Disagreement between Government & Unite regarding Critical Care Unit (CCU) review

Unite has taken issue with statements made by the Health Minister in Parliament regarding the Critical Care Unit (CCU) review.

It describes the statement as inaccurate and adds that while regular meetings have taken place, there has been no demonstrable progress.

However, the Government says it's disappointed by the "tone and content" of Unite's statement.

Unite points out the independent review followed a formal grievance submitted by several CCU staff members under the GHA’s Speak Up Policy.

It says in Parliament, the Minister indicated no members of staff had officially requested transfers or resigned due to the issues within the department.

The union disputes this, claiming there were people who ultimately transferred or left the department, and others who felt they had to consider resignation.

Unite also raises the issue of a lack of staff training to carry out workplace investigations. 

It says despite an agreement on appropriate training for senior staff, it has yet to see a clear plan or meaningful timetable for its delivery.

The union says staff must have confidence that concerns raised through the appropriate channels are taken seriously and lead to organisational improvement.

It says it remains committed to engaging constructively with the GHA and the Government, but that this cannot take place against a backdrop of inaccurate public statements.

However, the Government says constructive engagement must be based on accuracy and respect for agreed positions.

It says in a joint statement last September, both the Government and Unite acknowledged the "professionalism and rigour" of the CCU review process, while agreeing not to publish the report in full to protect the confidentiality of staff members.

Number Six says the joint statement also agreed the implementation route, saying this would be overseen by the GHA’sDirector of Workforce in consultation with Unite.

The Government says only a small number of staff have requested transfers, and that these have involved promotions or positive career development opportunities - adding one member of staff has retired and no staff have resigned.

It says the Minister's statement to Parliament was in response to Opposition questions and based on information provided by the GHA.

It says the progress made was addressed in detail in writing in April, and that Unite has not responded to this. Given this, the Government says, the Director General and the Minister will host an open question and answer session for all affected staff.