Potential industrial action

We have been advised by Unison that a number of its members have now voted for industrial action over our proposal to create a 100% NHS-owned company to provide some services for all three of our Dorset health care trusts.

Siobhan Harrington, Chief Executive for University Hospitals Dorset, and Matthew Bryant, Chief Executive for Dorset HealthCare and Dorset County Hospital, said: “The three NHS trusts in Dorset are working together to improve the care we provide to our patients and to make the best use of our resources. We must stress that no final decision has been made on whether to go ahead with the proposed creation of this company. However, if we do, we would again stress this would be 100% owned by the NHS and we are committed to retain NHS pay, terms, conditions and access to the NHS pension scheme for current and future staff.

“We are keen to avoid industrial action and remain committed to working formally and informally with unions and our staff to listen to and address concerns and anxiety. Our priority is minimising disruption to staff, patients and services.”