Nurses and call handling staff at NHS Direct, the patient advice line, are in line to become the latest victims of NHS deficits said UNISON, the UK’s largest health union today.
Management at NHS Direct have announced plans to cut the jobs of nurses and call handlers as well as the closure of some of its call centres, in a bid to cover a large financial deficit.
NHS Direct staff give confidential advice and assistance to worried parents and relatives about sick children and their families. In addition they provide information about healthcare topics for diagnosed conditions and advice on local health services.
Karen Jennings, UNISON Head of Health, said: