Staff Protest SubCo Plans at DCH

On Thursday the 15th of May dozens of staff from Dorset County Hospital and other local NHS Trusts gathered on the corner of Williams Avenue to protest plans to transfer over 1,600 estates, facilities, and procurement staff into a new NHS-owned subsidiary company, known as a SubCo.

The peaceful demonstration was organised by UNISON and supported by staff from a wide range of roles, including porters, cleaners, catering, domestic and transport teams. Many flew Unison flags, held placards, and handed out flyers to raise awareness of what the proposed changes could mean for staff contracts, pensions, and NHS identity.

The event attracted local and national media attention, with coverage from both the Dorset Echo and BBC News, bringing wider public attention to the issue.

Management say the move will create efficiency and save money, but many staff remain unconvinced. Concerns include:

• Long-term erosion of NHS terms and conditions
• Uncertainty around pensions and new starter protections
• The principle of removing staff from direct NHS employment

Despite this, the Trust board is progressing to the next stage of the process, including staff consultation in the coming weeks.