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UNISON SWAAHB - South Western Ambulance & Allied Health Branch

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UNISON SWAAHB - South Western Ambulance & Allied Health Branch

UNISON SWAAHB covers >3200 members in SWASFT (South Western Ambulance Service NHS Foundation Trust),

UNISON South Western Ambulance & Allied Health Branch (or SWAAHB) is an award-winning active branch of UNISON - the public services union. UNISON SWAAHB looks after three thousand Ambulance & Allied Health members in the South West and covers all UNISON members that work for the following employers:

SWASfT (South Western Ambulance Service Foundation Trust)
NSL Care Services (private patient transport company)
CareUK (private company running NHS 111 helpline)
E-Zec Medical (private patient transport company)
ERS (private ambulance contractor)
Bristol Ambulance (private ambulance contractor)
Wings Ambulance Service (aeromedical company)
Devon Doctors
Rapid & Secure (private specialist transport)
Kernow Ambulance
Mobile Care
Servitas
St John Ambulance (charitable organisation which employs some ambulance staff)
Plymouth University, Bournemouth University and UWE (paramedic science staff & students)

As well as current employees, SWAAHB also looks after retired members and students, proving that we are stronger together!

03/02/2026

📢 Need UNISON support or advice? Start with an email.

The best way to seek support, get advice, or be put in touch with a UNISON rep is by emailing UNISON@swast.nhs.uk
📧

Whether you have a concern, a query, or just need some advice, please send us an email and a member of the UNISON team will get back to you as soon as possible.

⚠️ Important: If you need support during a sickness absence or sickness stage, it’s vital to contact UNISON at the earliest opportunity. If we’re contacted too late in the process, it may limit the support we’re able to provide.

We’re here to help — just make sure you reach out early 💛

18/01/2026

💜 Exciting News for Our EMD Teams! 💜

UNISON and SWASFT are proud to announce a new, fair, and sustainable pay structure for our Emergency Medical Dispatch (EMD) teams – with clear development pathways for all! 🎉

This milestone is the result of 18 months of constructive collaboration between UNISON representatives and the Trust. Robin Hughes (Branch Secretary) and Emma Robinson (Assistant Branch Secretary) have led negotiations, with EMD members directly involved in shaping the proposals every step of the way. ✅

A detailed update on the proposed offer will be shared soon, and all members involved – including EMDs, Lead EMDs, and EMD Team Leaders – will have the opportunity to vote on the proposal.

Thank you to everyone in the working group for your dedication and teamwork. This is a real example of members’ voices making a difference! 💪

If you’re eligible and not yet a UNISON member, there’s still time to join and have your say: https://join.unison.org.uk

12/01/2026

Wiltshire staff - we are coming to see you!

Assistant Branch Secretaries Jacky Owen and Clare Lunk will be visiting GWH and Swindon ambulance station, complete with the latest UNISON merchandise, on 13th January 2026.

Come and have a chat with us - we are keen to meet existing members, and any staff interested in joining UNISON.

07/01/2026

UNISON Member Update — Flexible Working Requests

If you submit a Flexible Working Request, your employer must:
🔹 Consider it
🔹 Make a decision
🔹 Complete any appeal
— all within 2 months.

We’ve identified cases where this deadline hasn’t been met. If your decision isn’t issued on time, you may be able to make a claim — potentially worth 1–8 weeks’ pay.

What to do:
✔️ Note the date you submit your request
✔️ Set a reminder for 2 months later
✔️ If there’s still no decision, contact UNISON immediately

📧 UNISON@swast.nhs.uk

Include your membership number and details of your request/timeline.
(Please ensure your membership fees are up to date for legal support.)

UNISON is here to protect your rights — get in touch if you’re unsure or need advice.

25/12/2025

Season’s Greetings from UNISON SWAAHB 🎄

We want to send our warmest wishes to all UNISON South Western Ambulance & Allied Health Branch members.

For those celebrating Christmas, we hope you’re able to enjoy moments of rest, comfort and time with loved ones. We also proudly recognise that our members come from many faiths, cultures and backgrounds, and we extend our best wishes to everyone who does not celebrate Christmas as well — wishing you peace, wellbeing and kindness during this time.

Above all, we want to say a heartfelt thank you to our members. Your dedication, professionalism and compassion make a real difference every single day.

We offer special thanks to everyone working over the festive period. Whether you are on the frontline, supporting services behind the scenes, or on call while others spend time with family and friends, your commitment keeps vital services running. You are valued, you are respected, and you are not forgotten.

UNISON SWAAHB is proud to stand alongside you and to represent you.

Wishing you all a safe and peaceful festive period.

In solidarity,
UNISON South Western Ambulance & Allied Health Branch

10/12/2025

💜 UNISON SWAAHB – Your Union, Your Family! 💜

Did you know? UNISON SWAAHB is the biggest, most powerful, and the ONLY recognised union in SWAST. That means we’re here for you, every step of the way.

If you’re facing:

🟣 A sickness meeting

🟣 Any other management meeting

🟣 Concerns about your rota

🟣 Or anything work-related that’s worrying you

…don’t face it alone.

UNISON is more than a union – we’re a family. Reach out for support, guidance, and representation. 💪

📩 Email us today: UNISON@swast.nhs.uk
– because you don’t have to go through it on your own.

