MEDIC Forward - 22 May 2015
Issued to Gair Rhydd 22/05/2015
A Cardiff
University spokesperson said: "It would be inappropriate to comment on any
funding application or an individual's circumstances whilst the Medic Forward
consultation process remains on-going. Until the consultation
with staff, stakeholders, the wider University, the Trade Unions and the
individuals themselves is completed we would advise anyone who wishes to raise any concerns to do so through
the most appropriate channels."
/Ends
Issued to Western Mail (Thu 21/05/2015)
"The number you have stated is incorrect.
"Following a period of extensive
consultation with Trade Unions and members of staff, we can confirm that
letters have been sent out indicating that roles are likely to be placed at
risk of redundancy in areas identified for disinvestment.
"It would be wholly inappropriate and inaccurate to discuss specific numbers at this stage. We continue to consult collectively with our trade union colleagues and an individual consultation period with affected staff is now underway.
"Our NHS Partners and other stakeholders have been – and will continue to be - engaged at key points throughout this process."
/Ends
Issued to BMJ Careers (Thu 21/05/2015)
"Following a period of extensive consultation with Trade Unions and members of staff, we can confirm that letters have been sent out indicating that roles are likely to be placed at risk of redundancy in areas identified for disinvestment.
"It would be wholly inappropriate and inaccurate to discuss specific numbers at this stage. We continue to consult collectively with our trade union colleagues and an individual consultation period with affected staff is now underway.
"Our NHS Partners and other stakeholders have been – and will continue to be - engaged at key points throughout this process."
/Ends
Issued to Gair Rhydd (Fri 15/05/2015)
"It is important to note that we are still in a consultation period and
continue to engage with Trade Union colleagues and staff.
"It must also be stressed that MEDIC Forward is
not a cost saving measure. It is about creating a sustainable school that is
fit for the future. Following a period of disinvestment will be a reinvestment
into our areas of strength.
"Developing these areas is vital if we are to keep apace with the rapidly
evolving needs of the medical profession and the patients which it serves.
"If following the consultation period students find themselves in a position
where their research area has been negatively impacted, then we will treat
students on a case-by-case basis to find the best solution to their individual
situation.
"Any grant money lost as a result of any changes will be reimbursed by the
School. Students will be allocated new supervisors with suitable expertise if
changes result in the loss of academic support. In the worst case scenario, if
there is there is no longer adequate support for a particular research area,
students will be put on to a new project.
"Since the outset of the consultation period we have kept in close communication with students and staff at every stage of the process via face-to-face briefings, newsletters, FAQs, social media, and regular email correspondence. This will continue throughout.
"Leading the transformation of the School is the Dean of Medicine, who
continues to work with an open door policy. Furthermore, students are free to
voice their ideas or concerns to their personal tutors or the director of
postgraduate research."
/Ends
Issued to BMA News (Fri 15/05/2015)
"Following a period of extensive consultation with Trade Union and
members of staff, the School has sent out letters indicating that roles are
likely to be placed at risk of redundancy in areas identified for
disinvestment.
"We continue to consult collectively with our trade union colleagues in
addition to entering an individual consultation period with affected
staff. Within the number of staff impacted by these decisions, we can
confirm that not all are medical academics.
"Our NHS Partners and other stakeholders have been engaged at key points throughout this project.
"The University's Vice Chancellor has also be in correspondence with the BMA's co-chair of the Medical Academic Staff Committee on this matter."/Ends
Issued to Nursing in Practice (Mon 11/05/2015)
"We are
committed to protecting the job security of our staff as far as possible.
"We also recognise that this is an unsettling time for colleagues and are
providing all the relevant support as we work through this challenging time.
"As part of this support, we have been engaged in collective consultation with
our three recognised trade unions - UCU, Unison and Unite the Union - since the
project's outset and continue to remain in consultation.
"We are currently undergoing a period of great change, designed to keep apace
with the rapidly evolving needs of the medical profession and the patients
which it serves.
"Since November of last year, we have been engaged in the Medic Forward
programme.
"The programme is the driving force behind our ambition to be a permanent
fixture in the top 10 of the UK's medical schools; it will ensure that we
achieve the highest standards of teaching and world-leading research.
"Our teaching and research will only have the desired impact if it is
truly relevant to the environment and meets the needs of patients now and in
the future.
"The skills and knowledge of our employees are an asset to the University and a
lead factor in its success.
"The changes brought about by Medic
Forward will enhance Cardiff's reputation as a world class medical school.
"In particular the establishment of the new Division of Population Medicine
will provide considerably greater focus for our work in areas of preventive
medicine and public health.
"Our priority remains - and will continue to be - the provision of world-class
medical education through world-leading research and high-quality teaching. We
are confident that Medic Forward will deliver a School of Medicine that is fit
for the future."
/Ends