Issues with on-call

Two members were experiencing stress and anxiety after being added to the on-call rota for their Welsh health board, but for a service area they were not clinically working in. They reached out to their steward, Alison, for support.

Alison arranged a meeting with the service manager, and connected the members with peers across Wales who had similar issues. The members were also provided with occupational health and stress assessments.

Thanks to Alison’s efforts, both members were removed from the on-call rota, and a trial set up for weekend working in their service area.

Alison advises: ‘Addressing issues early on and working with members and managers together produces better outcomes for all involved.’

Elsewhere, CSP stewards Amy and Alice noted that on-call arrangements were being incorrectly applied in the Midlands trust. Physio staff on-call the night before and on the night of a bank holiday were having the full 7.5 hours deducted from their annual leave, even though they’d been available to work. Although NHS terms and conditions supported our reps, it took over 18 months of close work with their service managers to ensure that these staff had their hours re-credited. Amy and Alice said:

Persistence is key – it may take time, but it’s worth it for members.

Workplace issues?

If you need support on an employment matter or on health and safety, contact your workplace rep in the first instance. Or call the CSP enquiries team on 020 7306 6666 or email enquiries@csp.org.uk