University Hospitals of Morecambe Bay NHS Foundation Trust has confirmed its commitment and support to signing the Trades Unions Congress Dying to Work Charter.

Aaron Cummins, Chief Executive of the Trust, is pictured signing the charter, which will be displayed in the Trust’s sites.

“The charter sets out an agreed way in which staff will be cared for, supported and protected when they most need the support of the Trust following the diagnosis of a terminal illness,” said Aaron.

“Our policies and approach already reflected the majority of the elements in the charter and required a minor amendment to meet the charter standards and we were delighted to do this to ensure that we are as supportive as possible for our staff and continue to make UHMBT a great place to work.”

Andy Robson, Staff side Secretary at the Trust, said: ““The campaign was highlighted as an important issue for trade union members who called on the Joint Working Group to support,  publicise the campaign, and sign up to the charter as an organisation.  We hope that signing the charter and committing to the Dying to Work promises for  staff will inspire others to encourage their employers to sign up and promote the campaign. A number of NHS Trusts and Boards have taken the step to support their staff in this way. The trade unions would want to see all healthcare providers leading the way in showing that work can be a support when living with a terminal diagnosis”.

Lynn Collins, TUC North West Regional Secretary said: “Worrying about your job should be the least of your concerns when you receive a terminal diagnosis.

“The Trust are to be commended for signing up to the TUC Dying to Work Charter, working with unions to guarantee fair treatment for workers who find themselves in this position. Signing the Charter has provided peace of mind to workers at the time they may need it most. We will be working to ensure that more employers across the North West, and indeed the UK, follow the Trust’s lead and sign the Dying to Work Charter.”