His Majesty’s Government of Gibraltar notes the claims made by Unite the Union regarding workforce issues and allegations of patient safety. Whilst the Government acknowledges and respects the Union’s role in representing its members, these assertions need to be made in an accurate manner and reflect the reality on the ground.

The claim made by Unite that there has been a "lack of engagement and constructive dialogue" between the GHA and Unite is not correct and we can list the meetings held. Since the integration of the GHA Workforce into the Department of Personnel and Development (DPD), the Director General, senior management at the GHA and the Director of Workforce have ensured extensive engagement with Unite representatives. These efforts have already delivered significant progress on a wide range of matters, including but not limited to:

• Resolving the ERS backpay issue by 24th December 2024.
• Advertising ERS Catering posts in line with established recruitment processes.
• Providing detailed responses to Unite on various queries and concerns.

Additionally, numerous meetings with Unite representatives have taken place. Grievances, disciplinary cases, and medical retirements have been addressed with transparency, fairness and due process.

The suggestion by Unite that nursing staff levels are “dangerously low” is factually incorrect and designed only to be alarmist. As of yesterday, the GHA employs 398 full-time nurses, excluding nursing assistants. We also have a further 85 full time nursing assistants employed by the GHA.

While there are currently 46 vacancies, these are offset by 38 supernumerary nurses and 22 locum staff, resulting in a net complement that exceeds the approved establishment by 14 nurses. Further cover is provided by bank and relief staff. The cover by supernumerary nurses is part of a longer-term nursing strategy. Many of these supernumerary nurses form part of the student cohort from the University of Gibraltar, who are currently being trained to take up the vacant posts.

Should Unite consider the current complement insufficient for patient safety, the appropriate course of action would be for Nurse Management to submit a business case through the formal budgetary process. Issuing public statements without following due process is neither constructive nor responsible. HMGoG provided funding at the last budget claim for each and every clinical posts requested by the GHA. This includes all nursing posts requested by the GHA.

Unite’s claim that recruitment processes have become “increasingly complex and bureaucratic” fails to recognise the diligence required for public service appointments. Recent measures to streamline processes, where appropriate, include:

• Appointing experienced officers to oversee investigations, grievances, and disciplinary matters.

• Standardising templates and procedures to ensure consistency and fairness.
• Including independent officers in investigative teams to minimise conflicts of interest.

Contrary to Unite’s assertion, grievance and disciplinary processes have not “ground to a halt”. On the contrary, since November 2024, the GHA has made significant progress, including halting any potentially mishandled cases, ensuring procedural fairness, and directly addressing longstanding issues.

Unite’s criticism of the integration of the GHA Workforce under the DPD ignores the considerable progress achieved in a short time. Advancements to date include:

• Aligning GHA HR practices with those of the wider Civil Service.
• Strengthening oversight of occupational health, disciplinary and grievance processes.
• Simplifying recruitment processes while maintaining necessary safeguards.

The Government and the GHA remain committed to constructive engagement with Unite the Union and all stakeholders to ensure the welfare of staff and the delivery of high-quality healthcare services. Constructive criticism, when based on facts, is welcomed as part of a shared commitment to progress.

The Minister for Health and Care, the Hon Gemma Arias-Vasquez, said: “Unite’s claims are very disappointing, particularly given the strides that have been made in workforce management and industrial relations within the GHA since the Director of Personnel and Development became responsible for GHA Workforce. I commend the efforts of the GHA’s staff in addressing challenges with fairness and hard work. I would urge Unite to sit with the Director of Personnel and Development and the Director of Nursing and engage in constructive dialogue. Government and the GHA are entirely commitment to supporting the workforce and delivering excellent patient care remains an absolute priority, but this must be achieved through factual and constructive engagement, not rhetoric designed only to seek front page media headlines.”