NHS Trust urged to scrap £49m job-cut proposals as hospital staff lobby board

Health staff at the Royal Cornwall Hospitals NHS Trust lobbied the Trust board today (Thursday) over plans to cut hundreds of jobs as part of a £49 million cost-saving programme, says UNISON.

Ahead of the meeting, the chair of the Trust board, chief executive and head of people came out to meet staff and hear directly how the proposed cuts would affect services, patient care and employees.

Administrative, clerical and support staff explained the professional, operational and personal impact of the plans before handing over a collective grievance signed by hundreds of UNISON members and a petition opposing the cuts, which has already gained more than 5,500 signatures.

Earlier this week, the Trust announced a pause to its administrative cuts consultation following lunchtime protests at hospitals in Truro, Penzance and Hayle. UNISON says the decision shows the power of staff standing together to defend jobs and services.

Cutting jobs on this scale would increase workloads, reduce service quality and put patient safety at risk, says the union.

UNISON South West regional organiser Charlie Woods said:
“Today’s lobby shows the strength of feeling among hospital staff. They are dedicated professionals who keep services running safely for patients every day.

“The Trust’s decision to pause the consultation was the right one, but staff are clear that the plans must be abandoned entirely.

“There are better ways to manage financial pressures than by putting jobs and patient care at risk.”