'Fingers crossed, so far we've been able to solve all the childcare problems that staff have come with,' she says. 'Most parents are wanting out-of-school care for their children, including before and after school and holiday schemes. It seems they have more childcare problems once their children go to school because of NHS shift patterns.'
Sandy is implementing changes that will dramatically increase the availability of childcare to NHS staff in the area. There is currently a 72-place day nursery at Blackpool Victoria Hospital, and two 56-place nurseries are due to be completed at Royal Preston Hospital and Chorley District Hospital by April 2003.
A holiday playscheme operates during Easter and summer from 7am until 6pm, and next year the Trusts will be putting out to tender up to seven playschemes throughout the area to provide 400 places. It is hoped the clubs will be supported by New Opportunities Fund grants.
Sandy has turned to childminders for help during unsociable hours. 'I contacted local childminders through the EYDCP, asking if they were interested in covering NHS shift patterns ,and got a good response, including two childminders who are willing to do overnight cover. So we have a pool of childminders who can be flexible, and a couple are available for emergency cover too.
'We also have three places, one for each age group, reserved for emergencies at the day nursery. So, for instance, if a surgeon is scheduled to do operations and their childcare arrangements fall through, we can accommodate them.'
Staff going on maternity leave receive an information pack about childcare policies along with the childcare co-ordinator's contact details. Sandy is also piloting coffee mornings for staff on maternity leave where they can talk about returning to work. Sandy has helped establish the North West Co-ordinators Link, where up to 20 childcare co-ordinators meet every six weeks to swap initiatives and advice.
'It is hard keeping up with all the demand, but we are making fantastic progress,' says Sandy. 'Before, when staff had childcare problems, there was often conflict with their managers. Now we are able to sort out arrangements that suit the staff and the managers.'
