Last weekend branch representatives from across the region came together to hold their annual healthcare policy weekend in Brentwood. As has become all too frequent the backdrop to the event was the government’s continuing underfunding and undermining of the NHS.
Topics discussed included pay, the introduction of seven day working and the government’s intention to do away with unsocial hours payments, nurse revalidation and the problems faced by migrant workers, parlicularly overseas nurses.
The conference heard from three guest speakers: UNISON national officer Christine McAnea who spoke about the issues facing healthcare workers, NHS campaigner John Lister on NHS finance and reorganisations and Sarah Hallett from the BMA who spoke about the junior doctors’ fight against Jeremy Hunt’s attempt to force a new contract on them.
Unexpectedly, those present found themselves sharing the hotel with the players from fan and community owned Portsmouth Football Club. The team were staying there prior to their League 2 away game against Dagenham and Redbridge* and took time out from their match preperations to show their support for NHS workers and trade unions.
*For the record Pompey won 4-1.