GMB Project Workers have been busy in the New Forest promoting learning in local hospitals to staff. Peter Synowiec and Paul Simmonds have organised two visits to Lymington Hospital aimed at engaging with staff to promote and develop learning within the NHS.

These activities have been part of GMB Southern Regions NHS Properties Project which works with non-clinical staff across the health service.

Paul said

At the events in April and May staff representing housekeeping, porters and catering attended. They were provided with comprehensive information, advice and guidance about the learning opportunities available to GMB members. 

As a result of the meeting distance learning proved to be very popular - with most people enrolling on courses. Interest was also shown in a variety of other courses including Literacy/Numeracy, Food Hygiene, Business and Administration, Health and Social Care and Languages. Two people were also signed up to Learn My Way, basic IT on line."

25 members of staff attended over the two events and there are plans to follow up interest from nightshift workers and others unable to attend.

Peter added: 

These events have been very successful and we know plan to role out this model and organise similar events with NHS Properties at St James’s and St Mary’s Hospitals in  Portsmouth."

Keith Hatch from unionlearn said:

This project is a great way to promote the benefits of workplace learning provided by unions to staff across the NHS. It’s only just started and seems to be encouraging new learners already."