THURSDAY 10th OCTOBER AT 2:30PM IN THE MEETING ROOM, LOTHINGLAND

Present: Glyn Reynolds, Paul Taylor, Theresa Stone, Annette Petty (Minutes)

Apologies: Ray Hill, Cliff Dawson, Philip Bloyce, Ian Talbot, Wendy Arbon, Andy Willcox, Arthur White

1.   Minutes of the previous meeting

 The minutes of the previous meeting held on 15 August were agreed as a true and accurate record.

2.   Matters Arising

 None

3.   Report of Workplace Inspections by Area

a)   Lothingland                                                                                                                                                                                       Glyn reported that inspections and rebuild are ongoing. There is a problem with the two-way catches on patient doors.              Glyn to meet with John Cullum regarding the problem with the door frames. 

b)   Walker Close                                                                                                                                                                                   Paul reported that a letter will be sent out from the auditors regarding ligature points which is to be implemented immediately. In summary there should be no handrails, hanging baskets or any ligature points remaining on site, apart from the disabled toilet rail which will remain under the Disability Discrimination Act. Staff and Managers are disregarding the Working Time Directive and Health & Safety issues by breaking the hours worked on shifts. Philip Bloyce to be informed of situation. 

c)   Livingstone Ashford Unit                                                                                                                                                            Theresa reported that an inspection is to be carried out at the unit and one at Minsmere. Arthur White will be involved with the inspections.

d)   Sutton Ward                                                                                                                                                                                   Andy has sent two letters to Steve Barker and Julie Todd copies were circulated in the meeting. A reply has been received from Steve Barker which will be distributed. 

e)   Hartismere Hospital                                                                                                                                                                     Wendy is catching up on the H&S inspections at work - there have been staff shortages.

4.   New Health & Safety Rep

The meeting welcomed Theresa Stone, the new rep based at the Livingstone Ashford Unit, Beccles Hospital. Annette to investigate if the Branch can assist with the purchase of a PC.

5.   Dates for 2003 Meetings

It was agreed that Glyn is to set the six meetings to be held in the Meeting Room at Lothingland commencing at 2.30pm. Glyn to email Annette with the dates, the Ipswich reps can car share if they have no transport.

6.   AOB

a)  The TUC Stage II H&S 10 Week Course 1 day per week commences on 30 October in Norwich. Candidates must have completed Stage I to attend. Nominations are required urgently. Annette to email dheywood@ccn.ac.uk to get brochure for 2003 courses. 

b)  A new H&S inspection form is to be devised by Ron Baker.

c)   Pot Holes - Glyn reported that there is no finance to carry out the work in the H&S budget, Annette to obtain the pictures of the problems. 

d)  Philip/Ian to confirm that all H&S Reps can attend the Local Branch Meetings. 

e)  The Unison Inspection Notices are not legally binding - Paul obtained the form/information from the SHC website.

f)   Glyn to check with his line manager regarding the COSHH code to be used for obtaining cleaning materials.

g)  Annette to check with Ron Baker who sits on the Local Risk Forum’s and how are they run.

h)  Philip/Ian to confirm if H&S reps can mirror each other on work issues and visit other sites.

i)    First Aiders - Lothingland have ordered their first aid boxes - Glyn reported that there are no First Aiders at Lothingland - to be investigated by Philip/Ian. How many First Aiders should there be on site?

7.   Date of final meeting for 2002

The final meeting for this year is to be held on Wednesday 27 November at 2.30pm at Walker Close OT Room -Tel 01473 275404

Apologies from Glyn Reynolds

There being no further business, the meeting closed at 3.30pm.

AP