Derriford hospital announces huge cuts

Plymouth Socialist Party members

Derriford Hospital, the major health facility in west Devon and Cornwall, has announced massive cuts. Following an 8% cut to its budget, managers are seeking to make cuts of £31 million which will lead to reduced care for patients and hundreds of job losses.

The hospital's income has been reduced for the first time in a decade, following the Con-Dem government's austerity programme, combined with the rocketing costs of the government's unwanted and dangerous restructuring programme.

Staff will face the prospect of compulsory redundancies and enforced reductions in incremental and sickness pay, with £17 million of the £31 million in cuts being aimed at the pay bill. This follows £20 million in 'savings' made last year in which low-paid workers bore the brunt, with pay cuts for part-time nurses.

Paul Roberts, Plymouth Hospitals' chief executive, warned that the number of posts at Derriford would be "significantly reduced".

In addition to cuts in staffing levels and pay, two operating theatres will be shut, 130 beds will be lost and outpatient clinics will be reduced, all real cuts in the service people receive. There will be further reductions in temporary staffing, meaning reduced care on the wards.

The management has argued that the cuts will not reduce services, but many people in Plymouth are very concerned by the announcement.

The Socialist Party in Plymouth is aiming to start a city-wide campaign against the health cuts and is in discussion with union activists on how to develop this. We are the only voice in the city arguing for a publicly-owned and fully funded NHS and will continue to fight for the rights of NHS workers and patients.

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