Mersey Theatre & Day Surgical Unit redevelopment

REDEVELOPMENT

WHEN HACSU first heard of the Mersey Theatre and Day Surgical Unit redevelopment we raised the need for a working group.

This would give affected staff a chance to have input into what would best suit the everyday operations of the department. THS were receptive of this, and the first meeting late last year revolved around establishing the terms of reference and setting an ongoing agenda. Blueprints were released in a secondary meeting with a feedback period opened so any concerns about the layout could be heard. No concerns were raised so it's proposed that plans will go out for tender in May 2021, with the hope that construction can begin in August. There are two proposals for how the construction could be done, with each having a different effect on staff employed in these areas: 1) A two-stage redevelopment that will allow work in the area to function in a reduced capacity, but will extend the redevelopment to roughly 24 months.

2) Complete in one stage. While this is the quickest route, with an expected construction period of 18 months, it will also mean the full closure of the areas, with requirements for staff to be redeployed to other areas or possibly even another site. While construction is the first step in the process, it has been established that an ongoing agenda will concentrate on the following areas: - Short and long term staffing. Acorn has been proposed as a base for benchmarking. - Models of care and activity planning to ensure delivery of services. - Workplace Health and Safety risk and risk assessments.

- Professional development requirements.

Meetings will be held on a monthly basis and we'll update members as developments occur. It will be a lengthy process but we need to ensure that our voices are heard.

If you work in these areas you perform the duties on a daily basis, you know what's required operationally and you know the most efficient way to get your work done, which is why we rely on your feedback.

As we fast approach the time blueprints will be opened for tender we're keen to hear which redevelopment proposal members working in theatre and DSU prefer. If you have any queries or topics you feel need to be raised at meetings, please contact HACSUassist and let us know - we look forward to hearing from you.