Government, NHS and health unions announce joint working

The Department of Health has announced that the government, NHS employers and health unions have agreed the signing of a partnership agreement that highlights their dedication to working together.

According to the agreement, employer perspectives and those of trade unions will be integrated into the development of government health policy, with parties providing constructive input in its early stages.

The settlement also includes a commitment to successful communication between all parties, while it also includes working agreements decided for the newly transformed Social Partnership Forum.

Andy Burnham, health minister, said: “Trade unions pay a central role to giving NHS staff a voice at national and local level. They have championed the cultural change necessary to improve services.”

He added that the reassurance given to staff by the position of trade unions nationally is necessary during the transformation of the health service.

Head of health at Unison Karen Jennings stated that the union was pleased with the agreement. She commented that the forthcoming months will be essential in testing the success of the new arrangement.

The Social Partnership Forum was established in December 2002 with the aim of improving staff morale in the health service and includes management bodies, unions and the Department of Health.