- Conference
- 2006 Health Care Service Group Conference
- Date
- 22 December 2005
- Decision
- Carried
This Conference notes the forthcoming reorganisation of Ambulance Trusts in England in line with the proposed reconfigured Strategic Health Authority boundaries, in addition to the many other recommendations contained in the report “Taking Healthcare to The Patient”.
Conference endorses the UNISON response document to the report and in particular that UNISON is broadly in favour of the Review’s recommendations because they:
·Bring the UNISON policy of a national Ambulance Service for England
closer to reality;
·Recognise improvements to patient care as the prime driver;
. Identify the development of all Ambulance staff groups as the key factor
in achieving this.
Conference also notes that the Human Resources Framework and accompanying joint statement made by the NHS Staff Council provides:
·A basis for a consistent approach to HR issues across England;
·Mechanisms for lessening Industrial Relations difficulties;
·Embodiment of partnership principles.
Whilst acknowledging that the general tone and focus of the Review and accompanying HR Framework is positive Conference notes there are also potential areas of concern. Conference therefore instructs the Health Service Group Executive to:
1.Seek to ensure that the review is not used as a vehicle for wholesale
job cuts or further privatisation of core services;
2. Maintain a policy of recognising only those unions belonging to the joint
NHS Staff Council are to be recognised for collective bargaining purposes
at national and local level;
3. Highlight the negative consequences of bestowing Foundation status on
Ambulance Trusts.