17 November 2005
Amicus, the health service union, is concerned about the proposed merger of the NHS Trusts in Liverpool, Sefton, Southport and West Lancashire.
Amicus says that the four trusts: Aintree University Hospitals NHS Trust, Cheshire and Merseyside Strategic Health Authority, Royal Liverpool and Broadgreen University Hospital NHS Trust, Southport and Ormskirk Hospitals NHS Trust and The Walton Centre for Neurology and Neurosurgery have begun formal discussions to review the management of their Trusts.
The union has warned that the changes may result in hospital closures and the privatisation of healthcare services.
Debbie Brannan, Amicus' Regional Officer for Health, said:
"Amicus members employed in these Trusts work tirelessly to provide the essential healthcare our communities expect. These proposals add uncertainty to their already difficult jobs.
"As service providers we should have a direct say on how that service is provided and want to have full involvement and consultation on these plans. We want to know that any changes made will benefit our communities and are not being driven by the need to save money.
"As a union we are not opposed to change, but we are concerned that this is yet another attempt to privatise our National Health Service. When our members need medical help they look to our healthcare members of staff to care for them, not some NHS PLC."
The health service union says that the Strategic Health Authority is commissioning 'independent experts' to assess all proposals and decide which will be explored further with staff and the public.
