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East London NHS Foundation Trust Joint Staff Committee
Chair: George Paton UNISON
Vice Chair - Uduak Ukpeh RCN
Secretary: Sandra Payne UNISON
AfC Pay 2010
This pay circular informs employers of the following agreed changes to the NHS Terms and Conditions of Service Handbook: in Section 2 the period of protection of current on-call arrangements has been extended; in Part 5 on equal opportunities, there are changes to reflect current legislation and good practice; we have added a new Annex A2 that has guidance on frequently asked questions; the are also updates in line with changes to the remit of the NHS Pay Review Body.
This pay circular informs employers of the following agreed changes to the NHS Terms and Conditions of Service Handbook: in Section 2 the period of protection of current on-call arrangements has been extended; in Part 5 on equal opportunities, there are changes to reflect current legislation and good practice; we have added a new Annex A2 that has guidance on frequently asked questions; the are also updates in line with changes to the remit of the NHS Pay Review Body.
| payaward_2010.pdf |
Stewards Training and key dates
27.10.09
ANNUAL TRUST JSC AWAY DAY.
Senior management and staffside reps spent time reviewing the past year, identifying areas of concern and agreeing the future business of the JSC. The relationship between the JSC and Trust has been strained at various points throughout the year with very difficult service reviews being implemented, there was consensus that the main JSC was not meeting regularly enough to keep up with the issues being raised.
It was also agreed that better planning and preparation for the JSC would improve its effectiveness, accordingly it was agreed by both sides that the JSC would meet bi-monthly and local JSCs would meet in between.
The issue of violence against staff is of serious concern and the JSC would prioritise drafting a clear and consistant policy to make it clear how staff could be supported during very traumatic periods.
Improving Working Lives was discussed and the JSC will be looking to use the IWL National Staff Council Framework to pull together some of the existing work by individuals within the Trust.
The IWL Framework can be found here:
www.nhsemployers.org/EmploymentPolicyAndPractice/staff-engagement/Pages/Improvingworkinglives.aspx
The ongoing poor staff response rate to the staff questionaire was discussed and it is dissapointing that large numbers of staff do not complete this important piece of work. Locality Directorates have local actions plans to improve the response rate which the JSC fully support.
ANNUAL TRUST JSC AWAY DAY.
Senior management and staffside reps spent time reviewing the past year, identifying areas of concern and agreeing the future business of the JSC. The relationship between the JSC and Trust has been strained at various points throughout the year with very difficult service reviews being implemented, there was consensus that the main JSC was not meeting regularly enough to keep up with the issues being raised.
It was also agreed that better planning and preparation for the JSC would improve its effectiveness, accordingly it was agreed by both sides that the JSC would meet bi-monthly and local JSCs would meet in between.
The issue of violence against staff is of serious concern and the JSC would prioritise drafting a clear and consistant policy to make it clear how staff could be supported during very traumatic periods.
Improving Working Lives was discussed and the JSC will be looking to use the IWL National Staff Council Framework to pull together some of the existing work by individuals within the Trust.
The IWL Framework can be found here:
www.nhsemployers.org/EmploymentPolicyAndPractice/staff-engagement/Pages/Improvingworkinglives.aspx
The ongoing poor staff response rate to the staff questionaire was discussed and it is dissapointing that large numbers of staff do not complete this important piece of work. Locality Directorates have local actions plans to improve the response rate which the JSC fully support.
JSC Agenda's
Next Meeting:
Special JSC Meeting
7th April 2010
2-30-4.30 East One
Special JSC Meeting
7th April 2010
2-30-4.30 East One
One of the papers tabled at the March JSC was a discussion document identifying significant changes to the current nurse shift patterns.
It was agreed that a sub group of the JSC meet with senior managers to consider the current rosters in the light of the difficult financial situation
and report on what the minimum standards are for the nursing workforce, any risks identified and any recommendations we could agree on.
Consultation with members will follow any formal proposals to change the current arrangements, which is likely to follow the April Special JSC
It was agreed that a sub group of the JSC meet with senior managers to consider the current rosters in the light of the difficult financial situation
and report on what the minimum standards are for the nursing workforce, any risks identified and any recommendations we could agree on.
