Amicus response
Commissioning a Patient-led NHS is quite possibly the greatest challenge to face our members working in the provision of community services.
Why?
Almost all the suggested proposals for the employment of service providers will inevitably result in wholesale fragmentation. Uppermost in the minds of our members delivering community nursing, pharmacy and therapy services is the implications to service provision.
But what about NHS staff’s pay, conditions, training and development or pension?
Will these be protected? Any transfer of staff from the NHS to an alternative employer inevitably involves risk. UK legislation, despite recent changes, is still very weak and Amicus has direct experience of broken promises.
So what is your union doing?
Amicus joined with Unison in putting an Emergency Motion to the TUC Congress and we supported the successful Contemporary Motion at the Labour Party Conference. We have discussed the proposals in detail with government advisors and have met the Secretary of State for Health, Patricia Hewitt. Amicus General Secretary, Derek Simpson, clearly stated our union’s complete opposition to the fragmentation of community health services, which he said would have disastrous consequences.
A survey of Amicus Branches is underway to identify current cuts to community service provision and a preliminary report has been forwarded to government. Ironically Amicus and government both acknowledge that these vacancy freezes and job cuts are taking place and that expenditure on community services is being squeezed. Where we part company is how to solve the problem.
The first of a series of Amicus briefing papers will be circulated to reps soon. This will be followed by material that will form a Campaign Pack.
Our message to reps and members is clear. We must do all we can to resist the fragmentation of community service provision. That means uniting with organisations that share our concerns and speaking out. In particular we must ensure that MPs and counsellors understand why we say that Amicus is not against change, but we want change for the better not for worse.
Gail Cartmail
National Officer
If you have any question arising from this edition of Reps Direct please contact your Regional Officer.