Doctors told to clean own offices

Some doctors are reported to be angry about the changes

Doctors at a cash-strapped NHS trust have been given dusters and bin bags and told to clean their own offices by hospital managers.

The move is part of an economy-drive aimed at helping Milton Keynes General NHS Trust to balance its books.

The trust, which received zero stars in the recent NHS ratings, was £7m in the red last year.

The hospital has also stopped hiring cleaners, as part of a recruitment freeze on all non-essential posts.

In a statement, the trust said existing cleaners would continue to maintain areas of the hospital used by patients.

However, it said some staff had been asked to keep other parts, including administration areas, clean.

Empty bins

"We have reduced the level of cleaning support in non-clinical and other non-essential areas of the hospital," the statement said.

I never thought I would see the day when a consultant was asked empty dustbins Consultant, Milton Keynes General NHS Trust

"These areas will not receive the same amount of daily attention as in the past. We are, therefore, asking everyone in these areas to help us maintain standards by the simple task of emptying waste paper bins in offices, a task that would normally be carried out by cleaning staff."

It added: "Patient care and the maintenance of our normal high standards of cleanliness in the public, patient and clinical areas will remain a priority at all times."

The economy drive is a key part of the trust's efforts to improve its NHS star rating. One of the reasons it did so badly this year was its failure to meet financial targets.

The freeze on non-essential staff is part of that plan.

"The hospital has put together a financial recovery plan, which will enable us to meet targets, while retaining levels of patient care," the hospital said.

"As part of the plan, we do have a freeze on non-clinical recruitment. Staff leaving may not be immediately replaced.

"The trust is seeking support from all staff in all areas of the hospital, as we strive to achieve the financial balance we require."

However, the policy has not gone down well with some consultants working at the trust.

"At first we thought it was a hoax," one doctor told The Independent newspaper.

"I never thought I would see the day when a consultant was asked to empty dustbins."