Consultation with members will follow any formal proposals to change the current arrangements, which is likely to follow the April Special JSC
| jsc_agenda__03-03-101.doc |
| c_-_shift_patterns_within_inpatient_units_03-03-10.pdf |
Dates of Trust Joint Staff Committee Meetings 2010:
Please be advised that the JSC meeting dates and times for 2010 have changed. All meetings will now take place during the first week of the month on corporate Wednesday, from 2.30pm till 4pm in the East One Boardroom.
The meeting dates are as follows:
3rd March 2010
5th May 2010
7th July 2010
1st September 2010
1st December 2010
Times and venue of pre-meeting will be circulated soon.
The meeting dates are as follows:
3rd March 2010
5th May 2010
7th July 2010
1st September 2010
1st December 2010
Times and venue of pre-meeting will be circulated soon.
Promoting the staff engagement strategy.
LOCALITY AGENDAS
Hackney local JSC meeting 17th February 2010-02-20
Admin review: All staff affected have been placed in posts. Management plan to review structure in 4 months time.
Update on actions following serious staff assault: pinpoint alarm system now in place. Some tweeks to operational policies required. Tests of the alarms to be carried out.
Staff will be required to wear belts to work to wear the alarms correctly.
Mermaid ward now up and running, currently 12 service users on ward. Consultant psychiatrist in post. 12 band 4 staff have been recruited. 2 modern matrons recruited. Ward manager interviews pending. All vacancies are expected to be filled by March. 2010.
Brett and Conolly wards: the dormitories are to be disposed with and replaced with single rooms. The nurses station is also to be moved to increase observation. These wards should be single sex wards by May 2010.
Gardner: To have refurbishment and re-decorating. Plans are also to have a de-escalation room and seclusion room on the ward.
The internal report has now been published, staff-side have requested a copy. External report still not completed. Staffing levels are at previous levels. The issue of bank staff shortages raised by staff-side as there is an issue with bank staff not being paid for mandatory training, and that wards are finding it difficult to get bank staff as some are unable to work as they are not in date with training requirements.
Bed pressures: Currently this has eased. Tower hamlets are experiencing bed management problems, 4-6 sleep-outs to East wing nightly. The discharge planning process is currently being looked at a means to relieve bed pressures.
St Leonard’s site: Planning approval has been granted, Trust are going through public consultation process.
Staff have expressed concerns around parking availability.
By late 2011 the trust will have access to the site. Completion date planned for 2014.
Employee of the month: Unison confirmed we are not particpating in this.
GP
END
Admin review: All staff affected have been placed in posts. Management plan to review structure in 4 months time.
Update on actions following serious staff assault: pinpoint alarm system now in place. Some tweeks to operational policies required. Tests of the alarms to be carried out.
Staff will be required to wear belts to work to wear the alarms correctly.
Mermaid ward now up and running, currently 12 service users on ward. Consultant psychiatrist in post. 12 band 4 staff have been recruited. 2 modern matrons recruited. Ward manager interviews pending. All vacancies are expected to be filled by March. 2010.
Brett and Conolly wards: the dormitories are to be disposed with and replaced with single rooms. The nurses station is also to be moved to increase observation. These wards should be single sex wards by May 2010.
Gardner: To have refurbishment and re-decorating. Plans are also to have a de-escalation room and seclusion room on the ward.
The internal report has now been published, staff-side have requested a copy. External report still not completed. Staffing levels are at previous levels. The issue of bank staff shortages raised by staff-side as there is an issue with bank staff not being paid for mandatory training, and that wards are finding it difficult to get bank staff as some are unable to work as they are not in date with training requirements.
Bed pressures: Currently this has eased. Tower hamlets are experiencing bed management problems, 4-6 sleep-outs to East wing nightly. The discharge planning process is currently being looked at a means to relieve bed pressures.
St Leonard’s site: Planning approval has been granted, Trust are going through public consultation process.
Staff have expressed concerns around parking availability.
By late 2011 the trust will have access to the site. Completion date planned for 2014.
Employee of the month: Unison confirmed we are not particpating in this.
GP
END
NEWHAM LOCALITY LJSC February 2010
Staff Bus:Does not meet the needs of Newham – One hour 20 minutes to reach East 1 and 2 hours to reach the Shrewsbury centre. Carrie Battersby to write to John Hill expressing concern.