26/11/2025

❄️ Winter Vaccinations – Your Choice, Your Voice ❄️

As we head into the winter months, SWAST is encouraging staff to consider their flu vaccinations. UNISON wants to remind all members that your decision is your own — whether you choose to have the flu jab or not, UNISON fully supports you.

Whatever you decide, please make sure you inform SWAST of your choice so they can plan accordingly. You can do this via the booking link:
👉 vaccinationtrack.com

Your flu vaccination status is your personal choice, and UNISON will support you either way.

If you have any questions or concerns, please contact your local UNISON rep.
Stay safe and look after yourselves this winter 💜💚

24/11/2025

🎄 UNISON is coming to Great Western Hospital, Wiltshire! 🎄

Our reps will be on site Thursday 4th December 2025 – pop over for a chat about all things UNISON and what’s happening within your branch.

Whether you want to share your thoughts, raise concerns, ask questions, or sign up as a member, we’re here for you.

Come and meet our friendly team — we’ll be bringing goodies, festive cheer, and plenty of support.

💜 UNISON: Here when you need us.

19/11/2025

📣 Exciting Opportunity for UNISON Members!

UNISON SWAAHB is exploring the chance to offer Functional Maths and English qualifications to our members — fully supported through the branch.

This could be a huge benefit for anyone looking to develop their skills or progress their career, including those interested in the apprentice paramedic route.

At this stage, availability will depend on numbers and logistics, so we need to understand the level of interest.

👉 Interested in Functional Maths or English?
Please email UNISON@swast.nhs.uk
to register your interest.

Let’s make this opportunity happen for our members! 💜💚

17/11/2025

SWAST has reduced redeployment pay protection from 12 months to just 3 months (effective 22 August 2025) — and UNISON did NOT agree to this change.

This decision was not taken through PRAG or JNCC, the formal joint-negotiation routes with recognised Trade Unions.

SWAST say some staff were “abusing” the system. UNISON is deeply concerned about the impact on staff, including:
• Increased sickness rates
• Reduced morale & mental health
• Financial detriment during redeployment
• A punitive change affecting everyone instead of addressing individual issues
• Greater impact on staff with disabilities and long-term conditions

We meet with SWAST on Wednesday 19 November to challenge this.

UNISON believes redeployment should support staff — helping people stay at work, build confidence, recover from illness or injury, and maintain income during difficult times.

📢 Members: we need your voice.
What’s your experience of redeployment? How do these changes affect you?
What action would you support?

👉 Please complete our short survey ASAP: Redeployment Questionnaire – https://forms.office.com/Pages/ResponsePage.aspx?id=1Jr8HAsL0ECdxOdKjT0WUjNsmKUUobFMl2sICU4Iq2lUMkdMVjhIR0VaRVpSN1NJQ1lSWlJQSzdRRS4u

In solidarity,
UNISON Branch Committee

14/11/2025

🟣 Have Your Say on Flexible Working at SWAST 🟣

UNISON listens to its members. You’ve been telling us how the current flexible working arrangements are affecting you — and UNISON is acting.

We are gathering real experiences from staff to highlight the significant flaws in SWAST’s current flexible working system. Your feedback is essential in helping us challenge these issues and push for meaningful improvements.

📋 Please take a few minutes to complete our short survey and share your experience.
Every response strengthens our case and makes sure your voice is heard.

10/11/2025

Member-Led Win in Cornwall – Getting Paid Correctly for Acting Up

A grievance led by Lead Paramedics in Cornwall and supported by UNISON has confirmed that colleagues acting up into Duty Officer or Commander roles should be paid at the correct band for those shifts.

These colleagues acted up into Band 7 roles but were only paid at Band 6. This has now been rectified, and back pay will be issued.

The Paying People Correctly Policy (April 2023) confirms that acting up for one shift or more applies to key roles such as Operational Officer, Dispatch or EMD Team Leader, Clinical Hub or Team Leader, and HART Team Leader.

If you’ve acted up but not been paid correctly, gather your evidence — the shifts, duties performed, and pay details — and UNISON will support you in raising your case.

This success shows what can be achieved through member-led action, backed by your union.

Address

C/o Branch Secretary, SWASFT HQ, Abbey Court, Eagle Way
Exeter
EX27HY

Opening Hours

Monday	9am - 5pm
Tuesday	9am - 5pm
Wednesday	9am - 5pm
Thursday	9am - 5pm

Telephone

+447773034636

Website

https://swaahb.co.uk/, https://linktr.ee/swaahb

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Your Voice in the South West

UNISON South Western Ambulance & Allied Health Branch (or SWAAHB) is an award-winning active branch of UNISON - the public services union. UNISON SWAAHB looks after three thousand Ambulance & Allied Health members in the South West and covers all UNISON members that work for the following employers: SWASfT (South Western Ambulance Service Foundation Trust) NSL Care Services (private patient transport company) CareUK (private company running NHS 111 helpline) E-Zec Medical (private patient transport company) ERS (private ambulance contractor) Arriva (bus company that also runs patient transport) Bristol Ambulance (private ambulance contractor) Wings Ambulance Service (aeromedical company) Devon Doctors Rapid & Secure (private specialist transport) Kernow Ambulance Mobile Care Servitas St John Ambulance (charitable organisation which employs some ambulance staff) Plymouth University, Bournemouth University and UWE (paramedic science staff & students) As well as current employees, SWAAHB also looks after retired members and students, proving that we are stronger together!