two years.
• That the Government will ask the NHS Pay Review Body (NHSPRB) to collect evidence and make recommendations for the uplift to the rates of pay at pay points 1 to 15.
• That pay progression within pay bands would not be inhibited by this policy and those entitled to pay progression should continue to receive it.

This means that all pay points in Bands 5 to 9 and the top two pay points in Band 4 would be frozen.

Short Story

2010-02-04T23:07:00.000Z

Just a short story about two young ladies and a trip to the retirement conference held in Scarborough in September 2009, we didnt really have the weather for paddling!.
Now on a serious note we had a long journey by train to Scarborough, booked into our hotel and looking forward to the conference next day.

This being Phyl's very first conference as our retired member rep, and my first retirement conference I was very well impressed in how well organized it was, although Scarborough was geologically inappropriate for our Senior members, (all hills and steps).

Our first night's sleep was interrupted four times due to fire alarms and very glad to say there was no real fire but miss being rescued by fire men!.

Tuesday was our first day in conference where we had the opportunity to join different work shops ranging from free leisure activities for retired members to the more serious side of elderly abuse and inadequate Governement pension.

On Wednesday it was the main conference where we were voting on different policies and issues, which two of would be taken up by Unison at national delegates conference.

We travelled back on Thursday with feeling so proud of the energy of our retired members.

Carole Evans

At Christmas

2010-02-02T22:42:00.000Z

At Christmas several stewards went around the Wards/Departments delivering Christmas Presents that we had bought for the benefit of all.

All the wards and several departments received Christmas bags containing Tea, Coffee, Sugar, Biscuits and Sweets for the use of all the staff.

The Neo Natal unit at the RSH also received for each baby in the unit over Christmas, Muslin squares for the babies when they are sick, baby wash and baby sponges.

The children’s wards at both PRH and RSH received selection boxes and chocolates for the children unfortunate enough to be in hospital at Christmas.

And the elderly wards of 15/16 at PRH and 22a/22s at RSH received blankets and toiletries for the patients; I believe a staff nurse dressed up as Santa when they were delivered at RSH.

Annual General Meeting

2010-02-02T22:01:00.001Z

Just to let you know that the Annual General Meeting of our branch takes place on Thursday 4th February 2010.
If you want to attend the times are 10 till 12 at The Royal Shrewsbury Hospital in the Union Office, and 1 till 3 at The Princess Royal Hospital again in the Union Office.
If you want to be a steward or would like to be an officer in the branch, come along and register.

Members Letter

2010-01-11T11:03:00.002Z

We sometimes do not get the recognition that we sometimes deserve for our work, but occasionally we do, as shown from a recent communication sent to us.

Dear Mr Mackenzie

I am writing to let you know how helpful your representative Elvina Ashton-King has been to me.

I had worked for the Princess Royal Hospital in Telford, but lost my job due to ill health. Elvina helped me through the whole sickness policy, making sure management went by the book.

It was she and she alone who got me a good payout at the end by making sure I was paid for holidays due during sickness (new ruling from parliament), and money in lieu of notice.

If it had not been for Elvina I would have walked away with nothing. She gave me both moral and practical support when I needed it most.

Yours Sincerely

BB

This letter is kept on file for reference, but it shows how well we do our job !!

Coffee Morning

2009-11-22T18:01:00.003Z

Coffee Mornings.

23rd November PRH 9-30 to 11-30 Restaurant

24th November RSH 9-30 to 11-30 Level 2

One World. No second chances. - WWF-UK Polar Bear Video

2009-11-03T22:02:00.000Z

One World. No second chances. - WWF-UK Polar Bear Video

Stewards wanted

2009-10-31T21:30:00.002Z

The number of active stewards is gradually diminishing and we would like to ask if anyone would be interested in joining us.

Just contact any of the stewards.

Coffee Morning

2009-10-31T20:40:00.002Z

The Unions at SATH are holding two coffee mornings at both the Princess Royal Hospital and the Royal Shrewsbury Hospital.

