Minutes of the Branch Meeting held on Tuesday 16 July 2002 at 2.30pm G Block, St Mary’s Hospital, Bury St Edmunds

Present: Philip Bloyce (Chair), Margaret Goddard, Cliff Dawson, Julian Wong, Annette Petty (Minutes)

Apologies: Ray Hill, Ian Talbot, Paul Taylor, Matt Robinson, Andy Willcox

1.   Minutes of the previous meeting

The minutes of the previous meeting held on 18 June were agreed as a true and accurate record.

2.  Matters Arising

None

3.   Support Group

Julian Wong explained to the meeting the aims of the support group. It will be available to Unison members only.  Any member who is away from work for a long period i.e. been suspended, harassment/bullying, long term sick will benefit from this service. Staff are offered Occupational Health when they have been off for a long period, Julian’s role will be a non-judgemental supporting role for staff. He will not be representing the staff member but giving support as and when required, he will keep staff updated with the Trust Newsletter and any other current news so they do not feel isolated during this period. He can be contactable on his mobile number at any time. This group will be publicised throughout Unison on the website and will be up and running to start 1^st August. Philip to inform Human Resources. 

4.   Suffolk Staff Forum

The Suffolk Health System Staff Forum Meeting has been cancelled on 19 July due to lack of management attendance. Philip has a copy of the Ipswich Consultation Document on Management Structure and PCT if anyone requires a copy. 

5.   Affiliations

The Trade Unison Friends of Palestine (approved in May’s meeting), Trade Union Friends of Searchlight, and the Brazil Bike Ride items have all been deferred to the August Branch Meeting. It was agreed that the Health Emergency Network affiliation was not to be pursued.

6.   Regional Young Members Forum

There will be no attendance from the Suffolk Healthcare Branch.

7.   Payroll and Pensions Inductions

Induction sessions have been emailed to reps and Philip will circulate further information on the above once he has received it.

8.   Unison Healthcare Health Circulars and Bulletins

A mailing list is to be created to ensure that reps/stewards receive all relevant information that is received in the branch office. Philip to meet with Annette on Tuesday 23 July to put in place.

9.   10^th Unison Lesbian/Gay Conference and 10^th National Black Members Conference

Posters have been devised and will be circulated to all in Ipswich in the near future. 

10. AOB

Margaret was concerned that the Accident Book’s have been abolished. Philip confirmed that both the accident book and incident forms should be completed as a matter of course for any incidents that occur. It is a legal requirement that an accident book should be accessible to staff.

Margaret Goddard proposed that the branch would be able to sponsor Sheila Bennett who works on Rosemary Ward at Newmarket Hospital £50 to go to Sri Lanka for 6 months working with Doctors in a clinic to help children.  It was seconded by Philip Bloyce and agreed by all. The branch will organise a pack of clinical posters etc for Sheila to take, Margaret to advise Annette what is required.

11. Date and Time of Next Meeting

The next meeting will be held on Tuesday 20 August 02 in the Rembrandt Room, Main Building, St Clement’s Hospital.  Annette to organise refreshments.

The meeting closed at 3.30pm.