SWAST News

Newly Qualified Paramedic Preceptorship

At the Trust's Joint Negotiating Consultative Committee, staffside have been assured that newly qualified Paramedics would work their first 6 weeks along side an experienced Paramedic. The last cohort of University Paramedics to arrive in Somerset had to negotiate the length of their preceptorship and the type of skill mix they thought would be appropriate with their CSO/OLM. This is contrary to the principle of helping a newly qualified Lead Clinician overcome the steep 'learning curve' over a very short period of time. Staffside are seeking further reassurance, from management, that the preceptorship period will be honoured in all areas and in the manor previously described at committee meetings. If you have been affected by any shortcomings in the preceptorship programme or have any ideas on how to improve upon it, please email Dave Phillips at  thephils@talk21.com

Relief Unsocial Hours Payments

There are a few cases in Somerset whereby individuals have progressed from substantive Relief staff to rota positions and haven't been paid the Rota 25% unsocial hours. This has been largely due to 'change' forms not being completed quickly enough. This has highlighted the situation whereby these 'Reliefs' (in rota, whilst waiting for 'change' forms to be effected) haven't been given the retrospective monthly uplift from 21% to 25%. Unison is concerned that this example could be perpetuated in other areas of the Trust where Relief's are not receiving their correct unsocial hours payment. We, therefore, are asking all our relief members to check payslips to identify if uplift has been paid where it has been earned. We would also recommend that all Reliefs submit monthly timesheets, regardless of whether overtime has been worked or not. If any anomalies are found please contact your local Representative.

Industrial Action Short of Strike Action

The Branch Executive has set up an Industrial Action sub-group to better organise and co-ordinate any future action. Sector Secretaries are looking to hear from members with interesting ideas on how best to get our point across without putting lives in danger. Don't be shy, have your say!