AGM 2007 March1: see centre pages for details PLUS Scrutiny Committees Turnaround Bulletin of UNISON Wakefield Trust is breaking and Pontefract Hospitals Branch. contracts No.11 Spring 2007. Free to members … and more! Fighting to keep Pontefract services Concerned at the threat to hospi- tal services in Pontefract from the ever-dwindling plan for a new PFI hospital with even fewer beds and services, our branch has worked hard to sound the alarm and inform local people. We submitted a detailed branch response to the most recent PFI pro- posals – which have subsequently been further postponed, with no fur- ther developments expected until at least the end of February. We also worked with Wakefield District Trade Council to build a Defend Our Public Services public meeting at Pontefract Town Hall, from which a local Keep Our Health Services Public campaign group was formed. A handful of activists within the group distributed 10,000 leaflets in Pontefract over a 6 week period and a respectable march and rally of a couple of hundred (right and inside, page 5) was organised, gaining good media coverage. Trust fined £49,134 for failure to take action Act now on bullying! Adrian O’Malley – But, despite the trade unions raising UNISON has in the past few years same afternoon – as were the staff on the issue on numerous occasions the had to take forward bullying com- duty. The “investigation” and a deci- Branch Chair Trust’s record in dealing with bullying plaints against a former chief executive sion on whether to go to a disciplinary In late 2005 the Trust was forced to pay is in our opinion pathetic. and a former Director of Nursing, as were to be finished that week. £49,134 to a former employee who Bullying starts at the well as Senior Managers and Consul- Why can there be such swift action resigned and claimed constructive dis- tants. There is a serious problem which when it’s a low-paid member of staff, missal when the Trust failed to take top needs addressing urgently. but inaction for months on end when a action on her claim that she was being In the modern day, target-driven Other examples of bullying we have senior member of staff is accused? bullied by her managers. NHS staff are pressurised to deliver at had to deal with include: This kind of double standard is unac- a Pontefract nurse verbally abused ceptable to UNISON and the staff side The Tribunal was highly critical of every level. There is a fine line between by a doctor in front of staff and visitors – unions. the Trust’s implementation of its own pressure and bullying. 5 months later no action taken; We want the Trust to deliver on its Bullying and Harassment policy. The The recent ‘turnaround’ project a Pinderfields clerical worker com- promise to the Employment Tribunal investigation that did take place was within the Trust is a good example. The plained about a consultant – THREE and take Bullying and Harassment seri- more of an investigation of the government and Department of Health YEARS later she is still fighting her case; ously, especially when its senior mem- employee’s competency in doing her demand that the Trust must balance its a Clayton nurse had to be advised bers of staff are abusing their positions. job rather than her claim about her books. Directors are put under pressure not to take her complaint forward as it Bullying costs the Trust thousands of managers’ bullying behaviour. to make savings and pressurise General would be too stressful. pounds every year due to staff sickness. The Tribunal was also critical of the Managers to come up with cost cutting The list goes on and on, and is totally If the Trust wants to save money. it time it took for the Trust to act, which plans … and down the ladder it goes. UNISON survey unacceptable. should stamp down seriously on Bully- was months rather than days and the In the worst cases this results in staff What is the point if the Trust having a ing and Harassment. lack of priority managers gave to such being given 30 minutes to decide which on bullying – p2 Bullying policy if it doesn’t use it? As well as reducing sickness it may an important issue. ward or hospital they want to work in – avoid paying out thousands in future In response Idris Griffiths, the Gen- on its promise and Bullying is still a or face their job being made “at risk”. One rule for us? fines at Employment Tribunals. eral Manager representing the Trust at serious problem within the Trust. We have numerous examples of A recent incident in a non clinical the Tribunal said “timescale is an issue The Mid Yorkshire staff handbook nurses with three kids being given an If you are being bullied at work you area shows how quickly bullying allega- – we will look into it”. says “The Trust has a policy on harass- ultimatum to switch to 12-hour shifts don’t have to take it. Contact UNISON ment and any complaint will be dealt or face losing their jobs: that in our tion can be dealt with. A staff member on PGH ext 2335 or PGI 6730. All calls Trust fails to act with seriously and under the disci- view is bullying – and as a result too complained about a colleague’s threat- will be treated confidentially and ening behaviour. Unfortunately, despite over a year plinary and grievance procedures if many staff have voted with their feet advice given on how to stop the bully- The staff member was interviewed the having passed, the Trust has not acted necessary” and left the Trust. ing. 2 UNION EYES UNISON Branch bullying survey Bullying at work is where an individual abuses a position of power or authority over another person. It can take many forms, including shouting at or humiliating an indi- vidual, especially in front of colleagues; picking on an individual; undermining some- one’s ability to do their job; abusive or threatening behaviour which creates a stressful or intimidating atmosphere. Such bullying behaviour is an abuse of power and a denial of our rights to be treated with dignity and respect. Bullying causes stress. It damages the health and safety of staff and adversely affects the quality of service provided. UNISON is concerned about the amount of bullying that goes on at work. In order to convince management that bullying of staff is a serious problem and that changes are needed to eliminate bullying, your union branch is conducting this survey. We need your views and experiences on any bullying you face at work. Please help us to help you by answering the following questions. Your replies will be treated as confidential (you will notice that you have not been asked to provide your name). WHERE DO YOU WORK? ...... HAVE YOU OR OTHER STAFF IN YOUR AREA EVER HAD TIME OFF WORK BECAUSE OF BULLYING? Diane Shepherd WHAT IS YOUR JOB? (Give a description Yes ❏ No ❏ if your job title would identify you) It is with great sadness that the branch local council housing from the proposed privati- Have any staff left their job because of sation...... bullying at work in your area? has to report the sudden death of our Education Officer, Diane Shepherd. After becoming a learner representative Diane ❏ ❏ proceeded to take over the responsibility of Yes No As a Catering Assistant Diane had worked ARE YOU: branch Education Officer in 2004. within Pinderfields Catering Department for Male ❏ Female ❏ If yes, how many? It was this role that she was particularly over 10 years before she became elected in 2002 devoted to, especially in relation to developing to become a shop steward and health and safety ...... learning/career opportunities for non clinical representative. IS