We want to keep you updated about plans for the school-based immunisation service in Gateshead and South Tyneside. We know you will have questions. Consultation with affected staff is now happening. 

We will keep the page updated with the latest information and frequently asked questions.

What is happening?

The Trust has a contract with Northumbria Healthcare. This is to provide a school-based immunisation service (SAIS). We provide this to children in Sunderland, South Tyneside and Gateshead. We have successfully done for this for many years.

We have been working with Northumbria since January to bid for this work again. We do this through a process called tendering. Different organisations put in bids for the contract. These bids are looked at to see if they are suitable. It looks at things like performance, cost etc. Northumbria has put in the bid, but would contract the work to our staff to deliver in Gateshead, Sunderland and South Tyneside. We call this sub-contracting.

There were different areas within the contract. We call these ‘lots’. The North Tyneside lot includes Gateshead. The Durham lot includes Sunderland and South Tyneside. Our bid with Northumbria was for both. 

In April, Northumbria told us that they had won the contract for North Tyneside. The contract for Durham (including South Tyneside and Sunderland) has gone to IntraHealth. 

What does this mean for me?

Northumbria has only won one part of the contract. This means that we won’t work with them to deliver this service. STSFT Staff who work on the school-based immunisation programme will transfer to the new providers. This is by TUPE. This is a legal process that protects the rights of staff who transfer from one organisation to another.

What happens next?

The transfer needs to be planned. We will work with the new providers to do this. No jobs will be lost as part of this process. We will talk to all staff who are affected. We will do this formally through the consultation process.

We are holding joint consultation meetings. These started on Friday 26th May 2023. The meetings included staff affected by the transfer. It also included staff from the Trust, from Northumbria and IntraHealth and trade union representatives. The meetings were a chance to ask questions and raise any concerns.

There will also be an opportunity to have one to one meetings.  

Who will the transfer affect?

All admin and clinical staff employed at the Trust, who work in the SAIS. 

What are the timescales?

The planned transfer will take place on Thursday 31 August 2023. This new service will start on Friday 1 September 2023. 
 
We are working to finish the consultation at the end of June. Many of the team only work during term time. We want to make sure that we have answered your questions and concerns while you are at work.

What if I have questions?

We’d really encourage you to come to consultation meetings. This will give you the chance to speak to staff from Northumbria and IntraHealth. They will be able to answer your questions. You can also talk to your trade union representative. They can raise things on your behalf.

Where can I get further support?

We know that the thought of change can be worrying. We want this to be an open and honest process. We want to involve you and hear your views. We are going to do this in a number of ways. If you have a concern or question you can speak to your line manager, HR or a trade union representative. We also have a confidential wellbeing service for staff called Thrive. You can speak to someone privately if you need to. You can contact the team on 0191 569 9699.
 

Frequently Asked Questions - general

Can I be redeployed?
We can’t redeploy staff within the Trust as the roles will move to the new provider. 

Can I stay in Community? Can I move into School Nursing?
Unfortunately no. Your role will be transferred to the new provider from the 31 August 2023.

Can I apply for one of the Trust vacancies? 
Yes. You can apply for jobs in the Trust. These are advertised on NHS jobs.

Will I be interviewed by a new manager?
You will be interviewed by a panel. This is likely to include the line manager for the role.

If I transferred to my current role, can I just transfer back?
You can’t transfer from one role to another during formal consultation. As the current role you are in falls within the affected staff group, you will be transferred to the new provider on the 31st August.

If I apply for a new role, can I keep working term time?
This is something that could be discussed as part of the role. It would depend on business need.

What happens if I don’t want to TUPE?
All affected staff will transfer to one of the new providers. If you choose not to transfer this will be taken as your resignation. Your service will end on the day the TUPE takes place. If you resign you have no right to be offered another job (redeployment). You would also not be entitled to any redundancy or severance payments. We would ask all colleagues to consider this very carefully. You can get advice from your line manager, senior management team, HR or union rep. Please do speak to them so you can make an informed decision.

What happens next? When do we have 1:1 meetings and when are decisions all made?
We’re working closely with Northumbria / IntraHealth. A formal consultation meeting has already taken place. We will arrange further one to one meetings. This will give you the change to ask any questions you still have. We want to have this completed for the end of June 2023. This is to make sure we are supporting staff who only work term-time. 

