GMB protest at St George’s 24 March
GMB to demonstrate on Thursday 24 March against risk to patients at St George's Hospital, Tooting, following sweeping cuts to services.
Cuts to cleaning and patient catering services will lead to a greater threat of infection and health problems for patients at St George’s says GMB
GMB, the union for staff in the health service, will hold a demonstration against sweeping cuts to cleaning and catering services at St George’s Hospital on Thursday, 24th March. (See notes to editors for previous GMB press releases about St George’s Hospital)
Outsourced cleaning and patient catering services, which have already been stretched in recent years, are to be reduced further following a new deal between St George’s NHS Trust and its private contractor, Mitie. The deal will leave wards with fewer hours of cleaning and patient catering service, putting patients at greater risk of infection and health problems.
GMB members and NHS campaigners will demonstrate on Thursday, 24th March between 12 and 2pm at the address as follows:
Blackshaw Road Entrance
St George’s University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust
Blackshaw Road
Tooting
London
SW17 0QT
St George’s NHS Trust and Mitie held a series of meetings with workers last year to consult with them about the new deal, but failed to mention any reductions to services. The proposed cuts were announced this month without consultation with GMB, the NHS union representing the workers. The Trust and Mitie have declined to hold new consultation meetings following the announcement.
Kieron Merrett, GMB Regional Organiser, said: “NHS budgets are severely stretched, but St George’s NHS Trust must not be tempted to cut corners and put their patients at risk.
Sweeping cuts to cleaning and patient catering services will lead to a greater threat of infection and health problems for patients at St George’s.
St George’s NHS Trust failed to mention reductions to services when they consulted with catering and cleaning workers, and are now refusing to hold further meetings. They have taken a cowardly and irresponsible approach. Now is the time for the Trust to face up to its responsibilities, and sit down and discuss the proposals with GMB and the workers affected.”
