UNISON has condemned plans by the National Health Service Blood and Transport (NHSBT) to end blood donors’ sessions in the North Devon area.
Officials of Devon’s largest health service union have said they deplore the decision to end many of the donor sessions in the area, and have criticised the service for failing to consult with the unions or donors.
UNISON further claims the press release issued by the service is disingenuous as it doesn’t make clear NHSBT’s decision to terminate the employment of the North Devon Blood Collection Team through redundancy and end donor sessions.
Michael Auguste, UNISON area organiser, said: ”This is a slap in the face for our members and the donors of North Devon, who as far back as 2008 were urged to give more blood.
“Indeed in 2010 and 2011 North Devon blood donors were honoured for their dedication to giving blood. Now those same donors could be forced to travel longer distances to donate, or lose the opportunity to give blood altogether.
“This seems ludicrous when there is a national shortage of donors. It is an insult to their dedication.
“At the very least the blood donors of North Devon should have been afforded the courtesy and respect they deserve along with some honesty and transparency. The statement that there will be ‘some’ changes, insults donors and our members who work for the blood service.
“In reality, the changes will have a fundamental impact on donors and their ability to give blood in the future.”
Mr Auguste continued: ”UNISON members who work in the North Devon Blood Collection Team were dismayed when this bombshell was dropped on them which could end their employment.
“Last year they put in many additional hours to cover the Olympics to help NHSBT; now they are being discarded and thrown on the scrap heap.”
UNISON is calling on the NHSBT to enter into meaningful talks, retract its press statement and be honest with the blood donors of North Devon about exactly what it is proposing.
