TUESDAY 16 December 2003 @ 2:00 PM IN THE PICASSO ROOM St CLEMENTS HOSPITAL

Present: Wendy Arbon, Ian Talbot, Arthur White, Sandra Smith, Gordon Morris, Julie Harrison and Annette Petty (Minutes)

Apologies: Judith Wilson, Philip Bloyce, Paul Taylor, Ray Hill, Glyn Reynolds, Cliff Dawson, Georgia Murray

1.   Minutes of the last meeting

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

2.  Matters Arising

a)   Page 1 3a - Gordon Morris has been speaking to John Cook at Ipswich Labour Party with regard to a query on our branch paying affiliation fees to the party. It is possible that our branch have overpaid affiliation fees (presently fees are £6 per 100 members) in the past few years. The 2002 receipts are with the auditors at Ipswich Labour Party at present. Ian to contact Greg Grant at Region to obtain back claim and John Cook to obtain the correct affiliation figures paid to the party (our branch treasurer will have SHC branch affiliation figures paid to ILP). Annette to send Gordon some copies of the Branch Guide to Foundation Hospitals to be passed to delegates at the ILP meeting in December. Ray Hill is currently the political officer for the branch but will be taking over the retired members section in December 2004, so the branch will be looking for a steward/rep to replace him (Gordon Morris has been approached for the post).

b)   Page 1 3b - Annette has written to Pat Burgess acknowledging her resignation as steward at Aldeburgh Hospital.

c)    Page 2 4b - Carol Mitchell has not taken up her post as H&S Rep at Southwold Hospital.

d)   Page 2 5b - Sandra Smith to attend the Black Members Conference in February 2004 in Cardiff. Sandra felt that the agenda was structured in a different way and that the conference may be out of her depth. However, it is a good chance to meet other fellow black members from different parts of the country and share ideas/exchange views on a national level.

e)   Page 2 5d - Annette has sent Georgia information on IWL Assessors, Unison Open College and Branch Education Officer.

f)    Page 3 5g - Ian has written to Margaret Little in respect of the closure of Priory/Sutton Wards and the effects on cut backs for patient services, the plan for the closure and more information so that he can talk to staff affected (70-80 in total) and Human Resources.

g)     Page 3 6 - Ray and Heather Hill to attend as delegates at the National Health Conference in Glasgow in April 2004.

h)     Page 3 7 - The second draft to the branch rules were approved at the meeting and will be implemented on 1 January 2004 (Ray Hill, Philip Bloyce and Steve Cook have agreed in principle), in addition to the monthly activity report – Annette to email out report on a monthly basis to stewards/reps to be completed and sent back. The report has been created to offer help to reps/stewards so that they can develop their role within the branch and the rules are in place to communicate between reps/stewards as we are a large branch. Reps have been encouraged to become involved in agreeing these amended rules to help them within their roles.

i)    Page 3 8b - Annette has received 84 completed Prize Draw cards (most of which are members). The return date for cards has been extended to January 5 2004. The draw will take place on 20 January 2004 at the follow-up recruitment drive meeting 10.30am – 1pm – Annette has received confirmation from Arthur White, David Edginton, Julie Harrison and Sandra Smith so far – will send a reminder out to all in due course.

3.   Urgent Correspondence

a)   Ian has ordered 5 interactive CD Roms (£2.50 each) entitled “Risk Wise - A Teaching Programme for Safety Reps”

b)   Page 1 3b – Annette to write to Pat Burgess acknowledging her resignation letter as Steward at Aldeburgh Hospital.

4.     Steward/Officer Reports         

      Patrick Stead                                                                                                                                                                                 Arthur White is concerned regarding the job descriptions for Nursing Auxiliaries, Nursing Assistants and HCA’s when Agenda For Change comes into effect in 2004 as the new job descriptions are not the same. All job descriptions will be updated above the normal grades and documented.

        Sutton Ward                                                                                                                                                                                        No problems reported by Sandra Smith.

         Patient Services                                                                                                                                                                                   No problems reported by Julie Harrison.

      Hartismere Hospital, Eye No problems reported by Wendy - just one issue regarding the Matron asking the Porters to carry out security checks around the hospital buildings. Wendy to report back that a security contact company should be employed as security personnel.

Date/Time Next Meeting

The first meeting of 2004 will take place on Tuesday 20 January at 2pm (Lunch from 1.15pm) in the Picasso Room, St Clements Hospital. See here for all 2004 branch meeting dates

Prior to this meeting - the follow-up recruitment drive meeting will take place in the Monet Room from 10.30am (attendees confirmed so far are Philip Bloyce, Ian Talbot, Judith Wilson, Arthur White, David Edginton, Julie Harrison and Sandra Smith).

There being no further business, the meeting closed at 3pm.