BULLYING AT WORK: support staff members. Like everything else in her life Diane attacked A very serious problem? Yes ❏ No ❏ After such a short time of activity in June 2005 WHAT DO YOU THINK CAUSES the stewarding role with gusto. She very quickly Diane was elected onto the National Executive A serious problem? Yes ❏ No ❏ BULLYING? attended all the training courses that she could Committee of Unison. A minor problem? Yes ❏ No ❏ get onto and generally developed a keen interest Tick those relevant) ❏ We were proud that she was elected on a social- in all things educational. A non-existent problem? Yes ❏ No ❏ Stressed managers ❏ ist/left wing programme and, typically for Diane, In 2003, when the Wakefield District Trades Have you ever been bullied at this place at her very first NEC meeting announced that Stressed colleagues ❏ Union Council was re-launched, Diane was one she was with the socialists. She will be sorely of work? Yes ❏ No ❏ Excessive workloads ❏ of a handful of us who were determined to re- missed. Are you currently being bullied? establish the principles of collective trade union- Pressure to meet deadlines ❏ Mick Griffiths, Branch Secretary, Yes ❏ No ❏ ❏ ism within our area. Pressure to meet work targets She also had a prominent involvement in the (personal capacity) If yes, when did the bullying start? Staff shortages ❏ trades council campaign initiative to defend ...... Pressure not to take sick leave ❏ ...... Inadequate training for managers ❏ ...... Inadequate training for staff ❏ Manchester nurses vote 9-1 WHAT ARE THE MAIN SOURCES OF Poor management ❏ BULLYING? (Tick those relevant) Performance approach ❏ for strikes to halt cutbacks From your line managers ❏ Workers scared to report it ❏ UNISON has given official notice reduction in staffing num- dancies, From senior managers ❏ Other reasons (please state what they to the Manchester Mental Health bers in community mental health possible privatisation of four From colleagues ❏ are) and Social Care Trust that 250 of teams and consequent higher community teams, From the public (clients, patients, ...... their staff will take their first caseloads, and a reduction in closure of one of the south customers) ❏ day’s strike against cuts in jobs service to keep people well Manchester old age day centres ...... job freeze on all nursing and 7-day support team. From visitors ❏ and services on Wednesday Jan- uary 31st. posts in the Trust as there will be The strike promises to be the From contractor’s staff ❏ WHAT MEASURES WOULD YOU LIKE TO 33 less nursing posts and 8 less most substantial industrial action Other (please state) ❏ This follows a 91.6% ballot SEE TO REDUCE BULLYING? result in favour of strike action. OT posts (yet they can afford an yet taken to combat cutbacks expansion of 24 extra managers which are affecting mental health ...... The strike action will be taken WHAT FORM DOES THE BULLYING by 250 community nurses, occu- at a cost of £1.25million!!) services all over the country. TAKE? (Tick those relevant) ...... pational therapists and team sec- downgrading of most nursing, Our branch is lending its full Shouting ❏ Have you got access to a counselling retaries to stop the cuts in com- occupational therapy and admin support to this action, and has Threats ❏ service? Yes ❏ No ❏ munity mental health teams staff, already donates £500 to the Abuse ❏ If yes, how effective is it? which include: no guarantee of no redun- Manchester strike fund. Intimidation ❏ (Tick those relevant) Humiliation ❏ Very effective ❏ Excessive criticism ❏ Sometimes effective ❏ Setting unrealistic targets or deadlines Useless ❏ ❏ Altering targets, deadlines etc ❏ ANY OTHER COMMENTS? Excessive work monitoring ❏ ...... Setting unrealistic targets or deadlines ❏ ...... Keeping you out of things ❏ Victimising you ❏ Thank you for completing this ques- Malicious lies or rumours ❏ tionnaire. Please return it to the per- Refusing reasonable requests, such as son who gave you to complete, or ❏ for leave post it back to us at the UNISON Other (please state) ...... Branch office, Pinderfields...... HOW OFTEN DOES THE BULLYING HAPPEN? (Tick those relevant) Daily ❏ Weekly ❏ Monthly ❏ Less than monthly ❏ UNION EYES 3 EDITORIAL Mick Griffiths, Secretary UNISON Pinderfields and Pontefract Hospitals Branch Who will check on the scrutinisers? Since the abolition of Community Health weeks for outpatient appointments Councils, one of the few fragile lines of An increase in the number of cancelled opera- democratic accountability remaining in tions today’s endlessly “reformed” NHS has been A drop in performance in thrombolysis “call to needle” times the right of local “Health Oversight and A fresh rise above target in MRSA Scrutiny Committees” to call in local NHS A rise in readmissions of patients discharged managers and ask them searching questions after treatment, with several departments recod- about their plans. ing readmission levels on or above 10 percent. While NHS Trusts and Primary Care Trusts are A drop below plan in inpatient treatment, day BAOT entirely undemocratic, appointed bodies with no case treatment and outpatient attendances – all of direct accountability to the local which are potentially serious prob- population, the Scrutiny Com- lems under the NHS “payment by members mittees are made up of elected results” system. councillors, often with the full- Mr Lewis went on to admit that a time support of council officers. further 120 beds have closed (40 in make They have real powers: they can each hospital). demand full information on any But there was no need for him to plans or services that give feel nervous about facing tough their grounds for concern – and if a questioning from the Scrutiny change of service, cutback or Committee, their performance was switch of resources is seen as a lamentable. voices threat to local health care, the All the councillors could manage committee can block the plan and on our behalf was a couple of soft refer it to Patricia Hewitt as Sec- questions, none of which probed heard retary of State for a final decision. beneath the surface of his com- number of therapy posts and I was particularly encouraged Since councillors are not other- pletely misleading report. Nobody asked him to Rosie Pearson, delivery of services throughout by the number of therapy staff wise responsible for NHS policy, they have a explain how he claimed to be cutting £35m of BAOT Steward, degree of freedom to criticise. spending without affecting patient care. Pinderfields & the local areas. who not only supported the How lame, therefore, has been the performance Instead they just thanked him for coming, with All the therapists I spoke with event but were prepared to visi- of our local Scrutiny Committee, which last the Chair declaring that “the Committee were Pontefract on the day could describe bly demonstrate their presence month held a session in which Toby Lewis from encouraged by what they had heard”. hospitals instances of how their work was by carrying placards and hand- our Trust was called to give a briefing on progress. But they only need to look up the Trust’s link on being adversely affected by the ing out leaflets. Despite the fact that official Department of the NHS in England website to see bold red boxes It is not often that Occupational Health figures a couple proclaiming that Therapy staff are prepared to incessant changes taking place The 21st century is not a time of weeks earlier both its quality of stand up and make their voices in the NHS. for naivety and I readily