Admin Review: Only one outstanding case which will be transferred to the Elderly directorate for completion. Recruitment into 5 vacant band 5 positions now complete
Community Review: KH appointed head of operations – Service level role will support ACD in service improvement and performance targets. Paul James on secondment to THCMH- Length of secondment unknown. ACD post advertised – Will go to senior clinician who wants an extended clinical role but also looking at service improvement. Disappointing that there have been no applicants so far. Therefore looking for interim appointment. Both posts are fixed term contracts.
Staffing Skill Mix: The Willow Suite – One RMN on night duty with unqualified staff – issue raised by BS at last meeting as no support – effectively means keys cannot be handed over so RMN remains in charge all night – Unpaid break therefore cannot be taken – Query if Trust are in breach of working time directive?
Feedback – Discussion held whether issue should be transferred to the LJSC for elderly care when these meetings start. BS stated no, the issue was raised here would like follow through here. Current situation - proposals to increase qualified staffing levels considered – For example a midnight to 3am slot. Ideal solution would be a second RMN on duty. Whatever happens there are cost implications. Barbara Rice and Michael Henderson are looking into situation. Feedback next meeting. (Possible delay due to Chief exec announcement of 2% savings plan).
Staff Survey: Figures available but no locality analysis – Proposal that some of next meeting be devoted to this issue, and an agreed response to be arrived at. Early indicator that there has been an increase in staff turnover.
Psychological therapies review: - Integration into CMHT’s is almost complete – The primary care provider manager who was on the steering group has left, however ELFT remain well represented at meetings. The most senior appointments have been made. There is one ELFT employee affected but this should be resolved by the next meeting.
Further discussions to decide who provides counselling to the GP surgeries – This process has gone on longer than expected.
There will be a major scoping exercise to bring services on line. The April deadline for this will not be met. Admin staff supporting the psychological therapies teams will be job matched this Friday (19/2/10).
Parking – Proposals are to zone car park in some way. Certain number of spaces for staff of certain categories with a separate visitors section. Delivery vans are to be asked to return to using their previous entrances either side of the new reception area.
Parking is one of the issues that came up in the staff survey.
Productive Ward Project: EN will bring a presentation on this to the next meeting.
Aims accreditation- Wards that were successful in achieving this are to have are-audit as part of the accreditation process.
Cigarette Lighters: 2 Fires on the wards last week considered near misses- Source of fires traced back to lighters used by patients or carers who have left them with patients. UU RCN rep requested support for a complete lighter ban. Discussion held – View put forward on behalf of UNiSON by BS. Support withheld at this time – Views of other stewards to be sought for following reasons: How would you implement complete ban?- These are informal open wards – No automatic right to search patient- More nursing time taken up on non nursing activities –More stigmatization of patients. If intention is arson which is a criminal offence covert action will be taken by the perpetrator. – Needs to go through assurance governance – If ideas are so good they need to be introduced Trust wide rather than locally. Feedback at next meeting but recommendation will be complete ban is not supported. From the two incidents it has become apparent Sunlight Laundry services have not been supplying fire retardant bed sheets – Please circulate this fact to other localities so checks can be made.
Opal & Topaz Wards: Two appointments made to Band 7 posts – start dates to be confirmed next meeting- 3 band 5 posts to be advertised.
END
There was no Specialist Services Local JSC held – This the third time this meeting has not taken place.
Admin Review: Only one outstanding case which will be transferred to the Elderly directorate for completion. Recruitment into 5 vacant band 5 positions now complete
Community Review: KH appointed head of operations – Service level role will support ACD in service improvement and performance targets. Paul James on secondment to THCMH- Length of secondment unknown. ACD post advertised – Will go to senior clinician who wants an extended clinical role but also looking at service improvement. Disappointing that there have been no applicants so far. Therefore looking for interim appointment. Both posts are fixed term contracts.
Staffing Skill Mix: The Willow Suite – One RMN on night duty with unqualified staff – issue raised by BS at last meeting as no support – effectively means keys cannot be handed over so RMN remains in charge all night – Unpaid break therefore cannot be taken – Query if Trust are in breach of working time directive?
