Pace of change must increase to drive out NHS discrimination

Responding to the publication of the workforce race equality and disability standards by NHS England, UNISON head of health Helga Pile said today (Tuesday):

“Discrimination is still rife within the NHS. Progress is welcome, but it’s far too slow, especially when the proportion of black health workers is rising.

“Initiatives across the NHS are needed to stop black staff being held back. They are much more likely to be disciplined and face harassment and bullying from patients and colleagues. This has to stop.

“In addition, a quarter of the NHS workforce either has a disability or a long-term condition that affects them in some way. The NHS is getting better at removing barriers that prevent people from working for it, but the pace of progress has to increase.

“The culture of NHS organisations must change and funding found to make that happen.”

Notes to editors:
– UNISON is the UK’s largest union with more than 1.3 million members providing public services in education, local government, the NHS, police service and energy. They are employed in the public, voluntary and private sectors.

Media contacts:
Liz Chinchen M: 07778 158175 E: press@unison.co.uk
Anthony Barnes M: 07834 864794 E: a.barnes@unison.co.uk

The article Pace of change must increase to drive out NHS discrimination first appeared on the UNISON National site.

Pace of change must increase to drive out NHS discrimination

Responding to the publication of the workforce race equality and disability standards by NHS England, UNISON head of health Helga Pile said today (Tuesday):

“Discrimination is still rife within the NHS. Progress is welcome, but it’s far too slow, especially when the proportion of black health workers is rising.

“Initiatives across the NHS are needed to stop black staff being held back. They are much more likely to be disciplined and face harassment and bullying from patients and colleagues. This has to stop.

“In addition, a quarter of the NHS workforce either has a disability or a long-term condition that affects them in some way. The NHS is getting better at removing barriers that prevent people from working for it, but the pace of progress has to increase.

“The culture of NHS organisations must change and funding found to make that happen.”

Notes to editors:
– UNISON is the UK’s largest union with more than 1.3 million members providing public services in education, local government, the NHS, police service and energy. They are employed in the public, voluntary and private sectors.

Media contacts:
Liz Chinchen M: 07778 158175 E: press@unison.co.uk
Anthony Barnes M: 07834 864794 E: a.barnes@unison.co.uk

The article Pace of change must increase to drive out NHS discrimination first appeared on the UNISON National site.

“Only Enough is Enough” campaign launched to expose hospital understaffing

Hospitals will be held accountable for unsafe staff levels under a new “Only Enough is Enough” campaign from UNISON launching this autumn, says the union today (Tuesday).

As a result of having too few employees, many NHS trusts are unable to provide safe staffing levels, says UNISON.

The union’s campaign aims to highlight hospitals that are failing to provide sufficient numbers of staff with the time they need to deliver quality patient care. The union wants trusts to work in partnership with NHS workers to solve their staffing problems.

The campaign will initially have six pilot areas – Birmingham, Cambridge, Cardiff, Cornwall, Liverpool and South Wales.

Nurses, midwives and other NHS employees will be asked to complete a staffing survey after every shift to log any shortages and any problems this has caused. Union branches will then be able to use the data to hold local hospitals to account and push for new measures to recruit and retain staff.

UNISON national officer for nursing Stuart Tuckwood said: “For far too long many hospitals have been unable to provide enough staff with the time they need to deliver quality patient care. The union’s campaign aims to shine a light on problem areas and give local healthcare workers the tools they need to secure proper staffing levels.”

Nurse and UNISON Royal Gwent Hospital branch secretary Andrea Prince said: “I cover 15 wards, ranging from an acute medical admissions unit to care of the elderly wards. I have been a nurse for 36 years and in the last decade I have seen staffing levels really deteriorate.

“Agency staff are essential just to maintain the current poor staffing levels. If we don’t act together now, this issue is going to get worse. Safe staffing levels are absolutely vital for the NHS.”

Notes to editors:
– UNISON is the UK’s largest union with more than 1.3 million members providing public services – in education, local government, the NHS, police service and energy. They are employed in the public, voluntary and private sectors.

Media contact:
Dan Ashley M: 07789 518992 E: d.ashley@unison.co.uk

 

The article “Only Enough is Enough” campaign launched to expose hospital understaffing first appeared on the UNISON National site.

