Date: Friday 6 March 2015

UNISON’s response to the Scottish Government’s Sustainability and Seven Day Services Interim Taskforce Report

UNISON welcomes the interim report from the Scottish Government’s Taskforce for Sustainability and Seven Day Services. This taskforce is considering how we provide round the clock care for patients who need it the most, with a genuinely seven day service for acutely ill patients.

The taskforce met for the first time in April 2014 and this interim report (released today) provides us with an update on the work undertaken to date and suggests the next steps.

Matt McLaughlin, UNISON regional organiser said:
"We welcome this report and the commitment to work with UNISON.

"Our members are committed to providing patients with the best most comprehensive services we can.

"UNISON members already work 7 days and this programme should compliment and support our staff in doing this.

"The final recommendations need to be underpinned by detailed workforce planning, training and employment of new staff.

"This also needs to recognise existing staff contracts."

ends

Note for editor
UNISON is the biggest trade union in Scotland, and the biggest in trade union the NHS

For further information contact:
• Danny Phillips communications officer 07944 664110
• Matt McLaughlin regional organiser 07904 341979

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