The Royal Orthopaedic Hospital in Birmingham has signed the Dying to Work charter, committing to protecting its own staff in the face of a life-limiting diagnosis.
The charter is part of the Trades Union Congress (TUC) Dying to Work Campaign, seeking greater job security for terminally ill workers to ensure they cannot be dismissed as a result of their condition.
“Our people are at the heart of what we do – we couldn’t provide exceptional care to our patients without them - so it’s really important we support our people through difficult times," explains Matthew Hartland, CEO at the Royal Orthopaedic Hospital. “Receiving a terminal diagnosis is devastating, and staff facing this reality need to be supported and treated with dignity and respect.”
Matthew adds: “We’ve signed the Dying to Work charter to show our commitment to creating a working environment where colleagues facing terminal illnesses feel supported in making the right choice for them, whether that’s continuing to work or leaving to spend time with their loved ones without unnecessary worry of financial uncertainty.”
The Dying to Work charter has four main points:
- Recognising that terminal illness diagnoses need support and understanding
- Ensuring that terminally ill employees will be supported by their employer after their diagnosis
- Providing terminally ill employees with work security and the freedom to choose the best course of action for themselves and their families
- Supporting the Dying to Work campaign, specifically the protections for employment and the death in service benefits for their loved ones
Alex Gilder is the Chair of the ABLE Network, a staff group at ROH for colleagues with disabilities, long-term health conditions, carers, and allies. She attended the signing event and explains its importance:
“From my involvement with the ABLE Network, I know how much difference genuine care and understanding can make to colleagues facing life-changing illness. By signing the Dying to Work charter, we’re showing our commitment to protecting staff when they’re most vulnerable - giving them the reassurance that they’ll be treated with compassion, dignity and respect. This is another important step in making the ROH a truly inclusive and supportive place to work.”
One staff member highlighted the impact signing the charter will have as they face a life-changing illness themselves: “Living with a terminal diagnosis brings enough uncertainty. Knowing that the ROH has signed the Dying to Work Charter alleviates one of my biggest fears - losing my family’s financial security when we need stability the most. It means that when the time comes, I can focus on my health, my family, and making the most of my time, knowing I’ll be treated with kindness and understanding.”
