Charlie Reid Proclaimer “The NHS is the single greatest achievement of British democracy. My mother spent her entire working life as a nurse, midwife and health visitor in the NHS. It is only people of my mother’s generation and older who remember life before, they seem to value it more than anybody else but the future of the NHS is in the hands of younger tax payers. They should speak to their parents.”
East London NHS Foundation Trust Joint Staff Committee
Chair: George Paton UNISON george.paton@eastlondon.nhs.uk
Vice Chair - Uduak Ukpeh RCN uduak.ukpeh@eastlondon.nhs.uk
Secretary: Sandra Payne UNISON sandra.payne@eastlondon.nhs.uk
Freedom of information request regarding AfC Banding and increment points of current staff, Trust response:
| 11735-letr1.doc |
JSC Agenda's
Next Meeting:
Special JSC Meeting
7th July 2010
2-30-4.30 East One
Special JSC Meeting
7th July 2010
2-30-4.30 East One
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.
Promoting the staff engagement strategy.
5th May JSC meeting summary:
The predominant issue of the Trust financial position was not really adddressed, the lack of clarrity and transparancy is very frustrating for staff side reps, again the Trust failed to produce the details of the 9million pound cuts proposals and is failing in its duty to consult with staff before making major decisions affecting the service and staff.
The financial analysis by John Lister that the Trust achieved its surplus target of 7% in 2009/10 was confirmed.
The Trust were asked what was the purpose of achieving high surpluses, if its just to improve their fnance rating with monitor then why do it? A rating of 3 is adequate and why should staff make and suffer cuts to achieve a beaurocratic target? Do the trust really want to put the goal of achieving a higher rating scale above providing safe and sustainable services?
The nurse rota proposal remains contentious, the Trust failed to produce the financial details which explain how 2 million pounds can be saved from the in-patient nursing budget. The pilot sites are already indicating staff disatisfaction and no financial gain.
Previously it was agreed we would recieve a detailed breakdown and briefing on the whole 9 million pound cuts for 2010/11.That was not available.
To take forward the work on the nursing proposal it was agreed was agreed that a sub group of the JSC meet with senior managers to review the pilot sites, discuss options and agree recommendations.This meeting will be held on 19th May.
The JSC recieved a report on the effectiveness of DVD training, its clear from the feedback from staff produced by the Trust is that staff think its a positive developement but as with a lot of mandatory training its not clear what learning is achieved and although its 'ticks the box' its effectiveness is far from clear.
The improving working lives steering group is due to be formed.
We are awaiting a statement from the Trust about how staff affected by the volcanic ash are to be dealth with, nor have we had any indication about the Trust advice regarding the new FIT notes being issued by GPs despite this being raised some weeks ago.
The predominant issue of the Trust financial position was not really adddressed, the lack of clarrity and transparancy is very frustrating for staff side reps, again the Trust failed to produce the details of the 9million pound cuts proposals and is failing in its duty to consult with staff before making major decisions affecting the service and staff.
The financial analysis by John Lister that the Trust achieved its surplus target of 7% in 2009/10 was confirmed.
The Trust were asked what was the purpose of achieving high surpluses, if its just to improve their fnance rating with monitor then why do it? A rating of 3 is adequate and why should staff make and suffer cuts to achieve a beaurocratic target? Do the trust really want to put the goal of achieving a higher rating scale above providing safe and sustainable services?
The nurse rota proposal remains contentious, the Trust failed to produce the financial details which explain how 2 million pounds can be saved from the in-patient nursing budget. The pilot sites are already indicating staff disatisfaction and no financial gain.
Previously it was agreed we would recieve a detailed breakdown and briefing on the whole 9 million pound cuts for 2010/11.That was not available.
To take forward the work on the nursing proposal it was agreed was agreed that a sub group of the JSC meet with senior managers to review the pilot sites, discuss options and agree recommendations.This meeting will be held on 19th May.
The JSC recieved a report on the effectiveness of DVD training, its clear from the feedback from staff produced by the Trust is that staff think its a positive developement but as with a lot of mandatory training its not clear what learning is achieved and although its 'ticks the box' its effectiveness is far from clear.
The improving working lives steering group is due to be formed.
We are awaiting a statement from the Trust about how staff affected by the volcanic ash are to be dealth with, nor have we had any indication about the Trust advice regarding the new FIT notes being issued by GPs despite this being raised some weeks ago.
| c-_shift_pattern_consultation_07-04-101.pdf |
7.4.10
JSC Meeting UNISONs Summary points:
The meeting started with a robust exchange of views about the Press release issued by Health Emergency, it was not quite clear what was being questioned or what was being alledged but it is for the Trust to respond to the points raised by the press release or challenge Dr Lister if they are inaccurate. UNISON is quite able and has a long history of releasing our own press releases when its necessary which we will be doing as and when it is appropriate.
We deferred agreement of the previous JSC minutes pending amendments from staffside being submitted after the meeting.
There was no finance report due to the absence of relevant staff, UNISON again asked for a summary paper outlining in details the £9 million cuts. That is now expected at the May JSC.
Good progress was reported on the Intergration of the Newham PCT services which all staffside members fully support
A lenthy discussion was had about the savings plan and the lack of information being supplied to staffside reps.
The proposal to change nurse rota's was discussed and a robust debate was had, the Trust have agreed to provide additional background information and specify how 2 million pounds of savings are to be made.
Staffside agreed that having a recieved a covering letter explaining and detailing the cuts we would agree to the Trust entering into formal consultation on a major change of shift patterns.
Some wards may want to proceed with the new rotas on a pilot basis and we think that would be helpful in identifying problems and indicating solutions.
UNISON and the RCN have serious concerns about these proposals and will be drafting a detailed response following meetings with members which will be set up in the latter part of the consultation period.
UNISON and the RCN confirmed that both organisations will be balloting their members on the final decision the Trust make unless there are substantive changes to the proposal.
JSC Meeting UNISONs Summary points:
The meeting started with a robust exchange of views about the Press release issued by Health Emergency, it was not quite clear what was being questioned or what was being alledged but it is for the Trust to respond to the points raised by the press release or challenge Dr Lister if they are inaccurate. UNISON is quite able and has a long history of releasing our own press releases when its necessary which we will be doing as and when it is appropriate.
We deferred agreement of the previous JSC minutes pending amendments from staffside being submitted after the meeting.
There was no finance report due to the absence of relevant staff, UNISON again asked for a summary paper outlining in details the £9 million cuts. That is now expected at the May JSC.
Good progress was reported on the Intergration of the Newham PCT services which all staffside members fully support
A lenthy discussion was had about the savings plan and the lack of information being supplied to staffside reps.
The proposal to change nurse rota's was discussed and a robust debate was had, the Trust have agreed to provide additional background information and specify how 2 million pounds of savings are to be made.
Staffside agreed that having a recieved a covering letter explaining and detailing the cuts we would agree to the Trust entering into formal consultation on a major change of shift patterns.
Some wards may want to proceed with the new rotas on a pilot basis and we think that would be helpful in identifying problems and indicating solutions.
UNISON and the RCN have serious concerns about these proposals and will be drafting a detailed response following meetings with members which will be set up in the latter part of the consultation period.
UNISON and the RCN confirmed that both organisations will be balloting their members on the final decision the Trust make unless there are substantive changes to the proposal.
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:
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:
7th July 2010
1st September 2010
1st December 2010
Times and venue of pre-meeting will be circulated soon.
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
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
15.4.10 Newham LJSC Minutes
| newham_local_jsc_april1.doc |
