1. Advanced PractitionerDiscussions on the creation of the post of Advanced Practitioner have been completed. An Advanced Letter will be issued to the service very shortly. In October 1998, MSF submitted a claim for a new grade of MLSO called Advanced Practitioner in line with the creation of Consultant Nursing Grades. This claim was a continuation of the work of the MSF Cytology Working Party. We pitched the salary between points 37,000 to 47,000. In March 2001 the Department of Health (DOH) at last indicated their willingness to discuss the creation of an Advanced Practitioner Grade for Cytology. A small team consisting of Dan Smith, Chair Pathology OAC, Steve Sloan, Secretary Pathology OAC and Dave Houliston for Cytology input met with the DOH Pay Unit and entered into negotiations. The first offer from the DOH was to pitch the salary around the level of an MLSO2-3 as it was felt that as the new post only required a two-day training course it was not very important. The DOH Pay Unit had been advised in this by the DOH Professional Unit (sic) that had been in discussions with various professional bodies. We responded by explaining the role, the consequences of the decisions that would be made by the new grade, the level of on going training and how much training, expertise and qualifications MLSOs who may apply for this had already undertaken. We tried to widen the discussions beyond Cytology and raised the proposed changes to the "cut up" in histology but the DOH refused as they only had a remit for Cytology. The Pay Unit agreed to discuss our points with their Professional Unit and respond. Just before the General Election we received confirmation that our aspirations on the salary scale were acceptable. A draft advance letter was then received from the DOH. We opened a dialogue and managed to achieve a return to the top point on the previously agreed pay scale. The new grade received Ministerial approval in early October. The salary is a considerable improvement and we believe many of the other problems will be overcome with the implementation of job evaluation within Agenda for Change. However we intend to continue our discussions with the DOH on this and related matters at very opportunity.
Discussions on the creation of the post of Advanced Practitioner have been completed. An Advanced Letter will be issued to the service very shortly. In October 1998, MSF submitted a claim for a new grade of MLSO called Advanced Practitioner in line with the creation of Consultant Nursing Grades. This claim was a continuation of the work of the MSF Cytology Working Party. We pitched the salary between points 37,000 to 47,000. In March 2001 the Department of Health (DOH) at last indicated their willingness to discuss the creation of an Advanced Practitioner Grade for Cytology. A small team consisting of Dan Smith, Chair Pathology OAC, Steve Sloan, Secretary Pathology OAC and Dave Houliston for Cytology input met with the DOH Pay Unit and entered into negotiations. The first offer from the DOH was to pitch the salary around the level of an MLSO2-3 as it was felt that as the new post only required a two-day training course it was not very important. The DOH Pay Unit had been advised in this by the DOH Professional Unit (sic) that had been in discussions with various professional bodies. We responded by explaining the role, the consequences of the decisions that would be made by the new grade, the level of on going training and how much training, expertise and qualifications MLSOs who may apply for this had already undertaken. We tried to widen the discussions beyond Cytology and raised the proposed changes to the "cut up" in histology but the DOH refused as they only had a remit for Cytology. The Pay Unit agreed to discuss our points with their Professional Unit and respond. Just before the General Election we received confirmation that our aspirations on the salary scale were acceptable. A draft advance letter was then received from the DOH. We opened a dialogue and managed to achieve a return to the top point on the previously agreed pay scale. The new grade received Ministerial approval in early October. The salary is a considerable improvement and we believe many of the other problems will be overcome with the implementation of job evaluation within Agenda for Change. However we intend to continue our discussions with the DOH on this and related matters at very opportunity.
2. PPP and Labour Party Conference
There has been debate amongst trade unions regarding positions adopted on PPP at Labour Party Conference. The composite motion was supported by both MSF and Unison and we attach the speech made by Roger Lyons, General Secretary in support of the position supported by the MSF delegation.
3. Agreement on MLSO progression
One of the pathology departments of the Royal Liverpool Hospital has just removed the barrier between MLSO1 and MLSO2 allowing automatic progression. Progression is automatic subject to: 3 years post registration experience and FIMLS or 6 years without Acceptable sickness levels Evidence of CPD Membership of AIMLS Evidence of willingness to take extra responsibility Staff within the department concerned have already been moved from MLSO1 to MLSO2. The rep concerned is seeking to reach agreement with other pathology departments. A copy of this agreement is available electronically from adkinsc@msf.org.uk or call Colin Adkins on 0207 505 3167. Firstly, well done to the rep concerned. Secondly, do you need any encouragement to seek similar agreements in your departments?
4. Rally and Lobby of Parliament for a better NHS
This is taking place on 6th November 2001 as part of Health Action Day. It is being organised by the NHS Support Federation, the National Pensioners Convention and the Community Care Protection group. The day is as follows: Central Hall Westminster 11am Pre-rally discussion and entertainment 1pm Rally 3pm Lobby of MPs at House of Commons Further information from 0207 388 9807 or 0207 633 0801 or www.nhscampaign.org.
5. Pharmacy: Emergency Duty Commitment Payments
A survey will shortly issued seeking information on whether you have entered into local negotiations with Trusts to increase this payment as advised by the last Advanced Letter.
6. Consultation
Copies of MSF's submission or response to the following: The Parliamentary Health Committee Inquiry into the Role of the Private Sector in the NHS; Modernising Regulation in the Health Professions Consultation Document; Transport for London Consultation on the Congestion Charging Scheme. These are available on the from the MSF website [www.msfhealth.org].