showed Mid Yorks Each of them saw the rally as acknowledge that change has to services and its use of heard when it comes to the Hospitals projecting a resources are an opportunity to express their happen if the NHS is to survive. political arena. worsening deficit of branded WEAK by strength of feeling in an effort However, our services are more than £15m for It is therefore a sign of the the Healthcare Com- to get Trust Chief Executives about real people, with real the current financial mission. growing unease at what is hap- and government min- problems and real needs – a year (the same size With “scrutiny” as pening in the Health isters to grasp the fact that seems to be increas- deficit as last year, but feeble as this, no Service that numerous 50 percent higher than wonder nobody in impact of what is ingly overlooked in the drive to British Association of the estimate three Wakefield is getting happening to the ser- meet yet more and more tar- Occupational Therapy months earlier) Mr the real picture of the vices in which we gets. Lewis was allowed to Trust, its finances (BAOT) members are employed. I would appeal to all NHS claim that the Trust and declining ser- chose to join around It was pleasing to workers to take a long hard look was “on target” to vices. 1000 NHS colleagues achieve financial bal- “Let’s call the foot amputation five toe operations” see Mid Yorkshire at what is happening and then And we can be sure in Leeds City Centre ance by October 2007. that if – despite Mr Lewis’s strenuous denial to Trust staff supporting consider where their priorities on Saturday 11th Which leg would you And he went on, straight-faced, to claim that the the committee – there has been a further down- like us to amputate? this rally and it was should lie the next time an November for the last quarter’s performance figures “highlight per- sizing of the Hospital Development Plan, the also clear that we opportunity to make their feel- formance scores improvements”. Scrutiny Committee would be the very last to “Keep the NHS Working” march were not alone in wanting to ings known presents itself. The bare-faced cheek of this claim is shown by know. and rally. make our opinions known when Please be prepared to stand even the briefest look at the Trust’s own Inte- A first step to fighting for an improvement in Many of the NHS Trusts in our grated Performance Summary at the end of services and a halt to cuts is a determined effort to we linked up with colleagues up and be counted, otherwise region have been subject to November, which showed: uncover the present situation. from various other NHS Trusts you may find that one day you “Turnaround” and other reor- The ‘first breaches this year’ of targets for out- The Scrutiny Committee needs to get its finger in the West Yorkshire area are just one more insignificant patient waiting times ganisation initiatives and these out and get on with just that task if is not to be including Leeds Teaching Hospi- statistic in the “brave new Another rise in the numbers waiting over 11 made a laughing stock by Trust and PCT bosses. have had a direct impact on the tals and local PCTs. world” that is the modern NHS. Don’t settle for the way things are! … help UNISON improve working lives for you and your colleagues BECOME A STEWARD: the more reps we have, the more members we can represent, the stronger we get … the more we can achieve.

Full training and sup- port will be given

If you think you might be interested give us a call at the Pinderfields UNISON office, extension 2335, and we can discuss any questions you may have. 4 UNION EYES

This 20 foot banana was ‘Nimby’ used on January 24 to attract attention by staff at the Royal Bolton Hos- ministers pital protesting against back cuts in the NHS. Healthy Options” nonsense we local have been given. They would have taken up protests some or all of the many opportu- nities to get press coverage chal- Labour’s Party Chair Hazel lenging health cuts and privati- Blears has been among more sation in the last two months: than a dozen senior government they would have raised the heat, and Labour figures protesting at and made the issue one that any- the local impact of NHS cuts Tony one concerned about the NHS was talking about. Blair has promised to support. These are the sort of tactics Our branch has been keen to that can build upon the activity see similar support for local of local campaigners across the communities from some of our country, give confidence to high-profile local MPs – Yvette stewards and activists in UNI- Cooper and Ed Balls – and from SON branches and pull out the any other Labour MPs who may maximum support. not even face the pressure of But these tactics are clearly holding on to a job in Blair’s gov- foreign to our national officers who prefer to sit back and pray ernment. Newsquest (Bolton) Ltd Photo courtesy Peter Harbour, In fact Blears’ limited show of that Gordon Brown when he local concern is rather less sur- takes over will be less brutal in prising than the almost unbeliev- his market reforms than Blair ably servile attitude of the major- has been, and who see the cam- paign to save jobs as one of back- ity of Labour MPs, most of March 3: steps that could room chats with ministers whom have said nothing, or even rather than a gloves-off fight shown themselves ready to with management. defend Blair’s NHS reforms We now have to find ways to regardless of the level of local have built a national demo ensure that March 3 events are popular anger. significant enough to win local the branches that have lifted not A UNISON demonstration Fifteen health service trade and national press coverage, and a finger to challenge cuts and through Nottingham last autumn unions and professional use the support for these events privatisation in their local areas against NHS job losses and ser- bodies, organised by the as another lever in our fight to to get up and start fighting back, get the unions to mount a vice cuts, in a city where deficits TUC in a new coalition national and regional officers nationwide, concerted fight total £60m, was unable to secure called NHS Together, have took advantage of their inaction against the government’s the support of a single local called a national “day of and announced there was insuf- nationwide, concerted attack on Labour MP – all of them balking ficient support to build a con- action” for March 3: but the NHS. at one line in UNISON’s leaflet vincing national protest. this day of action will con- We are not alone: on January which talked of the “NHS on its They also dithered, dallied 20, 250 campaign activists from knees”. sist of a series of regional and delayed until the start of the across England met in London and local events. Christmas holidays before By contrast one prominent at a one-day conference called Despite the efforts of many announcing that there would be Blairite junior health minister, by Keep Our NHS Public to dis- UNISON activists, and our col- no national demonstration – Bury MP Ivan Lewis, has joined cuss the way forward and com- leagues in other health unions, and have now wasted best part Blears and local campaigners in bine the efforts of all the varied we have not been able to per- of a month after Christmas opposing the impact of plans forces involved. suade the national officials who before deciding what regional which would also close obstetric, Many of them shared our frus- take the final decisions that and other local events would be neonatal and paediatric in-patient tration at