UNISON is warning that plans to cut more than 200 staff from the
patient help-line NHS Direct (NHS D), and not replace nurses and
call handlers who have left, could lead to anxious patients waiting
longer for help, putting increased pressure on A&E departments.
The job losses are the result of funding cuts by the Department of
Health and competition for out-of-hours services with other
providers, including private companies.
An NHS D board meeting today confirmed that staff numbers will
be cut and 12* sites closed, with a further 5 kept under review.
Karen Jennings, UNISON Head of Health, said: