Paramedics warned NHS reorganisation could cost lives - The Leamington Observer

Paramedics warned NHS reorganisation could cost lives

Leamington Editorial 15th Feb, 2017   0

PARAMEDICS have heard how the reorganisation of the NHS could cost lives.

Unite union official Gerard Coyne visited the Warwickshire Ambulance Hub in Warwick to highlight threats posed by the introduction of Sustainability and Transformation Plans – which combine social care services run by councils with NHS services.

Mr Coyne said: “This NHS reorganisation is a risk to patients and will place ambulance staff under huge pressure.

“We are waiting to see the full details, but in Warwickshire it could mean the closure of some accident and emergency facilities. Ambulance crews will have to travel further, crews will be placed under yet more pressure and patient safety will be put at risk.




“The NHS is at crisis point and only greater investment from the government will prevent the sort of winter crisis that we thought had been consigned to history.

“The government cut social care budgets and responded to public criticism by asking cash-strapped councils to take on extra responsibilities. It’s a slash, trash and privatise strategy that will be a disaster for patients and staff.”


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