When will my employment transfer?
Thursday 31 August 2023. The new service will start on Friday 1st September 2023.

Will I be owed any holiday pay if I work term time hours?
No your holidays are paid within your monthly salary. When you transfer there won’t be any outstanding holidays to take.

When will schools find out that STSFT have lost the contract for the immunisation service?
The schools will be told by the new providers. 

What will happen to my current terms and conditions?
Your current terms and conditions will stay the same when you transfer. If the new provider has any plans to change things after transfer they will write to us. This is called the ‘measures’. Once we have this information we will share them with you and the trade unions. If the providers decide to change anything in the future they would need to talk to you about it. They would do this through formal consultation.

If I have questions about the new providers who will answer these?
The consultation meetings will be a chance to ask specific questions. We have also asked each of the providers to outline their measures (as above)
 

FAQs - Gateshead service / Northumbria Healthcare

If I want to go to Gateshead can I still ask what job offers are available at STSFT?
It’s still not clear which provider staff with TUPE across to. You can apply for any vacant role at STSFT before the transfer.

How many positions will there be for Gateshead? Staff Nurse and Team Assistants.
We don’t have this detail yet.

When will we find out more details of the Gateshead base (will it be Seaton Delaval) and what areas will we cover? Would we have to travel to base every day?
The base will be Seaton Delaval. You would travel to that base every day. Any exceptions would be discussed with Northumbria.

Will Gateshead still be term time? Will they be able to change to full year if wanted?
You will transfer on the same terms and conditions you are on now. If Northumbria planned to change anything they would need to tell us as part of the measures. 
Nursing staff are not on term time contracts. 

What are the start/finish times in Gateshead?
The standard working hours are either 8:30am - 4:30pm or 9am – 5pm. Some staff have earlier finishing times depending on their hours worked

If there is a clinic in the 6 weeks holidays? Do you have to do them? If so how many?
Northumbria offer clinics in the 6 week holidays. These are staffed by nurses employed on an all year round contract.

How long will Northumbria offer protection for contracts?
Under TUPE your terms and conditions are protected when you transfer. If Northumbria wanted to change any of your terms and conditions they will let us know as part of the measures.

Does Northumbria offer agile working?
No.
 

FAQs - Sunderland / South Tyneside / IntraHealth

Can IntraHealth visit the team to introduce themselves and answer questions in person?
The team met with affected staff on Friday 26th May. There will also be the chance to have one to one meetings as part of the consultation.

Where is the head office for IntraHealth?
William Brown Centre, Peterlee, County Durham. The website is www.intrahealth.co.uk.

Where is the base?

7 Austin Boulevard
Quay West
Riverside Business Village
Sunderland
SR5 2AL

Where will County Durham staff come into the equation?
This is not clear yet. The service includes County Durham. The staff who previous provided this service will also TUPE into IntraHealth. We expect that staff will continue to provide services in the same areas. There may be some travel between bases, but this would be kept to a minimum.   

What is the current role for band 2 and 3 in Immunisation team at IntraHealth?
We don’t know this yet. IntraHealth don’t use NHS bandings to identify roles. Band 2 and 3 equivalents mostly do admin work and support vaccination sessions in schools. Some admin staff have also been trained to be healthcare assistants and support the vaccinations in schools. IntraHealth use Patient Specific Directions which enables HCAs to vaccinate under the clear supervision of a Nurse.

Will pay cover 10 Year Service, additional holidays within NHS received now? Or will it work out as a pay drop?
TUPE protects your terms and conditions when you transfer. IntraHealth has confirmed that it will keep current Ts and Cs. This includes any uplifts that are made through agenda for change. Any additional holidays for long service will be included.

What is the annual leave policy for term time? Does it cover bank holidays? Will we end up getting paid less due to this?
TUPE protects your terms and conditions when you transfer. IntraHealth has confirmed that it will keep current Ts and Cs. Annual leave for term time working will be calculated using the same calculations used for your existing work employment contract.

Can I keep my NHS pension as this is advertised on IntraHealth website?
Yes.

What sick pay do they offer?
This will stay the same as your current terms and conditions.