‘Only Enough is Enough’ campaign launched to expose hospital understaffing

Hospitals will be held accountable for unsafe staff levels under a new ‘Only Enough is Enough’ campaign from UNISON launching this autumn, says the union today (Tuesday).

As a result of having too few employees, many NHS trusts are unable to provide safe staffing levels, says UNISON.

The union’s campaign aims to highlight hospitals that are failing to provide sufficient numbers of staff with the time they need to deliver quality patient care. The union wants trusts to work in partnership with NHS workers to solve their staffing problems.

The campaign will initially have six pilot areas – Birmingham, Cambridge, Cardiff, Cornwall, Liverpool and South Wales.

Nurses, midwives and other NHS employees will be asked to complete a staffing survey after every shift to log any shortages and any problems this has caused. Union branches will then be able to use the data to hold local hospitals to account and push for new measures to recruit and retain staff.

UNISON national officer for nursing Stuart Tuckwood said: “For far too long many hospitals have been unable to provide enough staff with the time they need to deliver quality patient care. The union’s campaign aims to shine a light on problem areas and give local healthcare workers the tools they need to secure proper staffing levels.”

Nurse and UNISON Royal Gwent Hospital branch secretary Andrea Prince said: “I cover 15 wards, ranging from an acute medical admissions unit to care of the elderly wards. I have been a nurse for 36 years and in the last decade I have seen staffing levels really deteriorate.

“Agency staff are essential just to maintain the current poor staffing levels. If we don’t act together now, this issue is going to get worse. Safe staffing levels are absolutely vital for the NHS.”

Notes to editors:
– UNISON is the UK’s largest union with more than 1.3 million members providing public services – in education, local government, the NHS, police service and energy. They are employed in the public, voluntary and private sectors.

Media contact:
Dan Ashley M: 07789 518992 E: d.ashley@unison.co.uk

 

The article ‘Only Enough is Enough’ campaign launched to expose hospital understaffing first appeared on the UNISON National site.

First guidance published to support NHS workers after a colleague suicide 

Researchers from the universities of Surrey, Keele and Birmingham have today (Tuesday) published the first guidance to support NHS workers after a colleague dies by suicide.

The recommendations are based on a two-year study identifying the impact on NHS staff who have been in this distressing situation, and the support they may need.

The guidance has been developed specifically for the NHS and for health service staff who are affected by a colleague’s suicide, and for those who will be supporting them.

The guidance is underpinned by research and data analysis that includes a comprehensive review of current evidence and in-depth interviews with staff groups across the NHS.

The findings showed that existing guidance is not specific enough for the NHS, and that support has often fallen short of staff needs.

As well as academics, the research team included health workers who have been personally affected by the death of a colleague by suicide.

UNISON general secretary Christina McAnea said: “The impact of a death by suicide is devastating for all those affected. Whether at work, or in wider society, every effort should be made to prevent these tragedies.

“This guidance is a call to action for all of us. Everyone must work together to break down stigma around suicide, and ensure staff receive compassionate support and enough time to grieve.”

Principal investigator Dr Ruth Riley said: “Official figures show that the suicide rate among health professionals is much higher than the national average. But until now there has been no evidence-based guidance to support colleagues who are directly affected by these deaths.

“The hope is that by publishing this guidance every NHS trust across the UK will have a dedicated, trained and skilled team in place to support colleagues.

“Compassionate, targeted and timely support after a suicide not only helps NHS employees, it also protects the patients, people and communities that they serve.”

GP principal professor of general practice research at Keele University Carolyn Chew-Graham said: “When a colleague dies by suicide, it can have an impact on all members of a clinical team.

“This guidance should lead to the establishment of a team of staff who can respond rapidly, safely and robustly to the needs of those bereaved by a colleague’s suicide.”

Notes to editors:
– For more information on the guidance please visit the study website.
– UNISON was involved in helping draw up the guidance.
– UNISON is the UK’s largest union with more than 1.3 million members providing public services – in education, local government, the NHS, police service and energy. They are employed in the public, voluntary and private sectors.

