William Wilkins - Process Development Manager, Pocock Street

ACTION

Apologies for Absence

There were no apologies for absence.

07/03

Minutes of the Previous Meeting (5^th February 2003)

The minutes of the previous meeting were agreed as a true record.

Matters Arising

8.1 Oxygen Therapy – nasal canullas

Nic Daw stated that he had spoken to the PTS Training Officer and that nasal canullas could be used by PTS staff if preferred. He stated that staff would be trained in how to use them before the new stock could be distributed, but reminded staff that the Training Officer has a busy schedule and may not be able to train in this new equipment in the short term period.

8.2 Non-uniform staff driving PTS vehicles

Concern was raised that agency staff were not issued uniform but were able to drive Service vehicles.

Keith Andrews confirmed that there was currently an internal car service being trialled and that this employed some non-uniformed staff driving Service vehicles.

Contract (standing item):

9.1 General

Keith Andrews confirmed that a strategic review of the PTS had been discussed and that the article in the LAS News was to make staff aware of what was happening.

Kevin Tarsnane stated that most members of staff would prefer to remain employees of the London Ambulance Service.

Keith Andrews confirmed that the PTS will be selective in the contracts it bids for and will not buy contracts, or under-bid for a contract.

Kings - Continuing activity, currently a verbal agreement but nothing signed yet.

Dartford and Gravesham - Contract ending on 31^st March 2003. Written to them and told them withdrawing from the contract. Agreed to continue for six months. A consultant will review the contract to see if improvements can be made/implemented. If can be changes can implemented, then will sign to another 3 year contract.

St Mary’s PFI Bid - Nic Daw confirmed that Queen Mary’s in Roehampton was currently tendering for a private partner to re-build the hospital and that they would also contract out all facilities, including PTS. He confirmed that this meant a lost contract and that it was not in PTS’s gift to prevent it if the PFI company decided to run the operation themselves. Management are talking to the likely PFI company with a view to persuading them to continue using the LAS PTS.

9.2 Financial Ratio’s

Keith Andrews distributed a document regarding the financial ratio’s of PTS and stated that the figures were satisfactory, but would need to be reviewed regularly.

9.3 Worst 10

Keith Andrews distributed a document regarding the top ten of the worst performing contracts.

He stated that the 24-7 service allowed for an out-of-hours capability but that the Service had to pay money out before it would gain anything from the Service.

He confirmed that the overall financial position for PTS was very good and that it had been successful over the last financial year.

Accommodation at Whipps Cross

Mo Akbar expressed concern that the room allocated to PTS was very small and not big enough for a restroom and stated that staff had to take their breaks by their vehicles.

He also stated that there was not enough room to park vehicles at Buckhurst Hill and suggested that a large amount of old equipment in the car park could be removed to create more room.

Keith Andrews agreed to speak to Mike Boyne about the equipment to see if it was obsolete and could be removed.

Training

Jenny Wade enquired when the Control Assistants at D&G would be receiving their new payment rates as WBT’s. Nic Daw confirmed that he was waiting for information on when the staff were trained so that they could be paid accordingly.

Nic Daw confirmed that the Board had agreed to a new format for training PTS staff:

If all three modules were completed and passed then the person would become ‘multi-skilled’.

It was agreed that the Board Paper should be distributed with the minutes.

Eddie Brand suggested that PTS staff should be trained in how to use defibrillators. He stated that shock boxes were all over London but PTS staff were not currently trained in how to use them.

Leann Baker agreed that PTS staff should receive more training. She stated that PTS often came across accidents and were first on scene and were not able to do anything, except offer blankets.

Keith Andrews stated that it would be difficult to get the investment for further training of PTS staff and for extra equipment.

Mo Akbar suggested that a survey could be completed across PTS to see how many accidents PTS deal with and it may support the request for more training and equipment.

Keith Andrews agreed to the suggestion.

Multi-skilling

Nic Daw stated that a Working Group was being formed to look at ‘Multi-skilling’ and that an article would be placed in RIB and distributed on a PTS Bulletin asking for volunteers to be part of the group.

Eddie Brand agreed to pass names of Staff Side Representatives to Nic Daw.

PTS Bonus

Keith Andrews confirmed that the Scheme had been approved by the OMG and that he would write a document outlining the Scheme for distribution to all PTS staff.

PTS Uniform

Mo Akbar raised concern that members of staff were experiencing problems acquiring uniform. Leann Baker confirmed that she had been waiting for a pair of trousers since November (2002)

Mo Akbar suggested that PTS staff could buy black trousers and navy jumpers and claim the money back and that badges could be issued to staff for them to attach themselves. He was also concerned that some staff did not have hi-viz jackets.

Keith Andrews agreed that Mike Boyne, or any more appropriate person could be invited to the next Site Managers meeting so that he could be made aware of the issues.

Meal Subsistence

Mo Akbar stated that there was some confusion about when meal break subsistence could be claimed. Nic Daw agreed to send the criteria to Mo Akbar for information.

Any Other Business

Mo Akbar expressed concern that staff on long term sick were not being covered by agency staff and that other staff were suffering as a consequence.

Keith Andrews confirmed that local managers have to break even, so they can take on additional staff as long as they do not go over budget.

Leann Baker stated that some staff work part-time hours but seem to pick and choose when they work and stated that other staff were becoming annoyed with the situation. It was confirmed that this was a local issue and suggested it be dealt with locally in the first instance.

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