Morale at 'rock bottom' amongst staff at mental health hospital in South Yorkshire
Workers at Cheswold Park were employed by private health provider Riverside until late 2024 when they were transferred to the NHS
It is feared morale is 'lower than ever' amongst staff at a mental health hospital in South Yorkshire.
Workers at Cheswold Park in Doncaster - were employed privately until late last year - but they've now been transferred to the NHS.
Employees there say they still haven't had their contracts upgraded in line with NHS terms & conditions since the transition.
Chris Rowlinson - from Unite the Union - represents the health sector in South Yorkshire:
“The trust’s behaviour towards these workers is totally immoral.
"There is no excuse for treating them as second-class employees and trying to deny long serving and dedicated staff fair redundancy packages.
"Unite will not allow the trust to kick this issue into the long grass – we will back these workers every step of the way.”
In response, South West Yorkshire Partnership NHS Foundation Trust said:
“Following a decision by the owners of Cheswold Park Hospital to exit the adult secure inpatient services market, we were asked by NHS England to take over the running of Cheswold Park.
"Our first priority throughout the transition was to ensure that patients and staff were fully supported and could remain at the hospital whilst returning it to a stable financial position. We continue to provide support, both to our patients and the staff that care for them, as we improve the quality of care that is provided.
"In respect of staff terms and conditions we have always followed our legal obligations and continue to do so. We have not in any way changed the terms and conditions of employment of staff who have transferred over to the Trust. We are committed to moving all staff over to NHS terms and conditions as soon as it is practically possible and the financial position supports the move.
"We do not accept the position as described by Unite as it does not accurately reflect the situation in Cheswold Park, nor acknowledge the support being provided to staff at the hospital. We have been working closely with our union colleagues, including Unite, on the transfer of staff to the Trust and will continue to do so.”