the inaction of our there should be one, big supported on March 3. union leaders: but the breadth services in his constituency’s national protest in London to If the national officials had of the opposition should also Fairfield hospital. give voice to all the local cam- wanted a march, they could have give us confidence that if we Blears, Reid and Lewis are of paigns which have already been built one: the date would have step up the pressure we can force course guilty of hypocrisy: as marching and protesting in been plastered all over the web- things to happen. part of the New Labour machine their own towns over the last site, featured in every speech Local campaigns are already they are demanding MPs back nine months or more. and press release, and imprinted creating cracks in the govern- the government on closures in UNISON’s technique in on the consciousness of every ment, with 13 ministers and other constituencies across the avoiding the call for a national health union member. Labour’s chair Hazel Blears demonstration – despite the They would have pumped out country – regardless of local being dragged in to supporting clear mandate from last year’s posters, stickers and tens of opinion. protests in defence of hospitals Health Conference to press for thousands of hard-hitting They are trying to do this but and services in their own con- concerted national action – was leaflets in place of the feeble “5 also save their own political the old tried and tested tech- skins by jumping aboard band- nique of playing off the weak wagons defending popular local branches to outflank the strong Branch motion for UNISON Health Care services – in a classic case of ones. Service Group conference 2007 “not in my back yard”. Instead of announcing, boldly, But given a choice between a before Christmas that there was NHS still in crisis. No more cuts “nimby” protest that inevitably to be a major march through puts more pressure on Patricia London on March 3 and that in jobs or services. Defend the Hewitt, and no protest at all, it is every health branch was clear that we want more minis- required to book and fill coaches NHS. Industrial action against ters and MPs – for whatever of members and local commu- motive – to side with local peo- nity campaigners, a circular was marketisation now! ple in fighting to keep their ser- sent round to branches asking how many people they could vices open – rather than siding This conference is deeply concerned about the non-implementation mobilise for an event that had with Blair’s line of closures and of the Wakefield & Pontefract and Leicestershire Health branches’ not even been called. Campaigners release balloons on January 20 to symbolise the privatisation. composite motion to the 2006 Health Service Group conference, on Instead of putting pressure on soaraway profits siphoned out of the NHS by PFI the NHS crisis. Whilst the Health Service Group has dithered, thousands more Private earnings balloon in ‘patchwork privatisation’ of our NHS jobs have been axed and hundreds of thousands of members’ terms and conditions have worsened as a result. UNISON’s “5 healthier options for the NHS” campaign strategy Up, up, and away! demands have abjectly failed. The government has steamrollered ahead with its marketisation onslaught regardless of its severe The private sector will pocket at least £23bn For the first time, the report presents a com- researched the pamphlet said: “Unbeknown to impact on jobs, conditions and services. of NHS money in profits and interest over 30 prehensive picture of the many kinds of pri- the public the NHS is paying astronomical Merely meekly begging for a slowdown of the reform process vatisation occurring in the health service – of sums of money to the private sector. years through the Private Finance Initiative whilst full involvement in the consultation process takes place flies which PFI is only one. It provides indisputable “When the NHS is making cuts and closures hospital building scheme, according to calcu- in the face of the reality of what is really happening at the local evidence that a process of privatisation is in across the country it’s time to ask if this is lations made by the Keep Our NHS Public level. train. the best use of public money. campaign. Conference condemns the SGE’s abdication of leadership respon- Unlike Thatcher’s privatisations of gas, “The government’s greatest achievement According to Department of Health figures, sibility, and demands immediate implementation of the above men- water and other utilities in the 1980s, the has been to push through the biggest change PFI hospitals with a capital cost of £8bn will tioned composite motion which was carried unanimously at the whole NHS is not being put up for auction: in the history of the NHS – under the radar cost a staggering £53bn over the life of the 2006 HSG conference. nor is there a high-profile advertising to sell and without a public mandate. It’s time for an contracts. At the very least, a national day of action should be organised shares. open debate about whether people want the The details and a very clear explanation of before the 2007 Health Care Service Group conference is due to be Instead, through back-room deals and patchwork privatisation of their health ser- how the process is taking place can be found held. secretive contracts the NHS is being parcelled vice.” in a new report showing how the government In the event that this is not arranged conference calls for a vote up into bite-sized pieces, and handed over to Copies of the report, The ‘patchwork privati- is carrying out the ‘patchwork privatisation’ of of no confidence in the SGE and its national officers and calls for private control bit-by-bit. sation’ of our health service: a users’ guide, the NHS. their immediate resignation. Alex Nunns of Keep Our NHS Public who will be available from the UNISON Office. UNION EYES 5

BAOT annual REPORT TO ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING report to AGM Branch stands the ‘turnaround’ test Mick Griffiths, was more important than get- which a local Keep Our Health cuts, downgradings and general Branch Secretary ting decent pay rises! Services Public campaign group intensification of labour Rosie Pearson, to become more apparent. Locally, just like many other was formed. exploitation: less and less of us Although it may seem anoma- Once again the year has been Trusts, we were hit in June with A handful of activists within are increasingly expected to do BAOT Steward a very busy one. With the the “Turnaround Project” which the group distributed 10,000 more work for less pay! lous to some people for a union set the objective of cutting pay leaflets in Pontefract over a 6 And now the Government In many respects the past 12 steward to do so, I would like passing of each year the struggle against cuts, clo- bills by an average of 10% across week period and a respectable intends to “reward” us in 2007 months has continued to be to acknowledge the steps taken the Trust. march and rally of a couple of with a derisory and very insult- dominated by Agenda for by the lead occupational ther- sures, privatisation and job An initial hundred or so jobs hundred was organised which ing pay increase offer of just losses seems to intensify. Change. apy managers to keep me were potentially displaced with received good media attention. 