STATEMENT FROM HSC TRADE UNIONS NORTHERN IRELAND ON PRIVATE NURSING HOMES

Following intensive negotiation Health Service Trade Unions have secured agreement on the protection of terms and conditions for health service staff volunteering to support their colleagues in the independent sector at this time of great need.

Our aim has been to protect residents and staff alike.

On the key issues of testing and PPE, all residents and staff in the Covid 19 homes will now be tested and the full range of appropriate PPE will be available to the workforce.

The Department of Health has produced in association with the Public Health Agency and the Health and Social Care Board the following
'GUIDANCE FOR NURSING AND RESIDENTIAL CARE HOMES IN NORTHERN IRELAND'.
It has been agreed with Trade Unions that this guidance is a work in progress and will remain under constant review and be amended as required going forward.

On behalf of
UNISON
RCN
NIPSA
UNITE
NIPSA
CSP