What's the redundancy policy at IntraHealth? Can they guarantee us a job for a minimum term?
We haven’t had sight of IntraHealth policies yet. There are no plans to make any redundancies.

What is the flexible working policy/family friendly policy – carers’ leave?
IntraHealth have flexible working and carer policies. Many of its staff have flexible working arrangements.

How long will IntraHealth honour our terms and conditions for?
IntraHealth has confirmed that it has no plans to change your current terms and conditions. If this changes they would consult with you formally.

Will we be able to claim mileage at IntraHealth and what is the expected travelling distance per day? How much is the mileage allowance?
We will share this when we have the information.

Does IntraHealth provide progression opportunities?
Yes. There are opportunities for progression within the service and organisation. Intrahealth will give more detail in future meetings.

Would we be only covering ST and Sunderland areas? If so, how will that effect staffing numbers?
IntraHealth is working through its staffing plan. We expect this to be the case, but there may be some travel between bases. This would be kept to a minimum.

Would we have to cover the County Durham area?
This is still being worked through.

Where will the base be? Will it be separate for South Tyneside and Sunderland?
IntraHealth is looking for one base/premises for the South Tyneside / Sunderland Area. It is looking for two bases for the County Durham / Tees Valley area. Some of its GP Practice and Community Pharmacy sites (including the GP Practice site at St Georges and Riverside in South Shields) might be used as additional sites. This would be for storing equipment and vaccines for the service.

What about maternity pay/leave?
These form part of your terms and conditions which will be protected under TUPE. 

What about car parking?
There are 4 bays outside of the building. These are on a first come, first served basis. There is plenty of free off street parking. There is also a pay and display car park if needed and a café close by 

Can I still do term time hours?
There will be no change to your current terms and conditions. If IntraHealth were to change your Ts and Cs at any point in the future it would consult with you formally.

What are the working hours?
8:30am – 4:30pm, but may be earlier depending on the distance to the school.

Can I still keep my term time hours?
Yes. 

Can I swop shifts if I have a sports day, for example?
Yes.  All staff feed into the rota. You would need to rasie this in advance.

What about time off for hospital appointments?
Intrahealth promoted a positive work life balance. A TOIL system is in use to allow flexibility where extra hours are worked. 

Is there an opportunity for agile working or is it office based?
IntraHealth offers hybrid or agile working. This depends on the needs of the business.

Can I keep my current working days/pattern?
Fixed, set days are preferred in terms of the rota. Days can be negotiated around the needs of the service 

How is the day to day work managed with IntraHealth?
IntraHealth has a rota software system. Operational Managers and Lead Nurses decide on the staffing requirements based on an annual plan. The service works very similarly to all other school aged immunisation services.

If there is a pay increase next year for NHS Staff, would we get it, or would our pay be frozen?
This would be a decision for IntraHealth.

Will they follow Agenda for Change pay scales?
This is a decision for IntraHealth 

Do they offer Indemnity Insurance for Trained Staff or do they have to pay their own?
IntraHealth has all necessary indemnity insurance in place for its services. Professional Indemnity (£5 million cover); Medical Negligence (£10 million cover); Employers Liability (£10 million). Staff are covered for any task carried out on behalf of IntraHealth. Staff need their own indemnity insurance if doing work for another employer.

If I change my working hours does that affect my TUPE contract or do I have to move onto an IntraHealth contract?
You will be able to request a change of days / hours within your current contract. If you apply for a new role, this would be on an IntraHealth contract.

Can I see a copy of the IntraHealth contract?
IntraHealth have provided a blank contract. This will be shared with staff.

What is the mileage rate?
It will be the same as it is now. Mileage is paid weekly and should be submitted by Tuesday night in order for it to be paid on a Friday. It must be claimed within a 3 month period.

When will our first working day be, as the 1st is a Friday and not the end of term?
It's appreciated that some people may not be able to come in on the Friday. There will be multiple inductions to allow for this. It’s likely that the Friday will an introduction day, when kit and uniform will be distributed. Staff will be available from Monday – Wednesday (4th- 6th) to go through induction and to answer any queries (though always available at the end of the phone).

