With increasing reports of job cuts to the health visiting and community nursing workforce across the country, it is important, as part of the campaigning/media work of Amicus/CPHVA on this issue, that as much up-to-date information on the current situation is collected.
Hard facts/case studies that stand up to intense scrutiny from NHS managers, politicians and journalists are needed. Local Accredited Representatives (LARs) /members working for trusts are in the best position to know what is happening at the coal face on a daily basis. The facts needed include:
- name of the individual PCT.
- how many jobs and what type(s) are being cut/'frozen'/becoming part of 'skill mix'?
- the reasons given by management for the cuts i.e. financial problems.
- any relevant dates for implementation .
an Amicus/CPHVA contact name and telephone number, and whether they would be prepared to be interviewed by the media.
(For members worried about the implications of contacting the media, please look on the CPHVA website www.amicus-cphva.org under 'Press' . There you will find a media pack for reps and on pages 13-14 there is a section on 'Health Service Professionals and the Media' - a guide to when you can legitimately talk to journalists about your concerns.)
While it is appreciated that Amicus/CPHVA centres were asked for this information about cuts in the summer, the situation remains fluid and needs constant updating. The more accurate the picture we have, the stronger the case we can make.
Please email your case studies to either Catherine Bithell, Head of Press, Amicus Catherine.Bithell@amicustheunion.org or Shaun Noble, Communications Officer, Amicus/CPHVA Shaun.Noble@amicustheunion.org .
Thanks in anticipation.
If you have any question arising from this edition of Reps Direct please contact your Regional Officer.