Feedback – Discussion held whether issue should be transferred to the LJSC for elderly care when these meetings start. BS stated no, the issue was raised here would like follow through here. Current situation - proposals to increase qualified staffing levels considered – For example a midnight to 3am slot. Ideal solution would be a second RMN on duty. Whatever happens there are cost implications. Barbara Rice and Michael Henderson are looking into situation. Feedback next meeting. (Possible delay due to Chief exec announcement of 2% savings plan).
Staff Survey: Figures available but no locality analysis – Proposal that some of next meeting be devoted to this issue, and an agreed response to be arrived at. Early indicator that there has been an increase in staff turnover.
Psychological therapies review: - Integration into CMHT’s is almost complete – The primary care provider manager who was on the steering group has left, however ELFT remain well represented at meetings. The most senior appointments have been made. There is one ELFT employee affected but this should be resolved by the next meeting.
Further discussions to decide who provides counselling to the GP surgeries – This process has gone on longer than expected.
There will be a major scoping exercise to bring services on line. The April deadline for this will not be met. Admin staff supporting the psychological therapies teams will be job matched this Friday (19/2/10).
Parking – Proposals are to zone car park in some way. Certain number of spaces for staff of certain categories with a separate visitors section. Delivery vans are to be asked to return to using their previous entrances either side of the new reception area.
Parking is one of the issues that came up in the staff survey.
Productive Ward Project: EN will bring a presentation on this to the next meeting.
Aims accreditation- Wards that were successful in achieving this are to have are-audit as part of the accreditation process.
Cigarette Lighters: 2 Fires on the wards last week considered near misses- Source of fires traced back to lighters used by patients or carers who have left them with patients. UU RCN rep requested support for a complete lighter ban. Discussion held – View put forward on behalf of UNiSON by BS. Support withheld at this time – Views of other stewards to be sought for following reasons: How would you implement complete ban?- These are informal open wards – No automatic right to search patient- More nursing time taken up on non nursing activities –More stigmatization of patients. If intention is arson which is a criminal offence covert action will be taken by the perpetrator. – Needs to go through assurance governance – If ideas are so good they need to be introduced Trust wide rather than locally. Feedback at next meeting but recommendation will be complete ban is not supported. From the two incidents it has become apparent Sunlight Laundry services have not been supplying fire retardant bed sheets – Please circulate this fact to other localities so checks can be made.
Opal & Topaz Wards: Two appointments made to Band 7 posts – start dates to be confirmed next meeting- 3 band 5 posts to be advertised.
END
There was no Specialist Services Local JSC held – This the third time this meeting has not taken place.
LJSC Summary
Tower Hamlets Locality 11th February 2010
Staff Survey Action plan –.first summary report not yet circulated to staff side. Will be broken down into different directorates. Return rate increased to 44%, results indifferent. Improvements on some aspects of training, appraisals. Conversely, increase in staff feeling managers not prioritising clinical matters, more staff thinking of leaving. Service Delivery Board discussed, feel with CSR and Admin review results not surprising.
Finance Report -Directorate breaking even, Trust asked that we under spend by £100K which can be achieved. Will feedback next meeting after budget setting meeting with Director of Finance next week, next year will be difficult. Feedback from PCT; envisage 3.5% for inflation, down from 4.1% in 3-year contract. Expecting cost release efficiency savings of 3.5% - no allowance for inflation. Issues around staffing establishments, e.g. Globe states 21, actually less. Increase at night of .5 equivalent not equated for in figures. Should record increase in night staffing as exceptional cost in separate column.
Borough Director’s Report - 3rd week in post in TH. Main issues CSR, Admin review, finance – already covered. Issues on inpatient high bed occupancy, sleeping 4 out to Hackney and Newham at night. Lot of pressure on wards. Recent survey on patients in residential care showed some have potential to move on but are not tracked well if placed out of borough.
Crisis situation, particularly difficult for ward staff managing over their numbers so establishments not set correctly. 2 recent CQC visits recognised over-established. PJ: Feedback from CQC that staff doing best wish patient interest at heart. Trust has opened new ward in Hackney, aware more beds needed and will have knock-on effect for TH but funding not secure for next year. RD may well say we have to fund = £1M, but from where?