Do I have to come into the office to collect vaccines each day?
The Intrahealth model is that the admin staff collect the vaccines. Depending on where you live, you can either meet at the office or go directly to the school 

What is the job role for the Team Assistant?    
We will look to you to advise how your current role works and we will job match it with our role. We expect it will be:
•    Checking in
•    Collecting vaccines (both picking up and returning) 
•    Paper consent 
•    Appointment list
•    Filing on return
•    Scanning onto records 
1:1 meetings will be arranged in order to work this through. There is limited data entry, as the office admin staff do this.

Do you close at Christmas?
We staff when the schools are open, otherwise there is a skeleton staff. 

Do you have a staff bank?
Yes, but joining is optional. If you work part time and work extra, there is no need to join the bank – TOIL or overtime will be paid.

Will there be other opportunities for development?
There are always opportunities. For example, if someone had an HCA background and had the care certificate, then training could be provided for nasal flu. If you moved to a different role within Intrahealth it would be on an Intrahealth contract. 

Is there an option to work from home?
This is not an option currently (particularly in relation to GDPR for paper consent) but there may be the odd day when this could be facilitated to do mandatory training etc.

Will there be training on e-consent?
Yes, full training will be provided 

Will we be working with the Durham team?
That is not yet concluded, however, it is envisaged the Sunderland/ST will remain the same as currently     
What is Intrahealth’s Retire & Return Policy?

That depends on when you are looking to retire and return.

If it is before the 1st October 2023, you will need to leave Intrahealth. You will receive a P45 so you can access your pension fund. If you decide to return, it would be on Intrahealth terms and conditions. You would not retain your continuous service as it would be classed as a break in service.

If it is after the 1st October 2023 you can take a 100% drawdown of your pension without officially retiring. This means you will not have to leave employment as log as you reduce your pay by at least 10%. There would be no break in service and you would remain on your current terms and conditions.

What is the pay date?
Last working day of the month

What is the uniform?
Purple polo shirt and smart black trousers for flu season. Nurses wear ‘NHS blue’ polo shirts and smart black trousers, but we can look into dresses. It is not clear what uniform the team assistants will wear as yet.

I already have an adapted workstation – how does this work with hot desking?
An ergonomic risk assessment will be carried out and adaptations made if required 

Is the training the same as the training we’ve done on ESR?
If the training has been done on E-learning for Health it can be transferred across to the Blue Stream system. 

I have a disability and already have some reasonable adjustments. Will these be accommodated? 
Yes. These will be discussed separately on a 1:1 basis. 

Intrahealth has the contract for the police. Will there be opportunities to get involved with this?
Yes. All vacancies are advertised internally. We also manage 12 GP practices to there are opportunities there. 

What is the ratio of nurses per session?
This depends on whether it is a flu session or other programme. 100 pupils – normally 2 nurses, plus 1 admin.

How many schools will be vaccinated in a day?
Depends on the size of the school, but most is likely to be 2 schools in one day 

What is Intrahealth’s Bullying Policy?
This will be provided upon start. There is zero tolerance to bullying.

What is the pay scale?
You will come across on the equivalent pay scale as you are currently on. 

Will there be opportunities for health promotion?
Yes. Various venues are used 

Will I receive face to face training in terms of my re-validation?
Yes. Training days will be offered. 

Can I be considered for a full year contract?
Yes, however you would need to move across to an Intrahealth contract.

Is there any time of the year when leave cannot be taken?
No. Leave is approved around the needs of the service and the team 

Can I do a top up degree? 
This would be considered. There is also an opportunity to step up into a band 6 role. 

Will Team Assistants still be involved in recovery?
No. It has been determined that the 10 minutes recovery is no longer required 

Is there a Team Lead for Admin? 
Yes

Useful contact details

Shauna Roberts - shauna.roberts2@nhs.net  (Directorate Manager, D4)
Alison Barrett - alison.barrett4@nhs.net (Divisional HR Manager, Community Division) 
The Trust’s Confidential Support Service (Thrive) - 0191 569 9699
Unison 
Anne Marie Szczesnaik - a.szczesniak@nhs.net or Fiona Tobin (regional) - f.tobin@unison.co.uk
RCN
Mark Tull: mark.tull@nhs.net or Kristian Heaney (regional) - kristian.heaney@rcn.org.uk
 

Return to School Based Immunisation Service (South Tyneside, Sunderland & Gateshead)