‘Haphazard’ NHS cuts may adversely impact patient care
The British Medical Association (BMA) has reported that cuts planned within the heath service are being introduced in a ‘haphazard’ way which could harm patient care.
Speaking at the start of a four day conference in Brighton, BMA chairman Dr Hamish Meldrum said he was concerned about the way NHS service cuts were being introduced, as doctors were not being consulted.
One in four doctors consulted through a BMA poll of more than 300 branches across the UK reported that redundancies were planned while nearly two thirds reported recruitment freezes on nurses and non-clinical staff. These cuts impact doctors who have to pick up the administration and support work themselves.
Feedback also showed new services and facilities being postponed or scrapped while GPs had tighter restrictions imposed on which patients they could refer for specialist treatments.
Although the NHS will not see its budget slashed like other public sector organisations, it has been asked to make savings because rising drug costs and an aging population are increasing costs.
Dr Meldrum commented: “Despite the government’s best assurances that front-line services will be protected, our data shows that cuts are already being planned or becoming a reality and that these will have an impact on doctors’ ability to care for patients.”
He then urged NHS bosses to consult staff and communities about the savings they were making to avoid ‘haphazard’ and ‘arbitrary’ decision-making taking place.
If you have been affected by any issues raised in this article please contact us on 0800 158 5258 to speak to one of our specialist advisors.