Motivated staff, who never seemed to run out of energy or passion

Portsmouth Health UNISON’s Mark Inch is a trainee clinical scientist and the branch’s Labour Link and Young Member’s Officer; he was recently redeployed onto a COVID-19 ward at the Queen Alexandra Hospital and wanted to thank his colleagues for their tremendous efforts. Portsmouth has been particularly hard hit by the virus with over 200 deaths […]

Supporting each other, laughing and sometimes, crying together

Pictured L-R: UNISON steward Toni Parker, Branch Secretary Debbie Miles, with members of the switchboard team at East Surrey Hospital The Covid-19 pandemic has highlighted all the work that the frontline staff of the NHS and other key workers undertake. But if it wasn’t for the efforts and dedication of ‘behind the scenes’ departments such as […]

“If we can pull together, I believe we can come through this troubled time”

Jenny Ford, Branch Secretary at Portsmouth Health, has seen rapid changes in the hospitals in Solent NHS Trust. As Facilities manager for St James’ Hospital (a mental health hospital) and St Mary’s (a community hospital), Jenny divides her time between the two sites. Jenny spoke to us about the challenges her team have faced responding […]

Frimley strike postponed as trust agrees not to continue with privatisation plans, says UNISON

Eleventh hour agreement to discuss alternative options Strike action due to take place tomorrow (Monday) involving porters, security guards, cleaners and catering staff employed at Frimley Health Foundation Trust has been postponed following last-minute talks today (Sunday) between their employer and union UNISON. The UNISON members had planned to walk out for 48 hours this week – […]

UNISON responds to Labour’s pledge for NHS staff

Responding to Labour’s NHS election pledge, to be announced by shadow health secretary Jon Ashworth today in Liverpool -at UNISON’s annual health conference – UNISON general secretary Dave Prentis said: “NHS staff give one hundred per cent day in, day out with many doing life-saving work. Yet they’re struggling to get by on below-inflation wages. “Lifting the […]