An interesting thread regarding a topic which I think will become more and more prominent in the NHS over the next few years (months even, particular from 2011).
Employee's who work for the NHS (and in most public sector jobs) are onto a good 'screw' compared to our private sector counterparts, particularly in the current climate and compared to those within the Medical Engineering fields of private companies. So you are right Fiona, people should not forget that, and those who are totally clueless to that fact need to experience the real world and wake up fast.
The private companies will also be on the receiving end of the NHS financial mess.
The NHS has for too long has had too many time wasting posts, middle management tiers and generally various posts and roles which do not culminate at all to benefit patient care.
However we must not tar all managerial posts, as some are required and essential and there are people in those roles who are dedicated and well informed. There is also dead wood on ‘the ground’ amongst the so called ‘real workers’ too, and who have had their day and should leave.
The NHS is on the slippery slope and there is no return. Let’s face it, the NHS will not make another 60 years, it WILL be privatized and the implementation of Foundation Trust Status was the biggest step and clue to this fact.
We all know that once the accountants get involved (in both public and private sectors) things go downhill fast, but surely even they can see the effect these cuts will have on patient care?
Whoever gets in government in May will not be able to turn around this mess.
Perhaps the people at the top should be making sure the funds are going where they are meant and get involved in making things more efficient, this will mean staff cuts but that is by far not the first point of call.
One last un-biased thought – all employees of the public sector who have not been in the reel world should remember that they get paid regardless; they have a job regardless if any work goes out the door.