BR & F I reviewed wards recently, couple of issues around repairs and time taken to deal. JT & PCT to do weekly walkabout of wards to inspect for damages etc. New system for requisitions to be initiated.
EMHALS
Was to be presented last autumn but other consultations were going on. Based on review by Managers undertook 12/18 months ago, proposed to look at shift pattern of Psychiatric Liaison Service provided to wards and A & E at RLH. Emergency service so needs experienced staff, high cost service, has greatest concentration of Band 7’s in Trust, severely overspent. High use of Bank staff so how could it be brought in line while providing service - changing hours only works on paper. Looked at skill mix, need senior nurses. Proposing a change in shift numbers from 1 early, 2 late, 2 night & doctors 9-5 to 1 early, 1 late, 1 night with 4-12 on twilight shift. Carries number of risks to be managed clinically and performance targets. Issues around security/AWOLS – being addressing by H&S. Review after 3 months if accepted. Aim to get out 1st March for 28 days consultation period. Consider any comments received and make final decision.
AOB
Health check – consultants concerned as some patients gain weight from medication. Machine sited at inpatient unit, not helpful if patients use it as conflicting information from health check people. Feedback showed this was popular last year and back by demand. This is for staff not patients and has to be moved to the Post Graduate room.
END
Tower Hamlets Locality 11th February 2010
Staff Survey Action plan –.first summary report not yet circulated to staff side. Will be broken down into different directorates. Return rate increased to 44%, results indifferent. Improvements on some aspects of training, appraisals. Conversely, increase in staff feeling managers not prioritising clinical matters, more staff thinking of leaving. Service Delivery Board discussed, feel with CSR and Admin review results not surprising.
Finance Report -Directorate breaking even, Trust asked that we under spend by £100K which can be achieved. Will feedback next meeting after budget setting meeting with Director of Finance next week, next year will be difficult. Feedback from PCT; envisage 3.5% for inflation, down from 4.1% in 3-year contract. Expecting cost release efficiency savings of 3.5% - no allowance for inflation. Issues around staffing establishments, e.g. Globe states 21, actually less. Increase at night of .5 equivalent not equated for in figures. Should record increase in night staffing as exceptional cost in separate column.
Borough Director’s Report - 3rd week in post in TH. Main issues CSR, Admin review, finance – already covered. Issues on inpatient high bed occupancy, sleeping 4 out to Hackney and Newham at night. Lot of pressure on wards. Recent survey on patients in residential care showed some have potential to move on but are not tracked well if placed out of borough.
Crisis situation, particularly difficult for ward staff managing over their numbers so establishments not set correctly. 2 recent CQC visits recognised over-established. PJ: Feedback from CQC that staff doing best wish patient interest at heart. Trust has opened new ward in Hackney, aware more beds needed and will have knock-on effect for TH but funding not secure for next year. RD may well say we have to fund = £1M, but from where?
BR & F I reviewed wards recently, couple of issues around repairs and time taken to deal. JT & PCT to do weekly walkabout of wards to inspect for damages etc. New system for requisitions to be initiated.
EMHALS
Was to be presented last autumn but other consultations were going on. Based on review by Managers undertook 12/18 months ago, proposed to look at shift pattern of Psychiatric Liaison Service provided to wards and A & E at RLH. Emergency service so needs experienced staff, high cost service, has greatest concentration of Band 7’s in Trust, severely overspent. High use of Bank staff so how could it be brought in line while providing service - changing hours only works on paper. Looked at skill mix, need senior nurses. Proposing a change in shift numbers from 1 early, 2 late, 2 night & doctors 9-5 to 1 early, 1 late, 1 night with 4-12 on twilight shift. Carries number of risks to be managed clinically and performance targets. Issues around security/AWOLS – being addressing by H&S. Review after 3 months if accepted. Aim to get out 1st March for 28 days consultation period. Consider any comments received and make final decision.
AOB
Health check – consultants concerned as some patients gain weight from medication. Machine sited at inpatient unit, not helpful if patients use it as conflicting information from health check people. Feedback showed this was popular last year and back by demand. This is for staff not patients and has to be moved to the Post Graduate room.
END