1.5% (which being well below At the start of the year many As these attacks deepen in the staff being placed in possible By October the branch had inflation represents a real terms informed about what was hap- new year, the strength, resolve people had still not been noti- redundancy situations. recruited its 250th new member cut in pay!) pening and the reasons behind and collective resistance of the The branch developed a twin which represented more recruits The branch had a resolution fied of the results of their job some of the difficult decisions branch will bound to be further track approach. Within the than during the whole of the passed at the April 2006 national matching and once the out- that were taken in implement- tested. Trust we balloted the entire previous year (which itself was health group conference calling comes were known, a high per- ing Turnaround across our ser- The year kicked membership, rec- the fifth consecutive member- for national industrial action off with the produc- centage of staff spent the rest vice. ommending sup- ship increase). against the health cuts, redun- tion of a special edi- of the year awaiting either their port for indus- With the Trust intending to dancies and privatisation. Various other issues have tion of the branch back pay or the results of their trial action short reduce the workforce by around We also called upon UNI- arisen during the course of the newspaper focusing of strike against a fifth over the next 5 years (i.e. SON’s national executive to request for a review of their year, including: exclusively on a for- compulsory 1,100 fewer whole time equiva- organise a national day of action AfC banding. the decision to withdraw mal response to the redundancies. lent posts) no doubt more staff as a matter of priority as soon as At the time of writing a num- Trust’s consultation A magnificent will be joining the union as they possible. the individual annual uniform Reality check: how much of ber of issues have still not over the proposals 97% supported become fearful that their jobs UNISON leaders (after pro- allowance payment and replace for downsizing Pon- the PFI project will be built? been resolved which is a rather the call both will be threatened. longed and increasing pressure it with a system where the tefract health services. within our branch and Dews- At the time of writing it is still from below) have finally named sad state of affairs for a sys- Trust provides the uniform Ten thousand leaflet versions bury’s. We believe that the not known if the plan for the the day for this – which is on tem that was originally clothing instead were also distributed to the gen- intended industrial action influ- new PFI ( Private Finance Ini- Saturday, 3rd March, two days intended to be implemented by the introduction of eral public within the Pontefract enced management in their tiative – or should it be Profiting after the date of our branch’s October 2004. extended hours of provision in side of the district. Management efforts to ensure no one was From Illness?) hospital develop- 2007 AGM. From March to June I found didn’t like it very much, and the made compulsorily redundant ment is to be given the Treasury Hopefully by the time of the some service areas necessitat- Trust claimed to have posted myself “out of the loop” due to against their will. approval it needs to proceed. AGM the branch will have ing changes to staff work pat- their glossy consultation leaflet On the public front we insti- However, it is already abun- organised many of our members health problems but I had to hit terns to cover evenings and to 72,000-75,000 households – gated with Wakefield District dantly clear that it is our mem- to attend this vital day of action. the ground running when I weekends even though on our stalls we Trade Council a Defend Our bers who are expected to pay the Through united solidarity we returned to work, as the Trust the normal round of indi- could not find anyone, any- Public Services public meeting price for the private sector’s may stand a chance of fighting where, who said they had actu- was proceeding full steam vidual queries and problems at Pontefract Town Hall from profiteering rip off, through job back. ally received one! ahead with its Turnaround pro- requiring a stewards advice. On a national scale the union ject. Within the wider staff side let us down over pay by not The most visible impact of the context I have continued to try offering to lead a national dis- Wakefield & Turnaround measures within and play an active role in the pute over the government’s mis- our service has been the clo- monthly JCNC and JTURC erable 2.5% pay offer. Pontefract sure of the OT treatment work- For the first time in 24 years meetings as well as continuing (since the last national pay dis- shop at Pinderfields but it is the to act as the main staff side pute!), Head Office gave Hospital Branch ramifications of the less notice- lead as regards the implemen- branches just one week to con- Annual General Meeting able “cost improvement pro- tation of the Knowledge & sult with members on the offer! grammes” that are now starting Skills Framework. Obviously bailing out New Thursday March 1 2006 7.30 pm. Labour at local election time Pontefract Angling Club Fighting NHS cuts and privatisation To receive Reports from Branch officers. To Elect Branch Officers under Rule 6 of the branch rules. Rule 6 Branch Officers Write to your local MP a) The following officers will be elected at the AGM: UNISON will be pulling every ters can be enough to convince Creagh. You can either write to Chairperson Secretary Assistant Secretary Treasurer Education Officer Health & Safety Officer Political Officer Equality Officer Welfare Officer lever it can in its efforts to build an MP that an issue is concern- them at the House of Commons Women’s Officer Young members Officer a large-scale and broad cam- ing their constituents. London SW1A 0AA, or write to b) Officers’ posts may be shared at the discretion of the AGM or other Branch meetings. paign to roll back the cuts and Individual letters are more their local constituency office. c) The AGM will elect two Auditors who shall not hold any Branch Office halt the further privatisation of effective in swaying MPs than JON TRICKETT MP, 18 Mar- d) Nominations for officers’ posts must be received at the Union Office two weeks before the our NHS. copying a single model letter, ket St, Hemsworth, Pontefract, AGM. Our branch is not known for and the more directly you West Yorkshire WF9 5LB e) If there is more than one candidate a vote will be held at the AGM. repeatedly urging people to write express your views the better. YVETTE COOPER MP, 2 f) No Branch officer is allowed to hold more than one Branch office except where temporarily to MPs, but at this stage of the If possible forward a copy of Wesley St Castleford, W York- covering a vacancy. g) Branch officers and representatives will assume responsibilities as per the Rule Book. game we must use each and your letter to us at the union shire WF10 1AE office. MARY CREAGH MP 20-22 h) Additional officers may be elected from time to time in accordance with needs of the Branch, every avenue open to us, so we and the promotion of equal opportunities. Local MPs covering our branch Cheapside, Wakefield WF1 2TF are making a special plea for NOMINATIONS must be received at Branch Office by Thursday February 15 action – even relatively few let- area are Jon Trickett, Yvette ED BALLS MP 54 High Cooper, Ed Balls and Mary Street, Normanton, WF6 2AQ Welcome drink for all members. Please try to attend. 6 UNION EYES Branch renews Featherstone Rovers sponsorship UNISON and Rovers – a winning team!

