Nurses agree to Derby's final offer
- Published: 21 April 2008 12:29
- Last Updated: 12 September 2008 11:13
RCN members have accepted Derby Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust's latest offer in a lengthy dispute over downgrading surgical nursing posts
Unions have been in dispute with the trust over plans to reduce band 7 theatre nursing posts to band 6, and band 6 to band 5, which could save it £55m (NT News, 26 February, p5).
The RCN said members had agreed to accept a slightly better offer 'with great reluctance and concern'. Modifications included an extended period of pay protection and the monitoring of patient safety. Nurses had warned that safety could be at risk if there were fewer higher-grade nurses at two hospitals.
Sheila Marriott, RCN regional director for the East Midlands, said: 'As anxious and undervalued as they feel, our members have shown that their patients come first.'
Unison said it will continue to fight the changes.