Media contacts:
Anthony Barnes M: 07834 864794 E: a.barnes@unison.co.uk
Fatima Ayad M: 07908 080383 E: f.ayad@unison.co.uk

 

The article First guidance published to support NHS workers after a colleague suicide  first appeared on the UNISON National site.

First guidance published to support NHS workers after a colleague suicide 

Researchers from the universities of Surrey, Keele and Birmingham have today (Tuesday) published the first guidance to support NHS workers after a colleague dies by suicide.

The recommendations are based on a two-year study identifying the impact on NHS staff who have been in this distressing situation, and the support they may need.

The guidance has been developed specifically for the NHS and for health service staff who are affected by a colleague’s suicide, and for those who will be supporting them.

The guidance is underpinned by research and data analysis that includes a comprehensive review of current evidence and in-depth interviews with staff groups across the NHS.

The findings showed that existing guidance is not specific enough for the NHS, and that support has often fallen short of staff needs.

As well as academics, the research team included health workers who have been personally affected by the death of a colleague by suicide.

UNISON general secretary Christina McAnea said: “The impact of a death by suicide is devastating for all those affected. Whether at work, or in wider society, every effort should be made to prevent these tragedies.

“This guidance is a call to action for all of us. Everyone must work together to break down stigma around suicide, and ensure staff receive compassionate support and enough time to grieve.”

Principal investigator Dr Ruth Riley said: “Official figures show that the suicide rate among health professionals is much higher than the national average. But until now there has been no evidence-based guidance to support colleagues who are directly affected by these deaths.

“The hope is that by publishing this guidance every NHS trust across the UK will have a dedicated, trained and skilled team in place to support colleagues.

“Compassionate, targeted and timely support after a suicide not only helps NHS employees, it also protects the patients, people and communities that they serve.”

GP principal professor of general practice research at Keele University Carolyn Chew-Graham said: “When a colleague dies by suicide, it can have an impact on all members of a clinical team.

“This guidance should lead to the establishment of a team of staff who can respond rapidly, safely and robustly to the needs of those bereaved by a colleague’s suicide.”

Notes to editors:
– For more information on the guidance please visit the study website.
– UNISON was involved in helping draw up the guidance.
– UNISON is the UK’s largest union with more than 1.3 million members providing public services – in education, local government, the NHS, police service and energy. They are employed in the public, voluntary and private sectors.

Media contacts:
Anthony Barnes M: 07834 864794 E: a.barnes@unison.co.uk
Fatima Ayad M: 07908 080383 E: f.ayad@unison.co.uk

 

The article First guidance published to support NHS workers after a colleague suicide  first appeared on the UNISON National site.

Insourcing campaigners at Barts NHS Trust celebrate final phase

Christina McAnea celebrating with health members at Whipps Cross University Hospital

Cleaning, catering, and support workers at Barts Health NHS Trust are now directly employed by the NHS again, following a successful campaign by UNISON to bring them back in-house, the union announced this week.

The trust had been gradually bringing the 1,800 staff, previously employed by Serco, back under its employment since last November, and the process was completed on Monday (1 May).

Security and reception staff became NHS employees again last autumn. They were followed by porters in February, helpdesk staff at the beginning of April and, finally, cleaning, catering and support staff this month.

UNISON’s general secretary Christina McAnea visited three of the trust’s hospitals – Royal London Hospital, Whipps Cross University Hospital and Newham University Hospital – to celebrate the win with workers. The two other hospitals involved are Mile End and St Bartholomew’s.

Ms McAnea said: “It’s always going to be better for health workers to be employed directly by the NHS. Barts is to be congratulated for this move, which will make a real difference to everyone affected.”

UNISON London regional organiser Pam Okuns-Edokpayi added: “The NHS couldn’t function without the vital contribution this group of staff make, and it’s great to see Barts recognise this. ?UNISON is proud of the deal negotiated.”?

Eileen Phillips, Barts health director of soft facilities management, said: “I am absolutely delighted to welcome our soft FM colleagues into the trust and the Barts Health family.

“We have incredibly dedicated teams of caterers, domestics, porters, ward hosts, security teams and receptionists, who work hard every day to support our clinical teams deliver excellent care to our patients.”

The article Insourcing campaigners at Barts NHS Trust celebrate final phase first appeared on the UNISON National site.

