EBME Forums Forums Free discussion Free discussion Closures

I think it is more likely that the closures will be services such as opthalmology rather than closing Hospitals. I think EBME depts will be less affected than clinical depts.

Departments that have lost work to the governments new babies(privately run clinics)should be wary i.e. othopaedics,opthalmology and day surgery.
These clinics get a guaranteed payment even if they don't get any patients.

Cheers
Mark

John,
The information I have is that there wasnt any single department left out. I think I heard it was done on a percentage basis. All departments having to find that percentage. Obviously if you have vacancies unfilled these can go first, (i've heard of this happening also) or if you have retirers coming up. But if you dont have these theres only one way forward as far as the business is concerned.
Another equation I've heard is based on management. How many managers (usually the biggest earners)in post throughout the trust? How many of those can do others management tasks? Whats left after shifting those tasks?, can we get away without those tasks being done or let someone else on less money do the none management tasks?
If yes to these get shut of the managers as we can save more money quicker.

I think each Hospital that is under threat is tackling it differently - but the fastest way to save money is on pay. Close a ward or dept and 'hey presto' instant savings. You are right that the senior management need to be worried. PCTs are reorganising and jobs are going. The SHAs are looking at Hospitals that are overspending.

Managers going! Think whats happened in the past.
Two managers go and are replaced by one manager who find the work too much and is allowed to employ at lease two assistants - net saving nil!

Don’t worry, John, as long as the kit is still being used, some one will still be needed to fix it. I see a different mix of technical support on the horizon, however, with the cosy old NHS EBME departments becoming a thing of the past. Lean, mean and focused is how it looks in my crystal ball. The future looks bright for contractors, I would say! Anyway want to join us (… to beat the rush, as it were)?

The news I have heard is that Epsom & St.Helier is closing and that the Royal Surrey at Guildford and St. Peters at Chertsey are in a 'run off'.

KM is right, my ex-Trust did it on a percentage basis per directorate, right across the board no exceptions. Med phys was part of radiology (which had remained within budget for the last year) they had to freeze 4 posts and loose 4, they already had the frozen ones. They did not want to loose front line clincial positions so looked to us for part of the cull.

Also I was rebanded as a result of a review to A4C, so the cynical amongst us, noted that they could demonstrate a higher saving as a result of the redundant post! Took them 2 and a half months, after I had left to produce my P45, and that was after some considerable chasing by me, and yes they still owe me money, I await the end of this month for the balance. Suffice to say I won't hold my breath! TU Amicus was a total waste of my money. Now in a new job out of the NHS, and feel all the better for it, would never, ever, go back.

Interesting comment from fuzzy.
I recently asked friends who work in industry if they would apply for ebme posts at what was then mto3 salary.
They work in dirty often weather torn conditions and have to work shifts some on dock estates and others in a vauxhall factory.
All said no, to much politics and to much hassle invloved just for a warm / cleaner working place.

... and no guarantee these days of job security.