Speaking today (Thursday) at the Health+Care event at EXCEL London, UNISON General Secretary Dave Prentis said:
“Earlier this month we heard a great deal about how the NHS is wasting millions of pounds every year.
“Hospitals are paying exorbitant amounts for everyday items like blankets and gloves, when just down the road another trust has bought the same items for a fraction of the cost.
“Now no-one is doubting that efficiencies can be made and more money can be saved. This is especially important at a time when demands on the NHS show no sign of slowing and resources are the scarcest they’ve ever been.
“But it’s a bit rich for the Secretary of State to say that no-one should be paying over the odds for everyday items. Many of those very staff who sourced their hospitals such good deals in the past have been got rid of in the name of greater efficiency.
“Over the past five years there has been an almost constant criticism from government of what ministers call ‘pen pushers’ or ‘back office’ staff – not just in the NHS but throughout our public services.
“It’s almost as if before 2010 the people who were doing these valuable clerical jobs were just sitting around twiddling their thumbs, instead of looking for the best deals on offer.
“But as Lord Carter’s interim report showed, unless there are staff in every hospital with the right skills, experience and the time to source the best prices for drugs and other supplies, valuable NHS resources will continue to be wasted.
“Cutting admin staff was always going to be a false economy.
“The money that is being wasted on too pricey pills, excessively expensive energy and costly clipboards is money that could be spent improving patient services.
“The government must recognise that everyone in the NHS has an important role to play – whether they are in an office or on a ward.
“Admin jobs axed over the past five years in the name of greater efficiency should be re-advertised and the posts filled. If not, the NHS will forever be spending more money on everyday items than it needs to.
“The government must stop its anti-administration drive and allow valuable clerical staff to show once again the difference they can make. Saving money, supporting patients and allowing clinical staff to get on with their jobs.”