UNISON has continued and increased its sponsorship of Rugby League locally, with renewed support for Featherstone Rovers. Programmes now display UNISON logos, and UNISON as also the most prominent logo on the players’ shirts. Our sponsorship of the team is run jointly with UNISON’s local government branch: but in addition our own hospitals branch is investing in the future, by sponsoring the team’s up and coming young players. UNISON members who follow the sport can also get concession- ary rates on tickets to watch Featherstone Rovers. For more details contact the union office in Pinderfields. Do you work with display screen equipment (DSE)/VDUs? Your right to free eye tests There is mounting evidence which sug- become ‘users’. There is legal no ‘Users’ should be provided with tests at the cost is met even if the allowed to take breaks when gests that visual display units (VDUs) requirement for employers to provide regular intervals, but cannot be com- glasses are also going to be they need them. Where this may cause actual eye damage. them automatically. pelled to take one. The optician or doctor used for general reading pur- is not possible, or unlikely For example in America and Japan, But note that the onus is on the will be able to advise how frequently poses, where they are also due to pressure of work, an temporary visual impairment is officially employee to request eyesight tests these tests should be. It may vary required for DSE work. ‘I’d like to see you again agreement on DSE work next week for a post recognised as an occupational health The employer may specify where the between individuals. The employer may specify mortem’ breaks should be drawn up. problem and that in Denmark the Associ- test is to be taken, but an individual may Employers must also provide, on where ‘special’ corrective The Guidance to the Regu- ation of Computer Professionals has wish to negotiate for the employer to request, tests for users who experience appliances are purchased. lations says that breaks should be taken concluded that many screen-based make a reasonable payment where an visual difficulties, which may reasonably The regulations also state that the before the onset of fatigue, not in order workers become short-sighted. They individual chooses to go elsewhere. In be considered to be related to DSE work, employer need only meet the cost of a to recuperate, and when performance is believe that this is due to the eyes focus- particular, where an individual has spe- for example headaches, eyestrain, or dif- basic adequate pair. If ‘users’ want more at a maximum. ing at the same distance for too many cialist needs the optician chosen by the ficulty in focussing. expensive pairs or optional treatments, Taking breaks should not mean that the hours. employer may not be able to carry out UNISON believes that employers should the employer need only provide a basic same amount of work needs to be done Out of an estimated 6/7 million VDU the appropriate tests. allow paid time off to attend these tests pair or it may choose to part pay for a in less time. Short frequent breaks are ‘users’ in the UK, only one in five have Individuals who already have a problem during working hours. more expensive pair, but only to the preferable to longer occasional breaks, exercised their legal right to an eye test should see a specialist with the branch value of a basic pair. and if possible they should be taken paid for by their employer. Many are not ensuring that the cost is met by the THE COST OF GLASSES away from the screen. aware of their entitlement. Some employ- employer. Studies seem to suggest that changes If the test results show that glasses are REST BREAKS ers are also confused about who is enti- All eye and eyesight tests must be: of work activity, rather than formal rest needed for DSE work, employers must Taking regular breaks away from DSE tled. Others try to avoid the costs of 1) carried out by a competent person, breaks are more effective in relieving eye pay the cost of these corrective appli- work is also important for relaxing the complying with the law. either a doctor or optician with oph- strain. ances. Employers often claim that they eyes. Regulation 4 requires employers to Whilst Regulation 7 requires employers thalmic qualifications; Of course, this fact should have no only need to make a payment where the plan the activities of ‘users’ so that their to ensure that all VDU ‘users’ are aware 2) carried out as soon as practicable detrimental affect on formal tea breaks. glasses are required “solely” for DSE DSE work is periodically interrupted by of their right to ask for a free eye test, after being requested where the For further information, contact Ron work. breaks or changes of activity. The more often this is not the case. Regulation employee is already a ‘user’, and where Thompson, Branch Health and Safety This is not in accordance with either intensive the work, the more frequently requires employers to provide, on not already a ‘user’ before the employee Officer the wording or the spirit of the regula- breaks are required. request, an appropriate eye and eyesight becomes a ‘user’; and via Extn 6730 or e-mail ron.thomp- tions and branches should ensure that Where possible, ‘users’ should be test for ‘users’ or those who will shortly 3) without cost to the employee. [email protected] How to find your Pinderfields and Pontefract Hospitals Branch UNISON reps

BRANCH REPRESENTATIVES 2007 Michael Horner, Security, PGH 2848 Ken Hough, Porter, Theatre J, PGH 3490 BRANCH SECRETARY Diane Moore, Domestic, PGI 6971 Mick Griffiths, Porters, PGH 2335 Anita North, Ward Asst, Ward 5, PGH 2402 UNISON BRANCH MEETINGS Colleen Robinson, Linen Services,PGI 6864 ASSISTANT BRANCH SECRETARY are on the first Thursday of the Josie Smith, Domestic, PGI Maria Thompson, Staff Side Office, PGI 6730 month, alternating between PROF & TECH REPRESENTATIVES BRANCH CHAIRMAN Barry Hardwick, Equipment Library, PGI 6996 Adrian O’Malley, Porters, PGH 2335 Pontefract (at the Angling Club) Pam Shepherd, HSDU, PGH 3100 and Pinderfields (in Wakefield Katie Summers, ODP, Theatres, PGI HEALTH & SAFETY OFFICER Simon Taylor, Ward Man, DSU, PGI Ron Thompson, Staff Side Office, PGI 6860 Labour Club) HEALTH & SAFETY TREASURER Rob Crabb, Ward 5, CCU, PGH 2404 Christine Ratcliffe, HSDU, PGH 2568 Peter Walton, Clinical Waste, PGH 2335 Ruth Gillmeister, Ward 2, PGH Stephen Smith, OT, PGI Karen Grace, AMU, PGH 2899 Andy Tuckwell, Porters, PGH 2382 EQUALITIES OFFICER Sam Howe, RGN, Theatres, PGI Colleen Robinson, Linen Services, PGI 6864 Cheryl Johnson, Nurse, Ward 9, PGI 6429 BAOT Karen Mander, OP, PGI 6744 Rosie Pearson, Occup. Therapy, PGH 3818 WELFARE OFFICER Christine Robinson, Theatres, PGI Karen Mander,O/P, PGI 6744 ADMIN & CLERICAL Not yet a member? WOMEN’S OFFICER Denise Athey, MS Co-Ord. Ward 2 PGH 3518 Diane Moore, Domestic, PGI 2335 Maria Thompson, Staff Side Office, PGI 6730 Join UNISON Terry Weaver, Pharmacy, PGH 2873 NURSING REPRESENTATIVES today! Sarah Allan, Reg Nurse, MAU, PGI 6132 ANCILLARY REPRESENTATIVES Susan Armitage, Research, Cardiology 2405 Lorraine Dykes, Linen Services, PGH 2186 Just fill in form on back page Terry Blackmore, Housekeeper, Wd 5 PGI Hayley Garbutt, Domestic, PGI UNION EYES 7 Turnaround team turns Agenda for Change round a tidy profit With well over £1 million the most severe shake-up: they your nearest rep and the branch can’t squeeze more and more office, and we will investigate UPDATE already spent on private sec- tor management consul- out of fewer staff