15 health jobs in the balance

NHS jobs hang in the balance after health bosses decided to scrap a £2million patient recovery unit in a bid to balance its books.

A total of 15 jobs are at risk after bosses at NHS Oldham decided to close Oldham’s Community Recovery Unit from the end of January.

The unit, based at the BUPA run Shaw Side Residential and Nursing Home, Oldham Road, Shaw, costs £2m a year to run.

It was opened as a temporary measure last year to give patients brief, intensive support for a few days after coming out of hospital.

The unit will close to admissions first, meaning all current patients will complete their planned recovery.

A meeting was held yesterday afternoon with the 15 staff at the unit to discuss the situation.

In its place will be a new enhanced intermediate care service set to launch in the spring.

The service, which is currently being developed, will offer support to people who might otherwise end up in hospital, as well as helping people as they come out.

NHS Oldham has already saved more than £16m over recent months but needs to find another £17m before the end of the financial year in March to achieve its legal obligation to balance its books.

Chief executive Shauna Dixon said: “These are very challenging times. We are having to make tough and sometimes unpopular decisions which is something we all wish we did not have to do.

“We have a full support package available for all affected staff and will work closely with them through this difficult time.

“Doctors, nurses, health professionals and managers are all working to make sure the people of Oldham have the highest quality health services, while reducing costs safely.

“We can reassure the public that we are still spending more than £420m every year on health in Oldham but we need everyone’s help — public, patients and staff — to make the best possible use of your NHS by using its services wisely.”

A new Referral Gateway has been introduced which could also free up up to £7m each year.

Referrals made by a doctor or consultant will now be reviewed by a local GP with an interest in that specialism so people who need to be seen by a consultant are, but others are seen in the community.