BSMHFT is backing a campaign that offers greater protection and reassurance for all workers with terminal illnesses.
The ‘Dying to Work’ charter, run by the TUC, was signed by our Chief Executive John Short, on Tuesday 10 April 2018. He said: “One of the biggest challenges the NHS faces is supporting patients who are dying, and providing them with the compassion and dignity that they expect and deserve.
“These same patients are at times also our staff members and a compassionate NHS needs to ensure that colleagues are treated with dignity and respect at the most difficult point in their lives.”
The signing of this voluntary charter means that the Trust will recognise a terminal illness as they would any other ‘protected characteristic’, providing their employees with choice, support and financial security throughout the whole duration of their illness.
Lee Barron, TUC’s Regional Secretary, said: “We are really pleased that BSMHFT has agreed to sign this charter with the TUC and local union branches to protect the employment rights of those staff that are terminally ill.
“We want to ensure our members, and other employees that are living with a terminal condition, have the freedom of choice on how they want to spend their final months, such as remaining in employment, if they so wish.
“The peace of mind to know that their job and financial security (such as death in service benefits) are guaranteed to help them, and their family, is of great comfort to everyone affected and we are proud to work alongside a Trust that shows such compassion and support for its employees.”
