UNISON response to Health Minister’s statement on an Elective Care Framework

UNISON’s Head of Bargaining and Representation Anne Speed has acknowledged the Health Minister’s statement on the waiting time figures and renewed focus on a framework for elective care.

Speaking from the UNISON UK policy conference she said “As the largest Health union we agree with him that the figures are shocking. These waiting times are the worst in the UK.

We have faced down Covid and now we must get to grips with the impact on all those now urgently needing treatment and care.

Our members and health service staff have been truly magnificent during the pandemic. Once again they are being asked to step forward and step up to meet this challenge.

We recognise there is an intention to support and incentivise staff to respond. We will have to see what these proposals entail. Hours of work and rates of pay are the foundation stones upon which a workforce can be supported and maintained.

We will along with other health unions play our part in efforts to secure resources and agree actions to meet these challenges.

Finally, we agree, as does the whole trade union movement, that single year budgeting is an impediment to sustainability of our Health services.

This has to end, and the Executive must demand forward funding and deliver on this.”