NHS to axe 300 assistance jobs

NHS downsizing could lead to compulsory redundancies. Photograph: Dominic Lipinski/PA

About 300 NHS support personnel are dealing with redundancy in the very first wave of management job cuts because final April’s reorganisation, in accordance to NHS England.

In a important slimming down of the commissioning assistance units (CSUs), which support GP-led clinical commissioning groups (CCGs), NHS England has confirmed there would be a three% reduction in staffing levels “so that assets are targeted on frontline providers, and taxpayers’ cash is utilized properly”.

CSUs have about 9,400 staff – more than NHS England itself which has close to 6,000 – and have a mixed earnings from their NHS “buyers” of all around £700m. They supply a range of solutions to CCGs, including evaluation of organization intelligence, communications and marketing, and enterprise help such as IT, HR and legal companies.

An NHS England spokesman said: “The new commissioning method has had time to settle, and CSUs are now far better positioned to comprehend the full value of offering solutions to their clients in the most effective way. This does mean seeking once more at their value base, which includes nearby workforce arrangements, going forward.

“Early indications display that CSUs across the nation think that this could suggest compulsory redundancies equating to about 3% of the complete CSU workforce (which currently equates to 292 posts). CSUs are also considering reductions in vacancies as well as other possibilities such as modifications to work patterns.”

NHS managers say they anticipated some fine-tuning of the units, but expressed alarm at the scale of the downsizing.

Dr Johnny Marshall, director of policy at the NHS Confederation, mentioned it must be acknowledged that CSUs “took on a huge job in a new atmosphere”, and additional that they need to be given time to establish themselves.

“It is obviously an unsettling time for workers working at CSUs. It truly is critical to make certain we are supplying commissioning support companies as effectively and efficiently as achievable, so it is right to search at no matter whether the structures we currently have are delivering that,” he explained.

He additional: “Any alter needs to be led by CSUs themselves in response to what CCGs are saying they need to have. The NHS does not want any further reorganisation less than a year after the new system was established, but if by concentrating expertise brings patient positive aspects, it may well in the longer term be required.

“Even so, any alterations should make sure we are not depriving the program of the commissioning information, abilities and expertise at a time when it is most essential.”

Dr Steve Kell, NHS Clinical Commissioners leadership group co-chair, mentioned: “It really is important that CSUs are efficient and cost effective, but it is essential that they meet the demands of their buyers – that is, CCGs. The NHS has witnessed a significant reduction in management and this planned reduction in running fees have to not avoid clinical commissioners reaching the larger aim of a greater sustainable NHS.”

In accordance to NHS England, CSUs’ income is reliant on supplying a substantial-top quality, cost-effective service to CCGS.

CCGs currently invest only half of their administrative and running costs budget allowance on providers provided by CSUs. Nationally, this accounts for £500m of the cash flow the units receive.

An NHS England spokesman stated: “We recognise that these are challenging choices, which are getting taken so that resource is centered on frontline NHS solutions. CSUs are doing work hard to guarantee that any colleagues affected by adjustments are completely engaged with, and any decisions are topic to, ongoing discussions and nearby consultations in conjunction with trade union representatives.”

Regional 45-day consultations on redundancies started on 7 January and will follow nationwide tips to make sure consistency across CSUs close to the country.

This post is published by Guardian Professional. Join the Healthcare Professionals Network to obtain standard emails and exclusive offers.

NHS to axe 300 assistance jobs