for ever. the steps open to us. Diane Moore for example if you have a prob- Panel bias tants, and the total rising We are concerned that staff It seems that the Trust has also lem over banding, you have just Incorrectly convened con- who used to enjoy and value retreated from plans to “out- Agenda for Change is going every day, the Mid Yorkshire three months after getting your sistency panel. their jobs are now telling UNI- source” medical secretaries’ from Implementation stage to banding to get your review form Again you need to work to the Trust’s “turnaround” pro- SON that they dread coming in work to private sector compa- Operational stage. cess has been intensified, back in to the Agenda for time scale for grievance as these to work and the start of each nies in India and elsewhere: What this means is that while Change office. are also applied strictly with the 2-year target for shift. there has been an official denial, Job Descriptions will still be Any new posts or amended Job £35m savings slashed to 18 Nursing staff should bear in which comes at the same time as matched and evaluated the same Final Descriptions will still go to pan- months. mind the obligations placed on many other Trusts are also way as before, and staff still are Your review banding is final: els made up of Union and Man- The Trust has declared a target them – and on their manage- thinking twice on one of the going through informal reviews, from that point you can only agement reps. These panels will of cutting the pay ment – by the Nurs- maddest privatisation plans of the process is now coming to an take out a grievance against the also deal with staff who appeal bill by 10 percent, ing and Midwifery all time, and some of those who end, with only a small minority process, not the banding. for a higher Band, just as we and claims that of Council’s Code of plunged in to early deals are of staff to be assimilated. Examples of issues in the used to do with regrading the £35m target up Conduct. now counting the cost in delays, The main thing to remember Agenda for Change process claims. to £22m will come We believe that errors and hidden inefficiencies. is that when you get a letter that which may give grounds for an All back pay should be paid by from reduced code is binding on It seems that the unresolved is dated, please keep to the time appeal are: the end of the financial year staffing costs, with professional nurses financial situation is one of the scales stated. Not being informed of Any help needed please con- up to £17m to come who are now acting factors in the continual post- Time scales are strictly used – matching panel date tact the UNISON office from “non-pay sav- as managers – and ponement of signing the Private ings. that demanding Finance Initiative contract for None of the fig- staff work outside of building the new hospitals at ures seems to make the Code could Pinderfields and Pontefract. leave managers After being told for much of Trust breaks contracts much sense when set against the other figures, open to complaints of unprofes- last year that the deal had to be especially when the Trust claims sional conduct. signed by the end of November, to be on target for its 18-month If it seems the staffing levels it was once again postponed, to savings target but reveals that and working patterns proposed the end of February. Staff eager for displaced staff its projected deficit at the end of for your ward or department by to hear news of the conclusion the second quarter was slightly management put the quality of of the deal are strongly advised Adrian O’Malley This penny-pinching higher than the result at the end care at risk, make sure you tell not to hold their breath waiting. attack on our terms of last year. Branch Chair and conditions has However pressure from the During the recent been imposed on the union has paid off, so that early What the NMC Code of ‘Turnaround’ staffing cuts staff by the Trust. It fears that such drastic cuts in has NOT been agreed staff budgets would require the Trust has refused to hon- at the monthly meet- Conduct says our the contracts of those compulsory redundancies have (Remember this also applies to managers with nursing ings of the Trade proved to be wide of the mark. staff who have been forced to Unions and Senior Instead the Trust has become qualifications): change their work base. Management. obsessively keen to avoid paying “As a registered nurse, midwife or specialist community public health Section 17.27 of the Agenda The Joint Trade any redundancy money to staff, nurse, you must: for Change Terms & Conditions Unions have lodged a and seeking any and every way protect and support the health of individual patients and clients … handbook states: collective grievance around it, resorting to identify- uphold and enhance the good reputation of the professions (1.2) “Employees who are required with the Trust Board ing jobs at risk in batches of just “You are personally accountable for your practice. This means that you to change their base of work as a where we will be call- under 100 to avoid either con- result of a merger of NHS between the sites instead of pay- ing on the Board to honour our sultation or additional redun- are answerable for your actions and omissions, regardless of advice or employers or their acceptance of ing for excess travel. They contacts just as they expect their dancy entitlements. directions from another professional. (1.3) another post as an alternative to totally ignore the fact that to staff to honour theirs. Meanwhile staff morale is “You have a duty of care to your patients and clients, who are entitled redundancy may be reimbursed travel from Pontefract to Dews- UNISON condemns the Trust being systematically under- to receive safe and competent care. (1.4) their extra daily travel expenses bury using the shuttle, as some for its hypocrisy in cherry pick- mined, and individuals are “You are expected to work cooperatively with teams and respect the for a period of 4 years from the staff have been forced to do, ing which parts of the national being placed under untold pres- date of the transfer. The excess adds 2 hours travel time on the skills, expertise and contributions of your colleagues. You must treat agreement it will honour. sure by a constant process of shall be calculated on a basis of working day. If the appeal to the Trust reorganisation, which also them fairly and without discrimination (4.2) the bus fares or standard rail One of the most ludicrous Board is unsuccessful and the involves reducing staffing levels “When working as a member of a team, you remain accountable for travel or if the employee travels examples UNISON has heard of Trust continues to rip off our to the point that many members your professional conduct, any care you provide and any omission on by motor vehicle on the basis of is a clerical worker who lives in members we will consult the of staff fear for the safety of your part.” (4.5) the public mileage rate. (Cur- Mirfield. Her job has moved union’s solicitors about the pos- from Dewsbury to Clayton. patients. “As a registered nurse, midwife or specialist community public health rently 23p/mile)” sibility of legal action. 