The Royal Bournemouth and Christchurch Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust first to leave Cartel

Published: 11 December 2012

As you may be aware, in November, The Royal Bournemouth and Christchurch Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust decided to leave the South West pay, terms and conditions consortium (pay cartel), a decision welcomed by the staff of the trust and by the South West RCN.

The Royal Bournemouth and Christchurch Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust is the first trust of the 20 members of the Pay Cartel to withdraw from the Cartel, due to pressure from staff members and local unions. Tony Spotswood, Chief Executive of The Royal Bournemouth and Christchurch Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, stated: “Following careful consideration, the Trust’s Board of Directors has decided to withdraw from the South West Pay, Terms and Conditions Consortium.

“The Board is encouraged by the progress made in the national negotiations and wishes to see these continue as we strive for pay, terms and conditions that fully reflect the needs of the service going forward.”

Dr Peter Carter, Chief Executive & General Secretary of the RCN, said: “The RCN welcomes the news that the Royal Bournemouth and Christchurch Hospital NHS Foundation Trust has withdrawn from the South West Pay, Terms and Conditions Consortium. The RCN has long been arguing that the pitfalls of regional pay are numerous and represent nothing more than an attack on nursing staff at a time when resources are stretched. It is promising that these arguments appear to have been listened to. This is testament to the hard work of our members across the region who have made their voices heard loud and clear.

“We hope this marks the beginning of a retreat and we urge the remaining trusts involved to follow the example set by their colleagues in Bournemouth, heed the advice of the RCN and realise that regional pay is not the answer.”

Jeannett Martin, Regional Director of the South West RCN said: “We are delighted that Bournemouth and Christchurch NHS Foundation Trust have announced that they have withdrawn from the South West Pay Cartel.  This could not have been achieved without the dedicated work undertaken by the local RCN Representatives and staff and the hard work of RCN staff covering that Trust.”

“We urge other employers to withdraw from the Cartel and work in partnership with staff to find solutions to the financial challenges that do not compromise the safe, quality care of patients.”