Commenting on Lord Carter’s interim report published today (Thursday), UNISON Head of Health Christina McAnea said: “Of course it’s essential that savings can be made, particularly at a time when NHS budgets are being cut.
“But there is an irony that over the past five years, there has been an almost constant criticism of what the government calls ‘back office’ staff in the NHS. Many of these jobs have disappeared in the name of greater efficiency.
“But unless, as this report shows, there are staff with the right skills and the time to give over to sourcing the best deals for their workplace when it comes to drugs and other supplies purchased, valuable NHS resources will be wasted.
“This is money that could be spent improving patient services. We hope this means the government will now recognise that everyone in the NHS has an important role to play – whether they are in an office or on a ward – to support patients and allow clinical staff to carry out their jobs effectively.”
