News digest extra - July 2012

Monica Baly bursary – applications close 10 August

The Monica Baly bursary offers financial assistance to undertake activities related to nursing history, including courses, projects, research, or attendance at either a nursing history conference or study day to present a paper. 

Applications close 10 August. 

For more information and an application form visit www.rcnfoundation.org.uk/bursary_scheme.

Independent sector: care concerns

Private equity group Terra Firma is buying the largest care home provider, Four Seasons, clearing its long-standing debts. Four Seasons employs about 30,000 staff – including hundreds of RCN members. “While this may bring financial stability to Four Seasons homes, our concerns lie with the working environment for our members and with the quality of care for residents,” said RCN Employment Relations Adviser Clare Jacobs. Meetings are taking place with both Unison and the GMB to discuss concerns.

RCN supports St Luke’s staff

The RCN is supporting members at St Luke’s Healthcare, which went into administration in February. With 15 sites in London, Norfolk, Essex, Hampshire and Wales, St Luke’s cares for adults and adolescents with learning disabilities, autistic spectrum disorders, mental illness and brain injuries. RCN Employment Relations Adviser Clare Jacobs said that while the business is expected to continue, there are reports of closures in Wales, as guidelines prevent contracts transferring between companies. Concerned RCN members should seek advice from RCN Direct on 0345 772 6100.