On Friday 21 November 2008 the PSA attended an Industrial Liaison Forum at Department of Health (DH).

The purpose of the Industrial Liaison Forum is to provide a consultative forum between DH and the recognised health unions.

The following key agenda items were discussed:

Patient surveys
A notice is to be distributed to all staff regarding the implementation of a patient survey. This survey is considered relevant to all staff and regardless of their occupation staff are encouraged to complete the survey.

Transition to retirement policy
DH is finalising a policy document regarding the transition to retirement provisions. This will include detail such as accessing Superannuation whilst continuing to work part time etc. The document will be forwarded to the PSA and other relevant parties for comment.

Attraction and retention of staff
A survey is to be conducted to help address attraction and retention of staff. Some thirty focus groups will also be established to help facilitate this. Exit interviews for staff resigning are to be conducted by an external consultant.

Procurement, contracting and supply chain consolidation
This issue was raised by the PSA. Some discussion ensued. The scope of this project is not clear at this time. It was noted on the minutes for further reporting at the next meeting.

DH ILF, purpose and frequency of meetings, 2009
DH will write to all Unions regarding the proposed purpose and frequency of industrial forum meetings to be held in 2009.