UNISON Branch Executive Meeting
Minutes of Meeting Tuesday 10th November 2015
Classroom, Education Unit, Western Isles Hospital - 6pm
Present:
Mairi Murray, Chairperson Janet Tierney, Secretary
Alistair Morrison, Treasurer Janet Marshall, Communication Officer
Kath Mace, Steward Chris Ann Munro, Steward
1. Apologies
Apologies have been received from Moira Sykes, Stephan Smit and Alison MacVie.
2. Approval of Minutes.
The minutes of October’s minutes were approved.
3. Matters Arising
3.1 Issue: Health and Social Care Integration
Discussion: No UNISON staffside representatives were present at meetings and they have not been part of the consultation process.
4. Treasurer's Report
4.1 Issue: Report
Discussion: Alastair Morrison submitted a report stating that at 31st October 2015
the accounts were:
Current Account: £16227.19
Industrial Action Fund: £ 378.69
Chairperson Altocard £ 199.27
Secretary Altocard £ 214.76
Treasurer Altocard £ 499.00
Petty Cash £ 38.55
Total: £17557.46
4.2 Issue: Donation to June Poole fund
Discussion: The Activist June Poole has passed away and the National Disabled Members Committee, Manchester
Region, have asked for a donation towards an event that will raise funds. After discussion a donation of £100 was agreed
5. Secretary's Report
5.1 Issue: Joiners and Leavers
Discussion: A member will be transferring to WI Health Branch from elsewhere.
6. Welfare
6.1 N/A
7. Health and Safety
7.1 Issue: Mairi Murray together with a Health and Safety Officer will be doing a H&S Walkaround on 20th November 2015.
7.2 Issue: Staff Rest Area
Discussion: A suggestion was made that the H&S area be used for staff to take their breaks, eat a packed lunch etc away from patients or their desk. The Porters do not have a formal room so they have put seating, a microwave and other items in the Male Changing Room. This is not suitable as a rest room due to the close proximity of the lavatory and the inconvenience to other users. It was noted that Occupational Health will be moving to the Health Centre in the near future and a suggestion was made that the Porter have that as a dedicated area. There is nothing comparable in the Female Changing Room.
7.3 Issue: Medical Records
Discussion: Janet Marshall described how the Medical Records staff are having to use Kicksteps when reaching for patient notes on the top of the shelves. This is bad practice as Kicksteps are not to be used when moving heavy objects, however this was brought to the attention of the Health and Safety Department and it is understood that proper library steps are to be provided.
8. Education
8.1 Issue: Local Training Course
Discussion: A training course on Child Welfare issues is being arranged locally and details have been circulated.
9. Health and Social Care Integration
9.1 Issue: Scope
Discussion: At present it appears that Adult Services are to be included but there are ambiguities regarding whether Children's Services are to be included. The wording in initial documents included District Nurses but not Health Visitors, yet more recently it is understood that Children's Services are to be included. The document had gone out for consultation before staff knew whether they were to be in or out. There is to be a Strategic Planning meeting in the coming week, the Integration is to be jointly funded by CnES and NHS WI. Discussion followed about just which areas of the NHS are to be included.
9.2 Issue: Staffside
Discussion: Responses have been sent tot the consultation, now awaiting dates for staffside meetings. This Branch is co-ordinating with representatives of other unions. Mairi Murray to raise the issue of the Board being all male yet despite the majority of those affected being female.
10. Trade Union Bill
10.1 Issue: Consequences
Discussion: Mairi Murray is co-ordinating with members of other unions to produce a joint statement against the proposed bill. Many areas of union activity are likely to be affected by the proposed bill inclused direct deductions from wages. There is ambiguity regarding devolved government.
11. AOCB
11.1 Issue: Members in other organisations
Discussion: Chris Ann Munro described how some UNISON members in other fields may lose up to £11,000 due to mergers and the shocking work practices.
11.2 Issue: Support to Student Nurses
Discussion: Branches are still to decide just how much they are to support student nurses, especially when they do bank work.
11.3 Issue: Communication
Discussion: After Janet Marshall showed a short film she had compiled of AGMs and Conferences, social media issues were discussed as UNISON Scotland's Communications Group have recommended that Facebook and other social media be used more widely as that way more younger members and potential members are likely to be reached. Janet Tierney warned against the use of Facebook, Janet Marshall agreed to contact the Communication Officer of NHS WI to discuss policy.
11.4 Issue: Slainte and UNISON Magazines
Discussion: There is to be a Staffside area in Slainte magazine. It was agreed that the subscription of £100 be maintained for the UNISON magazine to go out to members.
Next meeting: Tuesday 8th December at 6:00pm
Classroom, Education Unit