UNISON hosts a meeting of trade union representatives and activists from Colchester and Ipswich Hospitals
The decision by the two NHS Trusts running hospitals in Colchester and Ipswich to look at collaborative working means that the trade unions respresenting staff need to be ready to respond to the coming challanges.
On 3 November UNISON branch secretaries Tess Medenilla (Ipswich) and Andy Nash (Colchester) were joined by other UNISON activists and colleagues from British Association of Occupational Therapists, Chartered Society of Physiotherapists, Royal College of Midwives, Royal College of Nurses, Society of Radiographers and UNITE.
As a result of their meeting they were able to agree on ways to improve their own joint working to support their members as the two NHS Trusts continue to work more collaboratively.
Tim Roberts, regional organiser, told us “We know the two Trusts will be collaborating closely in the months and years ahead. This will mean some services will be shared or relocated, it may even result in a formal merger of both Trusts.
“The meeting was an important opportunity to bring together trade unions from both Trusts for the first time to understand the issues in each other’s workplaces and identify how joint working will benefit trade union members.
“We know that many of our members are feeling uncertain about future developments so its important that the trade unions work in partnership during negotiations with their employers.”
For more information and to get involved in your branch email Andy Nash (Colchester Health UNISON) or Tess Medenilla (Ipswich Hospital UNISON).
