UNISON, the UK’s largest public sector union, today called on the government to step in to save Mid Staffs NHS Trust from going into administration – giving patients, staff and local residents the reassurance they need and deserve.
Christina McAnea, UNISON head of health, said: “Today’s news is deeply worrying for patients, staff and local people. More than 15,000 local residents have already signed a petition calling for the hospital to keep its acute services. It is vital that these views are listened to and acted upon at all stages of the consultation process.
“Hospital staff and managers have put many hours of hard work into trying to turn this hospital around after the tragic lapses of care that occurred. Putting this hospital into administration could turn the clock back on these improvements.
“The focus on finances is also very worrying given that putting finances first – above patient care – was a major criticism made by the Francis report into Mid Staffs.
“There is money available to bail out banks, there should be money available to bail out vital local services such as hospitals. The government must step in.”
UNISON is calling for patients staff and their unions to be fully represented and properly consulted throughout the special administrator’s investigations.
