MiP warns huge cuts in healthcare managers will put patient safety at risk

Thu 26 Jan 2012

MiP warns ministers that they are getting rid of the very people who can deliver the Government's reform plans, maintain high quality and safe services for patients and save £20 billion

Responding to today's announcement on the design of the NHS Commissioning Board, revealing details of a 50 per cent cut in its resources, Jon Restell, MiP chief executive, said:

'This decision is another product of the Government's mistaken belief that the NHS does not need management.'

'MiP has repeatedly warned ministers that they are getting rid of the very people who can deliver the Government's reform plans, maintain high quality and safe services for patients and save £20 billion.'

'This cut should ring alarm bells with politicians considering the Health and Social Care Bill. Without enough managers in the service, MiP believes the only way to control the risks in the Government's reforms is to abandon the reforms, which we have always said are unnecessary and a huge drain on resources. Instead, we should concentrate on quality and savings.'

'What's incredible is the Government itself identifies these risks, but does nothing.'

Note to editors
MiP is the trade union organisation for healthcare managers. It has nearly 6,000 members, including over 200 chief executives.

For further information contact:
• Jon Restell, MiP chief executive, on 07908 209 484, j.restell@miphealth.org.uk
• Marisa Howes, MiP national officer, communications on 020 7121 5167, m.howes@miphealth.org.uk