North East Ambulance Service UNISON Branch

To All Unison members



Further to the Branch Meetings held this week

Joel Byers and Brian Dodds met with the Director of Operations this morning.



As a result of that meeting and of the mandate given to Joel and Brian 

by the Unison membership. All agreements are as previously agreed with staff 

side representatives. Particularly in relation to the A&E and PTS Meal Breaks

There are no current changes to ANY agreements.



At some future point changes may be necessary as a result of the Cost 

Improvement Programme (CIP).These changes will involve consultation with staff 

side representatives, and if deemed necessary with consultation of the membership.



Joel Byers - Branch Secretary



Brian Dodds - Branch Chair.

UNISON BRANCH MEETINGS

The final branch meeting will take place in Middlesborough at the Coronation Pub.

These meeting have proved a great success and allowed the branch to inform as many members as possible of the latest developments the branch are dealing with.

19th July at the Coronation pub 1900hrs

All Unison members from every workplace or department are requested to try to attend one of the meetings.

Look forward to seeing you at one of the meetings

Brian Dodds
Chair NEAS Unison Branch

All A&E Staff are reminded of their responsibility under the Highway Code when approaching Red Traffic Lights on Blue lights and Sirens, the highway code rules 175 and 176 state you must stop.

We have an exemption to treat the red light as a give way, however should staff have an accident whilst proceeding through a Red Traffic Light, though the Police may decide not to prosecute, the NEAS NHS Trust will carry out an investigation and may choose to invoke the disciplinary procedure, as has recently happened.

This may result in a sanction of which termination of employment is a possibility.

Staff are therefore advised that should you choose to proceed through a red traffic light it is your decision to continue and you should exercise extreme caution.

Staff responding to emergencies in vehicles which DO NOT have Green and Yellow battenburg markings are advised to adhere to the Highway code at all times (Rules 175 & 176) and stop at Red Traffic Lights.

These vehicles do NOT conform to CEN regulations in respect of Blue lighting and markings.