Commenting on new analysis published today (Thursday) by the King’s Fund showing the scale of bad experiences in the NHS caused by administrative failures, UNISON head of health Helga Pile said:
“Admin roles in the NHS are all too often first in the firing line during any misguided drive for efficiency savings.
“Staff are already under intense strain from workforce cuts, with upwards of 3,000 posts to go in the next two years in England alone* and probably many more.
“Factoring in the outdated IT systems across the NHS, that’s a recipe for mistakes, putting patients at risk.
“Without the staff to organise appointments, communicate results and so much more, people in need of healthcare will be let down.
“If ministers are serious about cutting waiting lists, they must invest in the admin workforce that keeps the system running.”
Notes to editors:
– UNISON sent Freedom of Information (FOI) requests to 202 NHS provider trusts in England and combined responses with published accounts and NHS England financial data to build a national picture of deficits and workforce reductions.
– The Less Fit for the Future report was release this week at the union’s annual health conference in Edinburgh and can be found here.
– UNISON is the UK’s largest union, with more than 1.3 million members providing public services in education, local government, the NHS, police service and energy. They are employed in the public, voluntary and private sectors.
Media contacts:
Fatima Ayad M:07508 080383 E:f.ayad@unison.co.uk
Anthony Barnes M: 07834 864794 E: a.barnes@unison.co.uk
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