Change of direction is needed to save NHS

Commenting on the latest annual NHS staff survey published today (Thursday), UNISON deputy head of health Helga Pile said:

“No one should be in any doubt as to the scale of the problems facing the NHS.

“Years of government neglect and underinvestment are to blame. Ministers have done nothing meaningful to stop the slide, despite repeated warnings.

“The sharp decline in the number of staff happy with the standard of care at their organisation is alarming. The government’s failure to protect the NHS is letting down patients and putting them at risk.

“Satisfaction with pay has hit a new low and the numbers thinking of leaving has soared to a five-year-high. The outlook is bleak unless ministers change direction dramatically.

“That means a comprehensive workforce plan, plus long-term investment in NHS pay, working conditions, training and apprenticeship places.

“Nurses, porters, paramedics, cleaners, healthcare assistants and all the other vital staff that make up the NHS need to be given hope things will change.

“The chancellor has an opportunity to do just that next week.”

Notes to editors:
The survey’s findings include:
– Satisfaction with wages has hit a new low, with only 26% of staff content with their level of pay. This is 6% down from 2021. For ambulance staff, just 15.8% were satisfied and healthcare assistants just 13.3%.
– Only 26% of staff said there are enough staff at their organisation for them to do their job properly.
– Almost a third (32%) of NHS staff said they think often about leaving, a five-year high. Nearly a quarter (24%) of ambulance operations staff say they will leave as soon as they can find another job.
– Staff are increasingly concerned at the level of care their employer provides. Only 63% are happy with the standard of care provided by their organisation, a five-year low and 5% below 2021.
– UNISON is the UK’s largest union with more than 1.3 million members providing public services in education, local government, the NHS, police service and energy. They are employed in the public, voluntary and private sectors.

Media contacts:
Anthony Barnes M: 07834 864794 E: a.barnes@unison.co.uk
Fatima Ayad M: 07767 325595 E: f.ayad@unison.co.uk

The article Change of direction is needed to save NHS first appeared on the UNISON National site.

Testing withdrawal will cause safety worries

Responding to the health secretary’s announcement today (Wednesday) that asymptomatic Covid testing is no longer required for NHS staff, UNISON head of health Sara Gorton said:

“Clearing treatment backlogs and dealing with all the other NHS pressures relies on limiting the spread of coronavirus infection in health settings as much as possible.

“NHS staff were already alarmed that last month’s withdrawal of Covid pay and leave measures could be a backward step. Dispensing with testing requirements will make them even more worried about safety and the resilience of services.

“Decisions about regular testing should be based on clinical risk and not on factors such as cost. The price will be far greater if hospitals become overwhelmed.

“Staff who are themselves vulnerable will need reassurance they’ll be risk assessed and have continued access to free test kits.

“This decision must be kept under careful review and asymptomatic testing has to be restored as soon as possible if infections begin to escalate.”

Notes to editors:
– UNISON is the UK’s largest union with more than 1.3 million members providing public services in education, local government, the NHS, police service and energy. They are employed in the public, voluntary and private sectors.

Media contacts: 
Anthony Barnes M: 07834 864794 E: a.barnes@unison.co.uk
Garfield Myrie M: 07950 116356 E: g.myrie@unison.co.uk

The article Testing withdrawal will cause safety worries first appeared on the UNISON National site.

Government must end NHS despair by fixing workforce problems

Commenting on new figures from NHS England published today (Thursday) showing record waiting times for ambulance responses and in A&E departments, UNISON deputy head of health Helga Pile said:

“The problems affecting the NHS go from bad to worse. It’s no wonder its staff are in such a state of deep despair.

“The government must stop watching from the side lines as too few health workers struggle to deliver for patients in the face of unprecedented demand.

“A solution to the staffing crisis, which lies at the heart of the worsening statistics, is long overdue. That must start with a rethink on pay so the many staff on the brink of quitting are persuaded to stay. If they don’t, the consequences for care are unthinkable.”

Notes to editors?:
– UNISON is the UK’s largest union with more than 1.3 million members providing public services in education, local government, the NHS, police service and energy. They are employed in the public, voluntary and private sectors.

The article Government must end NHS despair by fixing workforce problems first appeared on the UNISON National site.