A HOSPITAL worker who suffered devastating miscarriage complications was forced to return to work against her doctor’s advice, Unite revealed yesterday.

The woman had to return to her duties to avoid financial hardship despite being unable to work following her illness.

South West Yorkshire Partnership NHS Foundation Trust refused to give her sick pay despite being employed for the trust.

She and other workers at Doncaster Cheswold Park hospital, which provides mental health services, were employed by private health provider Riverside until late 2024 when they were transferred to the NHS.

Unite said that despite now being NHS employees, the trust is refusing to update the medical and non-medical workers’ bare minimum contracts.

This has created a “two-tier workforce” at the hospital as new employees, as well as those moving from other parts of the trust, are on NHS contracts that provide fairer pay and terms and conditions.

Unite general secretary Sharon Graham said: “This case is absolutely sickening — the trust’s leadership should hang their heads in shame for allowing it to happen.

“The creation of a two-tier workforce at Cheswold Park is totally unacceptable.”

More than 170 workers have launched a collective grievance against the trust over its refusal to give them NHS contracts. 

Unite regional officer Chris Rawlinson said: “The trust’s behaviour towards these workers is totally immoral. 

“There is no excuse for treating them as second-class employees and trying to deny long-serving and dedicated staff fair redundancy packages. 

“Unite will not allow the trust to kick this issue into the long grass — we will back these workers every step of the way.”

South West Yorkshire Partnership NHS Foundation Trust said: “We are committed to moving all staff over to NHS terms and conditions as soon as it is practically possible and the financial position supports the move. 

“We do not accept the position as described by Unite as it does not accurately reflect the situation in Cheswold Park, nor acknowledge the support being provided to staff at the hospital.“