Proposed costs to cover striking doctors in the event of
industrial action next week are ‘outrageous' and ‘excessive'.
A survey of trust leaders has highlighted widespread worries
about the likely impact of industrial action on patient care,
waiting lists and finances.
The findings, from more than a third of trusts including
hospital, mental health, community and ambulance services, show
the depth of concerns about the damaging and disrupting
consequences of further strike action.
- 89% said strike action would have a negative impact on
waiting lists.
- 83% said it would have a negative impact on their ability to
deliver patient care.
- 89% said it would have a negative impact on their ability to
deliver their financial plan for the current year.
Responding to the findings, the chief executive of NHS Providers,
Daniel Elkeles, said:
“Trust leaders respect the right to strike and want to work with
BMA colleagues to minimise the harm to patients.
“That means ensuring adequate cover, which is very expensive, as
we know from previous strikes.
“Providers are telling us loud and clear there is no extra money
to cover this, and the unexpected cost is bound to impact on the
services they can provide.
“Patients will suffer.
“It is especially worrying to see demands for excessive rates to
provide this cover. These rates are simply unaffordable and would
mean cuts to services.
“The withdrawal of labour by one staff group should not be seen
as a financial opportunity for another.
“That would be outrageous in a situation where there can be no
winners.”
Ends
Notes to Editors
- A survey of trust leaders carried out between 9 – 14 July
drew 88 responses from 70 trusts covering a third (34%) of all
NHS trusts in England.
- Some NHS regions have set rates for clinicians doing
additional work to be paid during industrial action, but the
BMA's “rate card” stipulates much higher hourly payments
- For example the NHS London hourly rate for overnight
consultant cover is £93.34 whereas the figure in the BMA's
London rate card is
£334 with added time off in lieu.
