Unions discuss packages for staff

Patients in Kidderminster have to travel to Worcester for A&E

Union leaders have met to discuss voluntary redundancy packages for members a week after a hospital trust announced more than 700 jobs losses.

The Worcestershire Acute Hospitals NHS Trust has said it needs to cut 720 jobs to help tackle £30m debts.

But trust bosses said patient care at the Worcestershire Royal in Worcester, the Alexandra in Redditch, and Kidderminster Hospital will not be hit.

Unison discussed what offers will be made to staff who volunteer to leave.

Before the meeting Edna Hall, from Unison, said it was about getting the best deal for those who decide to leave.

Balance the books

Staff were asked if they want to put themselves forward at the end of April.

But patients and campaigners belive the losses at the three hospitals will affect the quality of care.

Kidderminster Hospital has already lost its A&E unit and was the subject of a political campaign that saw Dr Richard Taylor elected as Wyre Forest MP.

In recent weeks, hospitals across England have announced large job cuts in a bid to balance the books.

Peter Luff, MP for Mid Worcestershire, said he had written to Health Secretary Patricia Hewitt inviting her to come and speak to staff whose jobs are at risk.

The cuts mean one in seven staff at the hospitals will lose their jobs.

The job losses proposal is subject to consultation with staff and is expected to save the trust about £8m this financial year and £16m in the next one, starting April 2007.

The trust now employs 4,500 staff and has frozen more than 100 posts, which will count towards the 720 jobs to go.