27.01.12
NHS Direct jobs at risk – RCN
Frontline staff could lose their jobs at NHS Direct due to changes in working patterns, the Royal College of Nursing claims.
The union has opposed the changes to working patterns which will see new shift arrangements created, with workers unable to join the shift pattern at risk of losing their jobs. Staff affected will have the option to reapply for any remaining shifts.
The RCN has said the changes are cost-cutting measures linked to the changes as part of the introduction of the NHS 111 service, which NHS Direct refutes.
Tricia Hamilton, chief nurse at NHS Direct, said: “The RCN is wrong to suggest that 300 frontline staff could lose their jobs because of our plans to introduce new roster arrangements. There are enough spaces for everyone to be allocated to a new roster pattern. The driving force behind the plans has always been to ensure our staff are available when our patients need them. This change is not driven by a need to make cost savings.
“We have seen a change in the profile of our calls since the introduction of NHS 111. Early evidence from the pilots shows that this will be a more ‘out-of-hours and weekend’ service than the 0845 service since it will be the front door to all GP out of hours services. At the moment, because of some long-term issues with rostering, the organisation is not able to guarantee that it can meet this changing demand effectively.”
RCN chief executive Dr Peter Carter told The Independent: “Our fear is that patients, who can often be extremely worried or distressed, will receive a stripped-back service from NHS 111, with more being advised to dial 999 or go to A&E, which is far more costly.
“At a time when the NHS as a whole is under pressure to make savings, it seems nonsensical that one part of the health service is in effect picking up the tab for another.
“We know that NHS Direct is in a difficult position at the moment, however many of the staff have worked there for years and are naturally very worried and upset about the future.
“NHS Direct also employs higher numbers of disabled workers who may not be able to cope with the physical demands of a hospital ward, yet are still able to provide sound clinical advice to patients.
“If these workers lose their jobs they may struggle to find future employment within a healthcare setting and as a result the NHS will lose their expert skills.”
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