Thread by @NAJ562

THREAD

At inaugural meeting of new Integrated Care Board (ICB), I raised concerns about integration w private sector, referencing analysis published in Lancet that outsourcing health care services to private sector had increased treatment mortality. #Bath
thelancet.com/journals/lanpu…

I stressed that the priority of private companies is to make a profit and that Integrated Care Systems (ICS) are a scheme that incentivise reduced care, referencing Panorama’s documentary about Operose Health exposing use of cheaper less qualified staff.
independent.co.uk/voices/health-…

I asked if Board would commit to:

- recognising health & care staff trade unions and representative professional bodies, and work with them to improve staff pay, employment terms & conditions?

bbc.com/news/health-61…

- adopting the policies and guidance of the national Agenda for Change system of pay, terms and conditions for all NHS staff in the ICS?

en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Agenda_fo…

CEO @SueHarrimanNHS had earlier commented that they were “committed to getting the best value for the taxpayer pound”.

#HealthBeforeProfit #PeopleBeforeProfit

I responded by asking how much of a priority it would be to ensure that all staff, including those outsourced, were paid a real living wage and had fair working conditions?
#Bath #Swindon #FairPay
independent.co.uk/news/uk/home-n…

Chair, @ElsyStephanie said that she was “committed to all workers being paid a real living wage” but it was not clear if this would be a condition for outsourced contracts? She said any changes re Agenda for Change would be a central decision.#NHS #Bath

visitwest.co.uk/business-suppo…

Chair, @ElsyStephany said “no written questions had been submitted”. However, I was personally aware of at least one submission by a representative of @ProtectourNHS South West.
#Bath #NHS

Interested parties and wider public were largely in the dark re this meeting. Unfortunately, I was the only member of the public in attendance asking questions. Going forward, I hope that there will be better communication, transparency and scrutiny.
#Bath #NHS @StephenSumner15

‼️ACTION NEEDED‼️

The coming reorganisation of the NHS gives local NHS leaders a chance to change the direction of travel in the NHS. They must rebuild our NHS for people not for private profit.

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