06.11.17
Burton trust could merge with Derby despite local union pressure
Burton Hospitals NHS FT could continue its merger with Derby Teaching Hospitals NHS FT despite questions from a local trade union council.
The East Staffordshire Trade Union Council are concerned that the merger would reduce the quality of both trusts and their hospitals.
The organisation has contacted local councillors asking for their opinions on the plans, which are currently being considered by the boards at the two trusts.
Both hospitals say the merger would allow them to operate more effectively and would not cause wholesale staff redundancies, privatisation or vastly reduced surgeries.
The Burton trust came out of special measures in 2015 but was told that it must continue to tighten its finances and government. It is still rated as ‘requires improvement’ by the CQC whereas the Derby trust is rated ‘good’.
John Rivers, chair of both trusts, commented: “The proposed merger is an exciting opportunity to improve and enhance local services. For Queen’s Hospital in Burton, our fundamental principle is that we will retain a vibrant district general hospital in the town, keeping and improving the core services we offer as part of that, including our A&E.
“Patients are at the heart of everything we do and these public meetings are an opportunity for us to share information and to listen to people’s views and concerns. We hope that many local people will attend and give us their views.”
The main fears surround facilities at Burton Hospital, with the merger of the two groups the hospital is expected to operate less services.
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