Are you working as a health adviser in      Genitourinary medicine?

7 top reasons

1. TRADE UNION MEMBERSHIP: Become a part of Britain’s second largest union representing over half a million skilled and professional people. The amicus MSF offers you advice, guidance and representation in all aspects of your working life, from negotiating your conditions of employment to making certain your employer values your skills and career development.

2. PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT: 300 health advisers around the country have joined forces to form SHASTD. This equates to approximately 6 out of every 7 health advisers. Together as a member organisation we can influence the direction of our profession at a clinic, regional and national level.

3. NEWSLETTER: This is valuable in keeping in touch with work done by colleagues around the country. It is a useful vehicle in sharing examples of good practice and encouraging debate.

4. LOCAL SUPPORT GROUPS: Each region holds regular meetings which can be invaluable in reducing the sense of isolation felt by many members. Invited speakers may contribute to discussions on topical areas of interest.

5. ANNUAL CONFERENCE: Attendance is a must for all health advisers if you can leave behind your clinic work for 3 days each Spring. The venues change each year with the 1999 one held at Bishop Stortford. Presentations are usually made by health advisers and workshops covering a variety of themes impacting on our role make the event a winner with delegates.

6. PROFESSIONAL REGISTRATION: Along with all other health professions, health advisers are moving, through SHASTD, towards professional self regulation. This should eventually lead to state registration. A preliminary register has been established and all members of SHASTD who are practising health advisers are eligible to be registered. Contact our registrar for further information or applications to join register.

7. VALUE FOR MONEY: Full membership costs as little as £2.16 per week and only £1.02 if you qualify for reduced rate membership. These rates have been held at the 2001 level.

For more information on membership contact:

or

Carol English, SHASTD National Officer

020 7505 3265