120 beds have also closed Therefore staff who have been But instead of receiving bus If you have recently moved nurse, you must act to identify and minimise the risk to patients and fares from Mirfield to Wakefield across the three main hospitals, forced to travel to another hos- hospital and have not received piling additional pressure on to clients” (8) Bus Station, where she could pital to work are losing out on excess travel payments contact: frontline beds and the staff “You must work with other members of the team to promote health the compensation agreed walk the short distance to Clay- ADRIAN O’MALLEY, PGH working on them. care environments that are conducive to safe, therapeutic and ethical nationally between the unions ton she has been told to get the ext 2335 Nursing staff in particular are practice.” (8.1) and employers. bus to Dewsbury, the shuttle to Pinderfields and then phone for or reaching the end of their tether, “Where you cannot remedy circumstances in the environment of care The Trust claim they can and UNISON is braced for an breach our contracts as they are transport to get her to Clayton! MARIA THOMPSON, PGI ext explosion of anger in one or that could jeopardise standards of practice you must report them to a providing a shuttle service This is not an isolated case. 6730 more of the departments facing senior person with sufficient authority to manage them …” (8.3) Who’s the Boss? We need When the body was first made, all parts wanted to be boss. YOU! Brain said, “I’m the boss, as I control everything.” Feet said, “We should be boss, we carry him about and get him in the posi- Have you ever thought about getting more tion he wants.” involved in your Union? If you have, we can guarantee that we won’t throw you in Hands said, “We should be boss, we do all the work and earn all the at the deep end. We’ll only ask you to do as much money.” as you’re prepared to take on. So it went on – Heart, Lungs, Eyes – until Although we’re always on the look out for new finally Arsehole spoke up. stewards and health and safety reps there are All the other parts of the body laughed at the plenty of other ways that you can get involved. If thought of Arsehole being boss. you are interested please don’t hesitate. Just a As a result Arsehole went on strike, blocked tick a box or two on this slip and send it back to himself up and refused to work. us. Go on, you know it makes sense! Within a short time, Brain became fevered, Eyes became crossed, Hands became I’m interested in getting more involved in UNISON ❏ Shop Steward and would like more information on the following: clenched, Feet twitched and Heart and Lungs ❏ Health and Safety were struggling. Name ...... So they all decided that Arsehole should be Rep Department ...... Boss, consequently the Motion was passed. ❏ Workplace contact Phone/Extension/Address ...... ❏ All other parts of the body did the work while Black Members Rep ...... Arsehole, as Boss, just sat there and passed ❏ Gay and Lesbian Rep out a load of shit. ❏ Welfare Committee Please return to: MICK GRIFFITHS, UNISON, The moral of the story is: ❏ Social Committee Union Office Pinderfields Hospital, Abefrord Rd, You don’t need a brain to be a Boss, Just an Arsehole. Wakefield WF1 4DG Ten good Don’t reasons to join “Rule book” BENEFITS delay, UNISON

Death benefit If you are not already a trade

Years of union member, then why not membership £ consider joining UNISON? 1-5 72 join 5-10 118 Here are TEN good reasons for 10-15 158 doing so: 15-20 198 20-25 244 UNISON represents nearly 25-30 282 1.5 million employees across Over 30 346 today! Britain, making us the biggest Fatal accident trade union in Britain. We only benefit recruit people who work to pro- vide services to the public - so £1,295 after one year’s continuous membership, our size and our specialisation £2,875 after ten years’ Your chance mean that we offer strong, pro- membership, to be paid fessional and effective protection to the member’s partner to join to all our members. or children. Britain’s UNISON’s trained represen- Incapacity tatives provide free support and biggest health advice on any problems you benefit care union might have at work. Members who suffer partial or UNISON provides profes- total incapacity due to injury sional negotiators to sort out your while at work are entitled to pay and terms and conditions of £1,437 for partial, or £2,875 for total incapacity, as described in APPLICATION FORM Please fill in this form in BLOCK CAPITALS, and send it to MICK employment both nationally and the rule book. GRIFFITHS, Union Office, Pinderfields Hospital, Aberford Rd, Wakefield WF1 4DG. locally. Convalescence UNISON membership brings YOUR DETAILS free legal representation for acci- Members can apply to the Wel- ❏ Mrs ❏ Ms ❏Miss ❏ Mr FIRST NAME ...... Other initial(s) ...... dents at work and while travelling fare Fund for convalescent to and from work, and free repre- SURNAME ...... accommodation: sentation on other employment To recuperate from an ill- ADDRESS ...... related issues. ness. We also offer legal advice for ...... Postcode ...... To have a temporary rest for domestic and other problems at the benefit of health. WORKPLACE ADDRESS (if different from above) ...... much reduced rates. UNISON’s To take a holiday they could trained health and safety repre- ...... Postcode ...... not otherwise afford. sentatives provide free services to JOB TITLE/OCCUPATION ...... make your workplace safe to be Accident in. benefit National Insurance number (from your payslip) If you have been a member of a trade union before, UNISON pays benefits to please state which one: members, including accident and £2.90 per day of sickness, death benefits. £14.50 per week maxi- Employer’s name Payroll number (from your payslip) mum, up to a maximum of UNISON looks after you. We 30 days or £87 in any cal- provide convalescent facilities at endar year. I wish to join UNISON and reduced rates, offer financial accept its rules and constitution. assistance to members suffering Education and I authorise deduction of the unforeseen hardship, and give free advice on state and welfare training following Political Fund payment benefits as part of my subscription: Members can be considered UNISON provides a wide Tick one box only for a grant by the NEC for range of competitive financial ser- training or study courses. Affiliated Political Fund ❏ vices. These include reduced ❏ General Political Fund mortgages, home, car and holi- I authorise deduction of UNI- day insurance, road rescue, per- SON subscriptions from my sonal loans, credit cards and FREE salary/wages at the rate deter- mined by UNISON to be paid financial planning advice. over to them on my behalf and I UNISON offers great break- indemnity authorise my employer to provide away holidays through our travel to UNISON information to keep club, as well as our own family my records up to date. holiday centre in Devon. If you are, or have been, a UNISON offers you a range insurance member of the Freemasons For UNISON use you must declare this in writ- of education and training courses. UNISON provides free ing when completing this These include courses leading to professional indemnity form. professional qualifications, GCSEs insurance of up to £1 ❏ I wish to pay by direct and vocational qualifications. Now please sign and date below and return this form to the Union million for a wide range debit/cheque (please tick if appropriate) Office, Pinderfields Hospital, Aberford Road, Wakefield WF1 4DG of health service 6am- midnight professionals, including UNISON nurses, ambulance staff, Signed ...... Date ...... DIRECT PTAs and PTBs. 0845 355 0845

Published by UNISON Pinderfields and Pontefract Hospitals Branch, Union Office, Pinderfields Hospital, Aberford Road, Wakefield WF1 4DG. Printed by Scottish County Press, Bonnyrigg Midlothian. Designed by John Lister, LHE, 07774 264112