Health union anger at independent budget review

July 29, 2010 by Jennifer Trueland · Leave a Comment

Theresa Fyffe of RCN Scotland

Health unions have reacted with a mixture of anger and caution to the Independent Budget Review.

The British Medical Association said that health workers – facing job cuts and pay freezes – should not have to suffer because of failures of bankers and government.

And the Royal College of Nursing – whose members probably face the biggest hit, in that they form the largest part of the health workforce – called for an “open and honest debate” and warned against short-termism.

Dr Brian Keighley, chairman of the BMA in Scotland, said the review was right to say that a longer term strategic view of public services was required. “However, public sector workers should not bear the responsibility for the failings of the banking system and the NHS must not pay the price of poor financial management by governments.”

“This report makes some serious recommendations that we must warn against. We recognise that the UK is entering a period where a degree of pay restraint will be required but the BMA will continue to argue for fair reward for our members. Public sector workers are already facing a two year pay freeze and cannot be expected to continue to pay the price for the mistakes of others. This all comes on top of four years of no funding increase for general practice. Eventually something has to give and essential frontline services will suffer.”

He also criticised the report for categorising consultant distinction awards as “bonuses”, adding that they are an established part of pay arrangements and promote excellence in the NHS.

Perhaps surprisingly, given that it has campaigned on the issue, the RCN’s statement does not mention consultant distinction awards (to which the review says the government should pay “particular attention” as the cost appears “significantly out of line” with all other public sector bonus arrangements).

Instead, RCN Scotland director Theresa Fyffe said “meaningful thought” would be required before any decisions were made by the Scottish Government and public sector bodies.

“Many of the options set out in the review might meet the challenges of the short-term financial pressures that we are currently facing but a strategic vision for the future of public services, including health services, is urgently needed to ensure financial cuts now still allow for a positive future for Scotland,” she said.

“Politicians of all parties, together with organisations and others with an interest in Scotland’s public services must now enter an open and honest debate. This would mean any radical decisions on public sector finances in the short-term are given the best chance of resulting in a future that we all aspire to and that maximises the future health and wellbeing of the people of Scotland.”

The BMA appears to take a more conciliatory approach to other elements of the review, including the recommendations that universal policies, such as free personal care, free eye tests and free prescriptions, should be revisited.

Dr Keighley said: “There is growing support for a review of universal policies, many of which were developed during times of significant financial growth in the NHS. If we are to maintain the principles of a national health service, free at the point of delivery, a serious debate needs to take place with the public and politicians about what the NHS can afford to deliver and whether policies such as free prescriptions, dental checks and personal care are still achievable.”

The STUC, however, gave a barbed response to the potential hit on universal services, saying it was a source of real frustration that those providing views on or helping to manage the Scottish economy were drawn from a narrow section of society which was “largely insulated from the impact of job and spending cuts”.

“Perhaps as a consequence, the sustainability of services provided on a universal basis is challenged by the report,” said general secretary Grahame Smith. “However, the Small Business Bonus Scheme, a universal benefit for business and one which has failed to demonstrate any positive job related outcomes, doesn’t rate a mention.”

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