Importance of staff contributing ideas

NHS Oldham has not ruled out job cuts — but has reassured community health staff that all will be done to avoid making redundancies.
The primary care trust is adamant that staff will be supported through such difficult times.

A spokesman said: “We have been able to manage the reduction in management costs so far through reducing agency and consultancy staff, freezing recruitment and not filling vacancies and renegotiating some external contracts.

“Our staff are our number one asset. We will support them through these challenging times, need them to help lead the NHS, are committed to doing all we can to avoid job losses, and will take all possible steps before we take this option.

“We’ve already saved £7m but are currently finalising our financial recovery plan and looking in detail at everything we pay for and where we can reduce costs safely, while still ensuring the people of Oldham receive the quality services they need.”

John Saxby chief executive the Pennine Acute Hospitals NHS Trust, which runs five hospitals including the Royal Oldham, emphasised the importance of the Trust’s 10,000 staff being involved and finding solutions collectively.

He said: “I am particularly keen that staff have the opportunity to contribute ideas as we work through how we will meet the challenges of the next few years.”

Six hundred staff have already attended meetings with him to hear what it will mean for them, their departments and their patients.

Mr Saxby added: “Our overriding aim is to make sure we continue to provide safe, sustainable and excellent services for our local communities.

“If we do things right and do the right things, if we cut out duplication and make sure that our services are as efficient as those in other NHS hospitals, then not only will we improve the care we provide to our patients, but we will cut costs at the same time.”


Chance to be constructive

OLDHAM has received an employment boost with private sector opportunities in construction announced.

More than 100 businesses attended the latest meeting of an Oldham Council-supported group aiming to boost the industry in the borough.

The Oldham Construction Sector Networking events are led by private firms in partnership with the council and Greater Manchester Chamber to help local businesses benefit from opportunities that arise.

Balfour Beatty spoke about plans for a new Roman Catholic School and the refurbishment of North Chadderton Enterprise College — with work available to local businesses on sub-contract opportunities.

Building new Academies and other capital projects will also create opportunities. To find out about future events contact Vicki Kerr on 0161-875 2359 or vicki.kerr@business-support-solutions.co.uk.

Oldham’s adult careers service Highway to Opportunities’ (H2O) is also ready to help. Its Next Step service offers careers and skills advice to fit individual needs for people facing redundancy, unemployed, looking to change career or improve skills.

Call 0161 6219200 or visit www.h-2-o.org.uk  for details.