Branch E-News
16-09-2003
A workplace emergency
A GMB member needs your
backing as he faces court action for
speeding while driving an ambulance on a
medical emergency. Mick Ferguson, a senior
ambulance officer, was transporting a liver
from St James Hospital, Leeds to Addenbrooke
Hospital in Cambridge, where the organ was
required for transplant. Road conditions
were clear and traffic was minimal. Mr
Ferguson deployed the blue lights on his
vehicle and drove at a speed that he
considered safe but necessary to ensure the
organ was delivered in time for the waiting
patient and transplant team. Mr Ferguson,
who has a 36-year unblemished employment
record and a clean driving licence, could
lose his job if convicted of speeding. A GMB
petition is calling on the government to
clarify the law on transportation of human
organs. The petition adds: 'We, the general
public, understand the absurdity of this
legal action and fully support Mike Ferguson
and the GMB in their campaign.'
http://www.gmb.org.uk/petition/form.asp
we
urge you to fully support our ambulance
driver colleague from the GMB by signing
this petition.
New warning on cancer
drug dangers
The HSE is warning
workers of the need to observe stringent
safety procedures when handling highly
dangerous cancer drugs. A free information
sheet aimed at the health and veterinary
workers who handle the 'cytotoxic drugs' -
also known as antineoplastic, anticancer or
chemotherapy drugs - says they should be
aware of serious long term risks if they are
not handled in a safe manner. Will Pascoe
from HSE’s health services unit said
'people handling such drugs need to be aware
that some of these compounds are mutagenic
and carcinogenic.' He added: 'Employers need
to make sure that employees are aware of the
risks and agreed control measures are being
maintained.'
CASEWORKERS FORUM
The Branch executive Committee has decided to start up the Branch Caseworkers Forum. This is intended for any activist who currently deals with any discipline cases, any UNISON member who wants to become involved in representing members at disciplinary hearings. The ideal is to discuss cases that members are involved in and to set up shadowing of members who would like to attend cases in order to gain experience.
The next meeting will be held at QA on Thu 6 November at 4pm. The actual venue will be sent once confirmed.
I am aware of the following members who may like to attend. If you do not wish to attend please let me know. If you have suggestions for a different time, date or venue please let me know:
Ellen McGill
Hazel Webster
Fran Fox
Shaun Lyons
Steve Osborne
Hazel Stevens
Andy Dawkins
Ben Lihou
Andy Coley
BRANCH EXECUTIVE MEETING
The next Branch Executive Meeting will be held on Wednesday 10 October 6-8 pm at the Fratton Community Centre. REGIONAL WEIGHTING DAY OF ACTION
The Southern region/South east Regional Weighting Campaign Team have called for a day of action in support of a minimum £2000 South of England Weighting for all. This day of action will take place on Friday 26th September, at the Fountain in Portsmouth from 11am to 2pm.
All members are invited to attend to show their support. Further information can be sought from Ellen McGill.
LEARNING REPS COURSE
The Branch Education Coordinator (Ellen McGill) is promoting and encouraging as many members as possible to attend the Learning reps course. The next courses will be held at Southampton City College as follows:
Week 1 14/15/16 October 2003
Week 2 22/23 October 2003
BRANCH DEVELOPMENT PLAN – REVIEW All
Branch Executive Committee members are invited to a review of the current Branch Development Plan to be held on Tuesday 18th November 2003, starting at 1.30pm to be held at St James. The rooms at St Mary’s are fully booked for this week.
CHILDREN’S TRUST AND CARE TRUSTS
MEETING 1ST OCTOBER 2003 AT GUILDFORD SPECTRUM
The branch has been invited to send two delegates to a briefing on Children’s Trusts and Care Trusts to held at Guildford on 1st October 2003. Lunch is provided. Arrival is 1030 am and aims to finish at 3.30pm. Anyone interested in representing the Branch should contact Shaun Lyons 023 92 783 600 for further details. Emma Phillips Regional Officer will also be attending. Region are very keen for all branches to send reps to this meeting.
BRANCH EDUCATION MEETING
TUESDAY 28TH OCTOBER
The next Branch Education meeting will be held at St James on Tuesday 28th October 2003 at 4pm (provisional time). This meeting is for any member who is interested in education and training for the branch, its members, any Learning Reps, anyone who wants to become a learning rep or who wants to help other members by providing information on education and training requirements.
If you know of any other member or activist or would like to receive this email newsletter please let me know. It is intended to send this email on a monthly basis to keep branch executive members, activists and any other branch members who feel that they would like to hear more about what is happening within the branch.