Local hospital staff protest

Waimarino Bulletin, Volume 1, Issue 4, 28 June 1983, Page 1

Local hospital staff protest

Staff at the Waimarino Hospitalln Raetihi are totally opposed to the proposal by the Wanganui Hospital Board to use a private contractor — Crothall Industries — to carry out work presently being done by local members of the Hotel, Hospital, Restaurant and Related Trades Employees Union.

Following a meeting last week, staff at the Waimarino Hospital decided not to take any industrial action — as other hospital staffs have done — for the time being until their protest about the proposed takeover of the cleaning and cooking by private contractors has been conveyed to the Wanganui Hospital Board. Staff at the Waimarino Hospital see the proposed contracting of all cleaning and cooking work to Crothalls not only as a real threat to patient care but also of direct concern to the health and well-being of the local community. "The union is keen to talk and negotiate with the Board" said union

representative Jim Marr last week, "and local hospital staff have been advised not to take any other action in the meantime, that will affect patient care." "The Union of Hotel, Hospital, Restaurant and Related Employees does not believe that health care should be up for the lowest tender" said Jim Marr, "and the only way a private contractor can save costs is to cut back on standards and services." It is understood that two such savings under the proposed contract will be in the area of food and cleaning, said Mr Marr. Instead of meals being prepared in the hospital' s own kitchen the food will be prepared, packed and

frozen elsewhere and then distributed to the various hospitals within the board's region. And instead of the present cleaning arrangements, a form of 'spot' cleaning is to be introduced. Another threat will be to the staff themselves — there are presently 9 full-time and 2 part-time members of the union who are likely to be affected by the proposed change and any cut back in hours will inevitably lower their standard of living. "It is a matter that should involve the local community", said Mr Marr, "as health and the standard of living are things which society has a responsibility for."