Today (29/07/10) the Branch Committee heard about major concerns about the Government's white paper Equity and Excellence: Liberating the NHS. Sounds like a nice titled but the danger is that it could be as liberating as a lethal injection to the NHS we all care about. Under its proposals the NHS will become little more than a logo, with GPs calling the shots locally and commissioning services often from the private sector. For those that get to stay within the NHS, our terms and conditions could be slashed and pay determined locally which will only make things worse not better. Sharon Otto, Branch Secretary will be attending a special meeting in the Regional Office to hear more about the proposals for UNISON's Head of Health Karen Jennings and look at how we respond. This will be fed back to the Branch.
It was also agreed that as there had been concerns raised by a number of members about changes to local bus services, and specifically the withdrawal of the 21, that we would support work being done by the West Midlands Campaign for Better Transport. There is a petition that is being circulated by reps. Please get in touch for a copy.
It was also agreed to send members who work as Nursing Auxiliaries to UNISON's Healthcare Assistants' Conference on the 21st September. For details contact the Branch Secretary.
The Branch also agreed to nominate Graham Smith for the Young Members Seat and Carol Sewell for the West Midlands (female) seat in the National Executive Council by-elections.
Branch Committee meets on the last Thursday of every month at 10am in the Joint Union Office at Selly Oak Hospital. For more information contact James Anthony, Branch Chair
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