This week’s announced changes to Wiltshire and Swindon NHS services affecting 2,000 staff will be “disastrous”, says a union boss.

The local NHS announced a “major transformation” on Wednesday, October 16 with a greater focus on community care over the next two years. A private company, HCRG Care Group, won the contract to provide these services.

The union representing health workers based in Wiltshire, UNISON, says the new contract with HCRG risks staff job security as they are transferred further away from the NHS.

UNISON south west regional secretary Kerry Baigent said: “This is a disastrous decision and is not at all what staff will have wanted to hear. The health workers want to be employed by the NHS, not moved yet further away from it.

READ MORE: GWH Hospital loses contract as health bosses announce 'major transformation'

“The employees, who include occupational therapists, nurses, care co-ordinators and physiotherapists, have already been transferred out of the NHS once. 

“Staff had hoped their jobs would be moved back to the health service. Instead the workers have been shifted to a company owned by venture capitalists that they fear will be more intent on wealth creation than patient care. Public money should not be spent in this way.

“Earlier this year, the staff were forced to go on strike to secure the same pay rise given to NHS employees. Now this unwanted takeover means the workers are to be removed even further from the NHS and the job security and fair pay this brings.'

“This move is also totally at odds with the prevailing mood in Westminster. The recently published employment rights bill seeks to do away with two-tier workforces. Ministers have also promised the biggest wave of insourcing of privatised contracts in a generation.

READ MORE: Frustration as hundreds of nails left scattered in road hazard

“The NHS desperately needs to attract new recruits and hold on to experienced staff. But hiving off workers like this to private firms will likely deter people from choosing careers in patient care.”

The Bath and North East Somerset, Swindon and Wiltshire Integrated Care Board (BSWICB) said the shift towards community care outside of hospitals will prevent people from entering hospital in the first place and reduce the burden on hospitals.

SEE ALSO: Amazon packages fly-tipped in Swindon for fifth time this year

Dr Amanda Webb, Chief Medical Officer, BSWICB, said: “The next two years will see a major transformation of community-based care across BSW as the new approach is rolled out.

“There will also be a new focus on prevention and early intervention to help people manage their health proactively and stay healthier for longer.

“We will work closely with HCRG Care Group to bring to life the government’s aims to move from hospital care to community care, to shift from sickness to preventative care, and to digitise the health service.”

Other changes promised include: 

A single place or front door to get community-based care, help and support. The new front door will be fully accessible to all, and be available in a face-to-face location, as well as online and over the phone.

At least £7m a year will be invested in partnerships with VCSE providers to build community capacity to provide early help and support within communities from the end of 2027.

Inappropriately located or outdated buildings will also be refurbished or phased out.

Transforming the way that people access care will also reduce the pressure on GP practices and hospitals, which are seeing more people with health problems that could be effectively treated closer to home.

Total funding for the services is £144 million per year, with HCRG Care Group supporting up-front investment.

The ICB worked in partnership with Bath and North East Somerset Council, Swindon Borough Council and Wiltshire Council to commission HCRG Care Group.

HCRG Care Group will take responsibility for community services from April next year. There will be no immediate changes to community care services with the transformation being phased.

Help support trusted local news

Sign up for a digital subscription now: https://www.swindonadvertiser.co.uk/subscribe/

As a digital subscriber, you will get:            

  • Unlimited access to the Swindon Advertiser website        
  • Advert-light access             
  • Reader rewards             
  • Full access to our app