Industrial action at GOSH: update for families and visitors 2 Feb 2022

2 Feb 2022, 3:32 p.m.

Great Ormond Street Hospital (GOSH) has been told that from 2 February to 18 March a small number of our security team will be taking strike action.

Please be assured we have plans in place to minimise any disruption for our patients and families and we do not expect our security services to be interrupted. We understand a rally has been organised on Thursday, 3 February, from 12pm, and if you are visiting us, you may see a picket line at times outside the hospital.

Like many hospitals, we sometimes work with specialist providers to help us maintain efficient, high-quality support services. We have a contract with Carlisle Security Services to help make sure security at the hospital is resilient and complies with regulations in that industry.

Our security guards are employees of Carlisle Security Services, and their terms and conditions of employment are set by Carlisle. These terms and conditions differ from those of NHS employees, and this is at the root of the industrial action. Our security guards do a great job keeping our staff, patients, and visitors safe and are a vital part of the GOSH team. We encourage a culture where people can speak up if they have concerns about their working conditions and we respect the right to protest.

If you are worried about your visit, or need any support or further information, please contact our Patient Advice and Liaison Service (PALS) on pals@gosh.nhs.uk

Creating communities and lasting involvement

At GOSH, patient and public involvement and engagement (PPIE) builds lasting relationships and communities that shape research over time.

Building trust in data and research

At GOSH, patients and young people are helping researchers understand not just what data can do, but how it should (and shouldn’t) be used, explained and protected.

Celebrating 25 years of saving children’s lives with gene therapy

Marking 25 years since delivering the first ground-breaking gene therapy here at GOSH, having now treated more than 135 children with rare and life-threatening conditions across the world.

A catalyst to unlock the next generation of research leaders

The NIHR GOSH Biomedical Research Centre (BRC) Fellowships are transforming early-career researchers into independent leaders - driving innovation, attracting millions in funding and shaping the future of paediatric science.