02.01.13
Welsh health boards criticised over prolonged suspensions
The length of time taken to deal with disciplinary matters within the NHS in Wales has been criticised.
In the past three years, 270 members of staff were suspended by Welsh Health Boards, just nine of whom were suspended with no pay. 142 were suspended on full pay for six months or longer.
Staff who are suspended generally remain on full pay under the All Wales Disciplinary Policy, but the duration of the cases is causing more financial pressure.
Of the 270, 90 returned to work, 40 of whom only returned after a six month period of suspension.
Darren Millar AM, chair of the National Assembly’s Public Accounts Committee and shadow health minister, told Wales Online: “These figures are a cause for concern. While it is right that any allegations of misconduct are investigated thoroughly and fairly, it is important that such inquiries should be conducted swiftly to avoid increasing staffing pressures.
“With unprecedented pressure on the finances of Local Health Boards unnecessarily long suspensions on full pay, excessive red tape and employing temporary staff are the last thing the NHS needs.
“Prolonged staff suspensions must undoubtedly have an impact on the delivery of patient care. The Health Minister needs to work with Local Health Boards to examine why so many suspensions are lasting so long and resolve these disciplinary issues as a matter of urgency.”
A spokeswoman for the Welsh Government said: “NHS organisations in Wales have disciplinary polices and processes in place which include provisions relating to suspension. The Welsh Government expects these policies to be implemented consistently.”
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