Shock at news from Rotherham

Published: 27 November 2012

The Royal College of Nursing has condemned as ‘irresponsible’ proposals by the Rotherham NHS Foundation Trust that it could cut 750 jobs or 20% of its workforce by 2015.

Kevin Austerberry, Regional Director for the Royal College of Nursing (RCN) in Yorkshire and the Humber region said:  “This is shocking news and we’re extremely worried about the direct impact on patients’ services and nursing jobs.  It’s simply unthinkable that you can strip-out 20% of hospital staff without affecting the quality of care patients receive. These are very significant short term cuts with little or no consideration for the long term.  This is no way to treat the Trusts’ ‘greatest asset’.  Staff, patients and their relatives will be very concerned for the future.  It must now give a firm commitment to protect frontline services and jobs.”

The RCN will be seeking an urgent meeting with the trust and full details of its proposals.

Kevin added:  “Despite an overall surplus banked by the NHS, another Trust is being allowed to strip out services and jobs.  The Government gave a guarantee that it would protect frontline services – they must put care before cost”.