There is an email address for staff to submit any questions or queries.

This inbox will be accessed by Ann Lamkin and Jacqueline O’Riley. This supports maintaining confidentiality and ensures we are getting the correct responses back to all in scope

Email Wicutc.Consultation@merseycare.nhs.uk


If hours change to 7.30am will the 8am to 4am shift be brought forward by half an hour?

Answer – If you currently work an 8 to 4 shift the proposal will be for you to work 7:30am to 3:30pm


Same with late start at 12:30pm?

Answer - Late shifts will start at 12:30pm and end at 8:30pm


How will shifts work if staff work 36 hours now?

Answer - If you work 36 hours, you will be expected to do a shorter shift


Will service go into redirection earlier?

Answer - The decision regarding clinical redirection is based on patient flow, footfall and acuity at one give time within all centres.


If I finish at 3:30pm will there be less clinical time?

Answer - No, the clinical time will remain the same as this is not impacting on contracted hours.


What is the email address for questions?

Answer - Wicutc.Consultation@merseycare.nhs.uk


How will you make up short hours?

Answer – Short hours will be made up on an additional shift depending on service need.


Will there be a trial period?

Answer - There will be no trial period, but flexible working requests can be submitted to be worked on a temporary basis to see if it works for both the service and staff


What happens if patients turn up at the building at 7.30am?

Answer – All communications will be updated on the trust website and other means to clearly inform patients of the opening and closing times.  However, we would not leave a poorly patient waiting in the cold etc.


Will current flexible working requests be honoured

Answer -  All flexible working applications will be reviewed as part of the consultation and all efforts will be a made to accommodate the requests as per service need on an individual basis


Will staff be paid if they have to come back during break time?

Answer – Staff will only be required to return to their workstation from an unpaid break if there is an incident/extremely increased footfall/emergency situation. Any additional time used would be discussed with line manager or shift coordinator.


Should Consultation be longer that 30 days?

Answer - This is formal consultation process. The requirement for formal consultation is 30 days however should this need to be extended. This will be arranged.


Is Ian Raven (staff side) aware?

Yes, all staff side colleagues from different unions have been made aware and invited to all meetings. The initial consultation paper was presented at the Divisional Joint Collaboration Meeting in September 24.


What is happening to unsocial hours payment after 8.30pm?

Answer - Please see link below – This will take you to the policy where you will find information regarding the protection

https://yourspace.merseycare.nhs.uk/application/files/7917/0721/9328/HR19_-_Organisational_Change_Policy_V8_Up31Oct-23_Review_Date_June_24.pdf


When will it implemented?

Answer - This is still to be confirmed depending on when the consultation period ends. We will communicate this information as soon as possible and will be happy to discuss this with the wider workforce