STAFF SURVEY REVEALS LACK OF TIME AND STAFF HAMPERS PATIENT CARE

UNISON, the UK’s largest health union, has today (25 March) called for a boost in health staff numbers in the wake of the latest NHS staff survey. The survey reveals that although 90% of staff feel they make a difference to patients, they don’t have enough time or people to do their jobs properly - with 66% of staff working overtime.This year’s NHS staff survey does reveal welcome improvements in hand washing and infection control; however there has been little progress in reducing the level of violence inflicted on staff while the number of work-related injuries is still unacceptably high.The survey points to good working relationships between staff and supportive working between staff and their immediate managers. However, communication between senior management and staff is woefully inadequate with 74% reporting they are not listened to, or consulted on, important decisions or ways to improve the service. Karen Jennings, UNISON Head of Health, said:“The staff survey is a good barometer of the way that the NHS is running. Inadequate staffing levels were at the heart of recent critical reports slamming patient care at Mid Staffordshire NHS Trust and in the Birmingham Children’s Hospital. NHS Employers need to listen to staff and must act when they are told they do not have enough time or people to do their jobs properly and deliver quality patient care.“The recent revelations of poor practice in Mid Staffs also underline the importance of effective communication between staff and senior managers. The Darzi review identified the need to develop leadership among NHS staff and for teams to work together to set and measure clear objectives. The whole health team needs to be involved in making NHS services better for patients and with 74% of staff reporting this is not happening, there is clearly a gap that needs to be closed.“What is encouraging to see is that staff are less afraid to report errors, near misses or incidents. This year’s survey shows that 96% of staff witnessing an error reported it. “The number of staff who suffer violence at the hands of patients or relatives which is still shamefully high. The overall figure of 12% is shocking enough, but for ambulance workers that figure is more than double with 27% coming under attack. The Employers must take action to protect their workforce and UNISON would like to see more prosecutions and tough penalties for those found guilty of assault

UNISON Welfare News

The latest issue of UNISON Welfare's newsletter. Packed full of information, case stories and tips on how we are supporting members in difficult times

http://www.unison.org.uk/file/B4328.pdf

UNISON Welfare Web Site http://www.unison.org.uk/welfare/index.asp

LEGAL SERVICES

Northumbria Healthcare UNISON provides the broadest range of legal help to union members in the UK. We offer advice and assistance not just with work issues, but for you and your family outside the workplace too.

http://www.unison.org.uk/benefits/legal.asp

Pay freeze rumours quashed

False news stories are circulating in the national papers and on news items that the Department of Health is seeking to reopen the three year pay deal and impose a pay freeze.UNISON has sought clarification directly from the secretary of state.Please see his statement below which is self explanatory:Health secretary Alan Johnson said: "I would like to reassure NHS staff across the country that we will honour the three-year pay deal in full. "It is a fair and balanced agreement which provides stability for the NHS and its staff. There is no question of it being reopened"

http://www.unison.org.uk/acrobat/A3538a.pdf

March Newsletter On Line Version

Healthcare March 2009

Build Your Union

Everyone benefits when everyone is in the union. Encourage your colleagues to join so we can all stand together for a better working life.

UNISON @ Northumbria Healthcare Trust

Northumbria Healthcare UNISON has over 2500 members in the Trust, including
Admin & Clerical
Allied Health Professionals
Ancillary
Craft & Maintenance
Healthcare Science
Managers
Nursing

Professional Partners

Association of Pharmacy Technicians
British Association of Occupation Therapists
British Society of Medical Secretaries
College of Operating Department Practitioners
Managers in Partnership

SOME GOOD NEWS FOR A CHANGE

After discussion with union representatives the Trust has agreed not to implement a 2.75% increase in car parking charges.

The increase that was due to come in to force on the first of April this year will not be applied to staff and visitor car parking fees.

While most members interviewed welcomed this move some said the Trust should go further and abolish car parking charges altogether.

UNISON Book Club20% discount on OUP publicationsUNISON has teamed up with Oxford University Press to provide UNISON healthcare members with an exclusive offer to purchase OUP publications at a 20% discount through the UNISON Book Club. To explore the books available through the OUP catalogue and place an order, go to http://www.oup.co.uk/sale/unison/

INDEPENDENT SAFEGUARDING AUTHORITY


The Independent Safeguarding Authority (ISA) will come into being in October 2009. The ISA will run a vetting and barring scheme replacing the Protection of Vulnerable Adults (POVA) scheme and the Protection of Children Act (POCA) for all those working with children and vulnerable adults. Eventually all staff working with children and vulnerable adults will have to register with the ISA.
UNISON Professional Services Unit has produced a briefing for members.
UNISON will also be holding a seminar on the ISA scheme later this year.

UNION VICTORY FOR DENTAL NURSES


All dental nurses have to pay an annual registration fee of £96 to the General Dental Council, and NHS Direct have now agreed to pay £38 to all its Band 4 dental nurses to help them meet the fees.
More senior nurses on Band 5 and above already receive the payment, and UNISON national officer Michael Walker said the deal was a major breakthrough in the union's campaign to win all dental nurses the annual £38 payment.
'The recognition by NHS Direct of the UNISON dental nurse claim is most welcome, and UNISON hopes that other NHS trusts will now follow suit and recognise the key role of NHS dental nurses.'

LIVING WELL WITH DEMENTIA

The government has published its strategy on dementia care titled "Living well with dementia". Its recommendations included improving public and professional awareness, a joint commissioning strategy and improved assessment & regulation.
Copies of the document and UNISON’s response are available at http://www.unison.org.uk/healthcare/nursing/pages_view.asp?did=8287

THE UNION FOR ALL NORTHUMBRIA HEALTHCARE STAFF

Printed & Published by Northumbria Healthcare UNISON, UNISON Office, Wansbeck General Hospital.
UNISON direct 0845 355 0845 www.unison.org.uk www.healthunion.blogspot.com