NHS Tayside '˜redesign' sparks jobs fear

NHS Tayside's plans to '˜redesign' its health services have brought a sharp reaction from the Unite union.

The cash-strapped health authority is progressing its Transforming Tayside programme, but Unite has expressed concern about its effect on jobs and the future size of the workforce.

NHS Tayside chairman John Brown has sought to reassure employees, saying there is “simply no question of anyone being made redundant as a result of this work”.

Dougie Maguire, Unite’s regional co-ordinating officer, drew attention to the health authority’s need to plan a Safe and Affordable Workforce (SAW) in association with the trade unions.

He said: “Unfortunately, we can’t state that this has happened in all cases. Unite members in NHS Tayside have been working in extremely challenging circumstances over a protracted period of time. Our members across all departments are demoralised at the projection of even less staff being available to deliver vital services.

Reports have also suggested that NHS Tayside might have to shed 10 per cent of staff due to “overstaffing” issues.

Mr Maguire said: “We would look to reassure members that although this 10 per cent figure has been quoted, we will continue to support our already overstretched staff and the services they provide. While there will not be compulsory redundancies, we remain fearful that shrinking the workforce will not only overburden those who continue to work in NHS Tayside, but that the failure to provide adequate resources will have a seriously detrimental effect on our communities.”

The NHS Tayside chairman voiced concern about how some of the work to develop plans has been portrayed.

Mr Brown said: “Some recent reports may have caused patients, their families, staff and the public to have concerns about the health and care services we provide here in Tayside.

“I want the public to know that any changes to our services and staffing will only be made if they increase and enhance our capacity and improve the quality of health and social care.

“We are committed to redesigning services which will deliver improvements across hospital and community care, see more people be treated quicker and closer to home and ensure the right staff are in the right place to look after the people of Tayside. It is important to note that we are still working through the best way to redesign services and organise our staff and no decisions have been made on any service changes or the redeployment of staff.”

Liberal Democrat health spokesperson Alex Cole-Hamilton MSP has warned that “slashing” staff numbers would be the “worst possible lesson”.

He said: “The challenges facing NHS Tayside have already hamstrung one Health Secretary. The public wants to know that the health board is turning a corner, but that is not going to happen when hundreds of staff are at risk. Slashing staff numbers would be completely the wrong lesson to take when the health board is already struggling. I will press the Health Secretary on what can be done to protect and improve services across Tayside.”