The dates are as follows :-

PRH 23rd November 9-30am to 11-30am and RSH 24th November 9-30am to 11-30am

Look out for notices around the hospitals!!!

All are welcome to come along and have a chat, if only for the freebies

SOG - Woman's Health

2009-10-31T20:22:00.003Z

The Unison Lady Stewards of Royal Shrewsbury Hospital and Princess Royal Hospital are concerned about the Government's proposals re: HIP injections for young girls aged 12/18 years old.

We have a written proposal for the Woman's Health Conference in February 2010 to try to change the Government's views.

* To promote HIP injections up to the age of cervical smears - i.e. 25years

* The age of 25 years in England that smear on NHS commence, whereas in Wales, Ireland and Scotland smear tests commence at 20 years.

Is such a disparity necessary ??

This is misleading.

Young ladies wanting smear tests before 25 have to pay unless they have symptoms.

Losing a Friend

2009-08-23T20:19:00.002+01:00

If you were wondering what has happened to Charlie Wilson (one of our fellow reps) I am afraid that Charlie has left our branch because of his new job working for the mental health trust.
To make it a little bit clearer I have reproduced the details from an email :-

Sheryll spoke to Charlie regarding his membership of the Health General Branch of Unison and as the rule book states in
5.2 page 29 of the rule book

*Establish and maintain Union organisation in their work group including the convening of workplace meetings. This Charlie is now unable to fulfil
as he no longer works for the Trust

2.5.1 page 5

*This category of membership shall extend to person's not falling within rule2.3.3 who are undertaking a course of education and were members of the Union in employment immediately prior to undertaking the course.

2.5.2
*Persons in this category of membership shall not be entitled to hold any office in the Union.

2.3.3 page 4
* Eligibility for full membership shall extend to persons whether or not previously members of the Union who are undertaking a course or training designed to lead to becoming employed within the scope of Rule C1. Charlie is not within the scope of rule 2.3. as he is undertaking a Mental Health Nurse Training Course which is not undertaken as a secondment therefore will not be eligible to return to General nursing.

After much discussion and advice sought from our FTO Pat Hetherton and as Charlie now lies within the Mental Health Branch of Unison it is with sad understanding and regret that we say Good Bye to Charlie but wish to thank him for all his support and hard work. in the past few years.

So unfortunately we have lost another one of our reps, if you would like to apply to join us please feel free to contact one of the remainder !!!

Attending my first conference

2009-06-28T00:07:00.002+01:00

By Sally Wreford Branch Treasurer

We enjoyed an uneventful journey down to Brighton and checked into our hotel around 7-30pm. We had a little time to some shopping the following morning before attending the pre meeting.

On my first morning as a visitor to conference I found it a bit confusing at first with all the standing orders, motions, amendments and composites, but i carried on listening and all became a little clearer. There were some very informative and fascinating speeches. (Not all!)

Some delegates got carried away as they were very passionate about the topic. The standing orders speaker was very amusing on the final day when he surprised everyone by singing...

It was more tiring than I expected, the seats were uncomfortable and on the last day of the conference I got stuck in the lift with three other delegates (But not for too long though.)

Traffic was very bad on the journey home, it took us 7 hours. Apart from this, conference was an interesting experience and I was glad that I had attended.

Below are some notes I made, enjoy.

UNISON Conference Brighton June 2009

Dave Prentis gave an outstanding speech, MILLION VOICES FOR CHANGE and got a standing ovation from the delegates. He talked about people before profit and the need to fight job cuts and privatisation of public services. He discussed our relationship with the Labour party and said there would be no blank cheques for Labour and said that members are tired of feeding the hand that bites them. Labour needs to change to get Unison members to vote for them, as a recent poll highlighted that over 70% of members would not vote Labour with the current policies.

Unison is committed to defend pensions, which are under attack, and the average government pension is now only £74 per week. State pensions need to be restored to link up with earnings.

Elderly are not protected against abuse in care homes; Unison is committed to change the Health and Social Care bill. Also delegates voted to support the Fuel Poverty campaign.

Delgate voted on structural changes to give all members an equal voice. Three new groups will be created, Community, Police and Water/ Transport.