7. Recruitment Drive
A new recruitment drive has been launched to boost the number of allied health professionals working for the NHS. Allied health professionals are experts such as healthcare scientists, speech therapists, physiotherapists, chiropodists and other essential medical staff who are not classed as nurses and doctors. The £1 million-recruitment campaign will invite all health professionals to 'join the team'. The campaign builds on the highly successful recruitment activity from February this year. This has so far has resulted in over 700 nurses returning to work in the NHS and nearly 2000 nurses preparing to return. The aim is to encourage trained staff to return and young people to consider the NHS as a career option. The advertising campaign will run for four weeks from 23 September through regional press and radio. In addition NHS hospitals have been encouraged to run 'Job Shops' where people can find information about immediate vacancies.
8. National Union of Professional Interpreters & Translators (NUPIT)
MSF has formed the only trade union dealing exclusively with the needs of interpreters and translators. NUPIT was formed at the request of a group of like minded people and has been specifically created to address some of the many issues and problems suffered by interpreters and translators. They are mainly self employed and even when working for agencies often have problems with working conditions, contracts of employment and receiving payment for work undertaken. There are many interpreters who are working with NHS professionals, in the NHS particularly Primary Care Trusts. We want to ensure that all interpreters and translators (not NHS employees) know about NUPIT and how we are here to support and advise them. If you know of anyone who is working as an interpreter or translator, please let them know about NUPIT, or ask them to contact Pauline Burke on 020-7939-7076 or email burkep@msf.org.uk for further information about how to join NUPIT.
9. School Nurse Grading
A School Nurse training day has been organised for the Yorkshire and Humber Region on 15th November 2001. The day will focus on the School Nurse grading campaign and professional issues. For further information phone Tina Garbutt on 01977 550884. A new grading handbook on this issue will shortly be available.
10. SPEECH FROM ROGER LYONS SUPPORTING COMPOSITE 4 ON PUBLIC SERVICES
MSF - which represents over 100,000 public service members. Conference, this debate has stirred strong emotions over recent months. Quite clearly the British people care deeply about they public services. They elected this government for a second term because they care deeply about their public services and they want to see more investment in the NHS and in schools and they want the services improved as a result. The Government has pledged an extra £43 billion to revolutionise our public services that were so badly depleted by Tory neglect. £43 billion is a lot of money, but there is a lot to do it we are to create the public services that our people expect. We have a responsibility to make sure that every penny is spent in the most efficient way. For that reason it was vital that we had this debate despite the current international crisis. The unions supporting this composite represent their members' interests by negotiating at NHS trust level to improve services by keeping those services in the public sector. Already my union has negotiated a revolutionary change in the delivery of pathology services in four Manchester health trusts and successfully presented the case for that service to be retained in the public sector. Every day we are negotiation improvements in the NHS and in improvements in the pay and conditions of our members. We have already secured above inflation pay rises for our members working in pathology, 3% to 13% dealing with recruitment and retention problems. And now the Department of Health has agreed to introduce a new post of Advanced Biomedical Scientist Practitioner in cervical cytology. This will streamline the service of cancer screening and provide a more efficient delivery and analysis in this vital field of health care. These are examples of how the unions who have members in the NHS are working with our government to build a Health Service fit for the 21st Century. The Health Service that our children deserve and our members can be proud of. This composite is supported by 2 unions + 10 CLPs. We represent 100,000s in the Public Services. They want engagement. Our aim is to fulfil the pledge of public service improvements FOR WORKERS and the NATION. Anything else is a blind alley Taking public services back to 1979 Last night - 5 hours of discussions to form this composite. Our position is clear! It is not about betrayal! Working with the government with honest discussion where there is disagreement is NOT BETRAYAL. Winning today's PLEDGE on Best Value is NOT BETRAYAL. £43 billion more for Public Services is NOT BETRAYAL. This composite sets out a serious and realistic MANIFESTO for the future of pubic services. All who care about public services and should support this Composite. Those who oppose it have no solutions. Posturing is no solution. It's empty rhetoric. My union and others are engaged in constructive negations for our public service members, with massive new investment from Government. That's why we commend this Composite to Conference.
11. Reps Direct Form
We are currently attempting to update our Reps Direct database. To aid us in this we would like to ask you to complete this form. If you are currently receiving Reps Direct both by Fax and Email please let us know your preferred mode of Communication. If you currently receive Reps Direct by Fax only please advise us of your email address as we feel that sending Reps Direct by email is a more confidential and effective mode of Communication. If you no longer wish to receive Reps Direct or any other NHS Health Service Fax please state the Fax Number/Email Address it is being sent to. Reps Direct will also be posted on the MSF Health Website www.msfhealth.org. I no longer wish to receive Reps Direct / I wish to receive Reps Direct About You Title: Preferred Mailing Address: First Name Last Name: Male / Female Membership Number: Post Code: Your Contact Details Fax Number: E-mail Address: Fax/Email Service I already receive Reps Direct by: Fax / email Please send Reps Direct to the following Fax Number: Email Address MSF Type of Rep: Core/Senior/Lead Rep Health and Safety Rep Local Rep/CPHVA LAR What Profession(s) do you represent: MSF or CPHVA Branch and Number: MSF Regional Officer: MSF Region: Please complete this form and return it to MSF/NHS National Office, MSF Centre, 33 - 37 Moreland Street, London EC1V 8HA or Fax: (020) 7505 3200 or E-mail: repsdirect@msf.org.uk