Industrial action: Phlebotomy
The Trust recognises and appreciates the valuable contribution that our phlebotomists make to patient care and we will continue to work closely in partnership with our local union representatives and phlebotomists to resolve these issues.
Patients who have an appointment at either CGH or GRH during periods of industrial action should attend as normal unless they hear from us directly to advise otherwise. However, there will be no phlebotomy service / blood samples taken (using a needle) in outpatients at West Block, Cheltenham General Hospital and Edward Jenner Centre, Gloucestershire Royal Hospital during industrial action. If you are attending an outpatient appointment and are required to give a blood sample the team will either perform this within the clinic or reschedule an appointment out with industrial action. Alternatively you can present as a walk-in patient to the phlebotomy service, again out with periods of industrial action. We will, of course, continue to take bloods (using a needle) throughout periods of industrial action across other services such as emergency care where our clinical teams regularly provide this care. We would like to apologise for any inconvenience this may cause.
When are phlebotomists taking industrial action?
The following periods of industrial action have been declared at Cheltenham General Hospital (CGH) and Gloucestershire Royal Hospital (GRH):
- Monday 17 March to/and including Wednesday 19 March.
- Monday 24 March to/and including Thursday 27 March.
- Monday 31 March to/and including Friday 4 April.
- Monday 7 April to/and including Saturday 12 April.
- Monday 14 April to/and including Sunday 20 April.
Why are phlebotomists taking industrial action?
UNISON says this industrial action is in response to a pay and banding dispute.
How much do phlebotomists get paid?
The majority of the Trust's phlebotomists are Band 2, as determined by NHS Agenda for Change, a nationally agreed pay and conditions framework for non-medical staff. The hourly rate of Band 2 staff, as determined by Agenda for Change, is £12.08.
Why is the Trust not paying phlebotomists more?
Pay in most NHS roles is governed by a national pay structure called Agenda for Change. The purpose of Agenda for Change is to harmonise national pay and conditions. Agenda for Change sets out pay for a role as determined by an agreed national job description and a process called Job Evaluation. Pay is therefore determined by what responsibilities and tasks are required to be carried out and it is this process that is helping guide current discussions.
The Trust is very mindful of the role our phlebotomists do and the issue of pay, hence why a national pay structure is important so that we don’t pay less than other Trusts do for exactly the same role whether the role is a phlebotomist, nurse, HCA, therapist or administrator.
When will the dispute be resolved?
The Trust is working closely with our local union representatives and phlebotomists to resolve these issues.
What plans are in place to ensure patient continuity?
In response to industrial action by UNISON, we continue to make plans to minimise disruption as much as possible. For individual patient advice about blood samples please see the note above.