Who we are

2009-05-07T21:56:00.000+01:00

Sheryll Samuel Branch Secretary, Education, Womens Officer

Elvina Ashton King Chair, Health and Safety

Eamonn Bias Vice Chair

Sally Wreford Treasurer

Charles Wilson Assistant Treasurer, Internetional Officer

Carole Evans Welfare Officer, Womens Officer

Graham Wardle Communications, Health and Safety

Eddy Souto-Riverio Disability Officer

Health Care CONFERENCE 2009

2009-04-29T20:04:00.000+01:00

(Enlightenment)

This is the story of my personal experience attending for the first time any type of Unison Conference, as a delegate with voting privileges.

Sunday 19th

I began my journey as always from my house, shouting to my daughter that I was leaving, with the reply to phone her when I arrived at my hotel in Harrogate.

Off I went at about 11-30 am on Sunday with a little bit of trepidation, as I said this was my first conference, and as such I was venturing out of my comfort zone and so didn’t know what to expect.

I set the Sat Nav to Elvina’s home and off I went, soon arriving at Elvina’s house in Priorslee at about 12-00 and was greeted by Elvina and her husband, a quick coffee and me and Elvina were off to get Charlie in Birmingham.

The Sat Nav decided we should take a scenic route around the suburbs of Birmingham, both before and after we had picked up Charlie.
Eventually we ended up on the A38 heading North. A stop for lunch at a little chef restaurant adjacent to a canal was an enjoyable welcome break from the drive.

The rest of the journey was pretty uneventful, apart from Charlie’s snoring when he fell asleep, and the scenic drive into Harrogate arriving at about 4-30 pm at the Majestic Hotel, a large grand Victorian property, checking in and heading to our rooms. I soon phoned my daughter just to confirm I had arrived.

A time to get refreshed was quickly followed, for me, by a briefing session at 5-30 pm at the conference centre auditorium for all new visitors and delegates, Charlie and Elvina had already been to previous conferences, so they did not have to go. It was to show how the workings of the Conference would be, with a pretend run through of a motion requesting managers supply chocolates and foot spa’s, very tongue in cheek, but giving a good insight into the following days proceedings.

At 7-00pm, me, Elvina and Charlie went to the Holiday Inn for a West Midlands Region meeting, a very low key affair with an update from Ken Jackson on the recent court case concerning A4C payments, especially of interest to me was the Retention and Recruitment payment, and how the case was won by the Joint Unions and Management against a no win no fee lawyer.

Following the meeting, Elvina went back to the hotel and me and Charlie walked into the centre of Harrogate to have a look around and locate some eating establishments, it got a bit cold out so I headed back to the hotel after an hour, Charlie decided to continue his investigations. I received a phone call from Charlie later asking who our leader was, he seemed to think the first name was Alan, he meant Dave Prentis, as he had seen him in the street, I think he was stalking him!

Monday 20th

A restless night was spent waking up nearly every hour, I think worried about the conference and the days to come.
Following breakfast, Charlie eventually turned up, me and Elvina went to the International Centre to get the voting book representing our branch, which is used when a motion can not be decided by holding up the cards.
Then we entered the Auditorium and took our place with the West Midlands Region contingent, which was situated right in front of the hall, so giving a perfect view.

The chair outlined the procedures and then the speakers followed, including Dave Prentis.
Motions were passed through the morning, I know that sounds funny, basically a motion is a statement that presents the policies the Union will follow during this year.

A break for lunch, which me, Elvina and Charlie took by walking in to the centre of Harrogate and having a meal at an Italian Restaurant, there seems to be a lot of Restaurants in Harrogate!!

First on the agenda for the afternoon was a very well received speech by Nicola Sturgeon, Scotland’s Cabinet Secretary for Health and Wellbeing, outlining some of the differences between NHS Scotland and NHS England. This was followed by a question and answer session.

Right at the end of the day, the 54.1 motion vote was a very close call, so a card vote was called for, which meant that each branch then had to place their branch total voting power in to a box and this would be counted giving the result. Unfortunately as this would take some time the result would be given the following day. End of conference for the day. Interesting.

