WEDNESDAY 27 NOVEMBER 2002 AT 2PM IN THE MEETING ROOM WALKER CLOSE

Present: Noel Maher, Paul Taylor, Ray Hill, Philip Bloyce (Chair), Annette Petty (Minutes) 

Apologies: Cliff Dawson, Wendy Arbon, Glyn Reynolds, Georgia Murray, Ian Talbot

1.   Minutes of the previous meeting

The minutes of the previous meeting held on 10 October were agreed as a true and accurate record.

2.   Matters Arising

a)   Page 1- Lothingland                                                                                                                                                                          Glyn has received a letter from Richard Lacey, Head of Estates instructing maintenance staff to re-level the “pot holes” area at 4 Airey Close. 

b)   Page 2 - TUC Stage II H&S 10 Week Course                                                                                                                              Annette to send reminder to dheywood@ccn.ac.uk requesting a supply of brochures for 2003 courses.

c)   Local Branch Meetings                                                                                                                                                                     Philip confirmed that reps can attend H&S/Branch Meetings.                                                                                                          Local Risk Forum’s - Philip explained that The Risk Groups meeting bi-monthly and Glyn can attend these meetings. Philip to send dates of 2003 meetings to Glyn and also a list of the reps and where they operate. A list has already been sent to Judith Alderton as requested at the last Forum. The Local Risk Groups are held at SCH/Bury St Edmunds and deal with local issues.

3.   Report of Workplace Inspections by Area

      Walker Close                                                                                                                                                                                           Paul reported that new carpets are required at Idaway and Balfour by 10 December but there is no money available at present. A full inspection has been carried out at Idaway, Balfour and Bungalow 5. Paul reported that he has received information regarding the recent Fire Service strikes that additional training will be provided for staff with regard to evacuation procedures. 

Paul to contact Sam Gillings-Taylor in respect of fire evacuation exercises. There are no managers at Walker Close at present and Paul reported that things are working smoothly.

Noel has carried out two inspections so far one with Paul and one independently. These inspections are carried out on a three monthly basis. A risk inspection is due to be carried out at the Resource Centre. The crack in the wall in the OT room has worsened considerably – Paul to chase Mark Kittle regarding repair works to be carried out.

      Sutton Ward                                                                                                                                                                                          A letter is being sent to Mr D Leckie Director of Estates & Facilities with regard to the culvert from Body Matters to the Main Reception and the rear lighting behind the hospital and bungalow behind Brightwell Ward which are all poorly lit with a view to a marked pedestrian walkway.

U.N.I.Forms/Notice - these forms cannot be used unless they are backed by the H&S Executive who need to be contacted to resolve any issues that arise. The H&S Executive need to be called in for improvement notices.

Locked Doors on two units - This is an ongoing saga as the “key” is apparently a handle. Why are the front doors locked? Glyn to check out the Policy on Locked Doors.

      Bartlet Hospital Felixstowe                                                                                                                                                                    A risk inspection is to be carried out at the Bartlet Annexe/General on 12 December. A Risk Assessment must be carried out when there is a change of use of rooms. Ray to email Karen Thompson at Patrick Stead Hospital Halesworth who initiates change of use of rooms.

4.   Nomination of New H&S Representatives

Andrea Boakes has been nominated by Glyn for the new H&S/Steward representative at Lothingland. The meeting felt that Andrea would be much more valuable to the Branch as a Steward. Annette to email Andrea to this effect.

5.  AOB

New Code of Conduct for Managers - Philip will circulate this code out to reps which sets out the Manager’s responsibilities towards staff and email a copy to Annette.

6.   Date and Time of Next Meeting

The first meeting of the new year will be held on Thursday 16 January 2003 at 2pm at the Meeting Room, 6 Airey Close, Lothingland - Paul Taylor to drive from Ipswich.

PB/ADP