Following discussions between Mr Royles, union officials and representatives from the States of Guernsey as the employer, the terms of reference for the review have been agreed. The review will cover all staff on health service terms and conditions of employment known as Agenda for Change, which includes nurses, midwives, Allied Health Professionals working in fields such dietetics, radiology and pathology, and also social workers in adult and community services.

The review will explore, amongst other things:

• Workforce data relating to the employment of Nurses, Midwives and other health and care staff
• Competitiveness of pay in relation to cost of living on the island
• Any workplace cultural issues affecting recruitment and retention

The next stage of the review will involve meeting directly with staff in focus groups during September to explore relevant issues, as well as holding in-depth discussions with employers, officials and trade union representatives.

Mr Royles said:

"I have enjoyed speaking to and getting to know a number of the stakeholders involved in the review as we have jointly developed the terms of reference. I was also privileged to be able to visit the Princess Elizabeth Hospital and some managers and staff informally from community services. I look forward to the next phase as we seekto complete the review by the end of the year."

The review was instigated following a decision by the States of Guernsey in December 2017 directing the Policy & Resources Committee to undertake a strategic review of the terms and conditions attached to nursing and midwifery professionals employed by the States of Guernsey, and also consider whether such a review may also extend to other staff groups. The States resolution followed consideration of the Committee for Health and Social Care’spolicy letter - A Partnership of Purpose: Transforming Bailiwick Health and Care.

Pictured: Deputy Heidi Soulsby who as President of HSC oversees the work of all staff at the PEH and other health care facilities 

Deputy Heidi Soulsby, President of the Committee for Health & Social Care, said:

"I’m pleased that the terms of reference have been agreed and look forward to the review engaging directly with employees over the next few months. It is crucial that the review establishes a good understanding of the issues impacting on recruitment and retention in our health and care services."

Julie Lewers from the Royal College of Nursing said:

"We have been requesting a thorough review for some time and are pleased that the States have now progressed this request. We are clear that Nursing and Midwifery pay terms and conditions have fallen behind comparators both on and off the island and it’s important for the people of Guernsey that this is addressed as a matter of urgency. We look forward to contributing to this important next phase."

Gabby Dowds–Quinn of the RCM said:

"The RCM is pleased that this review is underway and that the hard work that Nurses and Midwives are doing round the clock is being recognised and valued. We look forward to the next steps at ensuring there are enough Nurses and Midwives on the island to serve the whole community in the future."

Stephen Langford, Negotiations Executive of Prospect said:

"I’ve been pleased to contribute to the development of the terms of reference. I’m delighted for Prospect members working in a range of specialist positions that the review will also explore their recruitment and retention issues , as each one of them plays a crucial part in the delivery of health and social care in the island."

Bob Lanning of Unite the Union said:

"Unite welcomes this review, a review long overdue for this vital service and looksforward to working with the States to deliver for those employed within Guernsey’s health service."