After a trip back to the hotel to get refreshed we headed out to town again to get something to eat, this time we went to a seafood restaurant and me and Charlie share a bottle of wine.
Me and Elvina returned back to the Hotel after we had finished, and Charlie disappeared into the local hostelries, he rang me up about 10-00pm to tell me he was in Wetherspoons with Pete Lowe sampling the local drink. I am quite glad I don’t drink very much.

Tuesday 21st

Charlie turned up a little bit earlier than yesterday, but we had still finished our breakfast by the time he arrived.
Me and Elvina head off to the conference again and settled in for another day of motions.
We learnt that the previous day some members of the conference had spent an eventful time stuck in a lift at the centre, and had to be rescued by the fire brigade and ambulance staff, where is maintenance when you need them, it wouldn’t have happened at the RSH or PRH.

The card vote from the previous night was revealed as a motion carried of 176,296 for and 163,496 against.

At 11-00 am, it was time to attend a focus group, my chosen one was Getting to Know You…New Approaches to Organising held in the conference auditorium, at least I didn’t have to move far. Presented by Will Erickson, Simon Ward and Andy Belfield, a very interesting presentation about methods used in different branch’s to gender relationships between reps and members.

Lunch followed with me and Elvina heading to a café beneath the Edinburgh Woollen Mill, a quick snack and we headed back, with a stop for Elvina to do some shopping. Charlie was nowhere to be seen until a phone call from him confirmed that he too was heading back to the conference.

A couple of motions were passed, then Alan Johnson, Secretary of State for Health made a speech, followed by a question and answer session.

More motions were debated and passed until composite F, motions lumped together, was debated and debated and debated, until a point of order was called and another card vote.

Back to the hotel for a refresh, then we made our way out again for a meal at an Indian Restaurant, while there Pete Lowe and others arrived to have a meal. I’m beginning to think that there is something going on between him and Charlie??
Me and Elvina then made our way back the hotel, Charlie doing is usual disappearing trick, oh what its like to be young.

Wednesday 22nd

(The Final Chapter)

And so we packed our bags and said goodbye to our rooms,
Loaded up the car and made our way to the conference for the final time.
When we arrived in the hall the results from the previous evening were in, surprisingly the vote was not as close as we thought, a majority of 100,000 or so had voted against the motion to pull out of the PRB, not really apparent from the hand vote.

That then was left to the West Midlands to put forward their motion, which was carried easily.
On then to Michael McGimpsey, Northern Ireland Minister for Health Social Services and Public Safety, another interesting speech, well received in the hall.
More motions, then focus groups, then lunch, which we eventually ended up at the Hotel again for a sandwich.
A statement from Charlie, with his Scottish accent, caused both myself and Elvina to nearly die laughing, he apparently was talking about a brilliant pianist, but we thought he was talking about a brilliant (item of a mans anatomy) !!!

The Sat Nav had obviously decided it wanted to see more of England and sent us off to Leeds, and then on to the M62, which actually we saw a lot more than usual as we ended up in a traffic jam for two hours, we think caused by an accident, which needless to say had gone by the time we reached the incident.

So Elvina was dropped off first, her children were very pleased to see her, and even more pleased to see the presents that she had bought them. Next was Charlie, and he had bought me a bottle of wine for doing the driving, which I appreciated.
Then home for me, arriving to my daughter waiting to see what I had bought her, having been told by Elvina on the mobile earlier that I had got a present for her.
So unpack my suitcase, hand over present, put the washing in the laundry basket and that was that.

My conclusions

Overall a very enjoyable experience, with great company, a lot of Mickey taking, mostly at Charlie’s expense, and an insight into the workings of the Union.
Extremely useful time spent and my nervousness at going to conference have vanished forever.

Graham Wardle April 2009

Hello

2009-04-29T19:59:00.000+01:00

Welcome to the blog of Unison Shropshire Health Branch on Blogger, I hope you like the informal approach this blog will take, feel free to pass comments as you see fit.