NHS pay organisation has uncertain future

NHS pay organisation has uncertain future

3:00pm Wednesday 13th March 2013 in News

By Joanna Codd

THE future of a controversial organisation set up to look at the pay, terms and conditions of NHS workers across the south west has been thrown into doubt.

The south west pay, terms and conditions consortium, set up last June, came down against the introduction of regional pay.

Boards of the 18 NHS trusts that are still members of the consortium now have to consider the findings of its report and decide what role – if any – the consortium could play in the future.

Unions held several demonstrations, including outside Poole Hospital and Dorset HealthCare's premises amid fears that the consortium would lead to England's first breakaway from nationally-negotiated NHS pay agreements.

Chris Bown, chief executive of Poole Hospital and chairman of the consortium's steering group, said: "There has been much speculation over the consortium's work and intentions, and I believe that in publishing the report, many of the myths will be shattered.

"We have listened to the many views raised, and believe that in our report we have identified a sensible way forward which seeks to encourage national solutions wherever possible, while at the same time identifying that future changes must be made in a timely way and be fit for purpose."

The consortium was formed to identify how funding from taxpayers could be used more efficiently to protect jobs and quality healthcare at a time of huge financial challenges for the NHS.

Member trusts each paid £10,000 towards the start-up costs, but the Royal Bournemouth and Christchurch Hospitals withdrew from the consortium in November and North Devon Healthcare on March 1.

The report advocates that the remaining members work with staff representatives to implement recently-agreed amendments to Agenda for Change, but suggests the active work of the consortium could be revived if the trusts lose confidence in national negotiations.

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http://www.news.ezonearticle.com/2013/03/13/nhs-pay-organisation-has-uncertain-future/