I was delighted to be asked to attend this year’s TUC congress in Brighton as a BOS TU delegate. As with many of us, I am a member of the union and have an interest in current affairs and NHS politics which may affect our working lives but I haven’t had a more active role. Having never been to a TUC congress before, I did not know what to expect. My first impression of the congress was the sheer size of the event; there were around 600 delegates from 48 different unions in attendance as well as media, visitors, exhibitors and speakers! It can be easy to go to work every day and not have to think about the work our union does for us but seeing all these hardworking people coming together to support each other and stand up for our rights was inspiring.
During the congress, the health unions are seated together and this was a great chance for me to reach out to the other AHPs, particularly those who represent similarly at risk professions including podiatrists and radiographers. Fellow AHP delegates spoke at conference, moving motions which I was privileged to vote in support of such as calling for an adequate and sustainable funding settlement for the NHS to be campaigned for – highlighting the NHS People Plan does not address the budget cuts to Health Education England. After a morning session of motions and composites there are many fringe talk events where small groups host sessions on a variety of topics. Following a motion bought by the Royal College of Midwives to suspend charging for maternity care I attended a talk regarding health charging in the NHS. This very little-known government policy charges up to 150% costs up-front for maternity care to women who cannot prove their immigration status. The RCM argue this places a burden on them to question a woman about her immigration status at what is often a vulnerable time and impacts on their ability to provide care through damaging trust. At the fringe session, evidence into this kind of charging programme was presented and discussed and there is no evidence that the amount of money recovered is greater than the money required to run the scheme. Instead, women avoid hospital appointments and many end up requiring urgent care which is non-chargeable to the patient but more costly to the NHS.
Although these examples may not affect us as orthoptists directly, it is important to stay connected to our AHP colleagues and offer our support. It is not hard to see how the effects of this type of policy may affect some of our patients or their families. My overall message from my time at the TUC is just because you don’t see the effects of your union in your day to day job, that doesn’t mean it isn’t working hard for you behind the scenes. Did you know that the BOS TU lead meets regularly with other NHS TU leads and is advocating for you? The voice of an orthoptist was there at the NHS pay review, the voice of an orthoptist will continue to be there to represent you not just locally but on a national level. I highly recommend attending the congress next year to feel a part of the passionate and inspirational atmosphere and a chance to hear some incredible public speakers including some famous faces!
Written by Laura McLaughlin
