Industrial action at GOSH: update for families and visitors 2 Feb 2022

Please be assured we have plans in place to minimise any disruption for our patients and families and we do not expect our security services to be interrupted. We understand a rally has been organised on Thursday, 3 February, from 12pm, and if you are visiting us, you may see a picket line at times outside the hospital.

Like many hospitals, we sometimes work with specialist providers to help us maintain efficient, high-quality support services. We have a contract with Carlisle Security Services to help make sure security at the hospital is resilient and complies with regulations in that industry.

Our security guards are employees of Carlisle Security Services, and their terms and conditions of employment are set by Carlisle. These terms and conditions differ from those of NHS employees, and this is at the root of the industrial action. Our security guards do a great job keeping our staff, patients, and visitors safe and are a vital part of the GOSH team. We encourage a culture where people can speak up if they have concerns about their working conditions and we respect the right to protest.

If you are worried about your visit, or need any support or further information, please contact our Patient Advice and Liaison Service (PALS) on pals@gosh.nhs.uk