Jun 4 2008
UNISON has rejected proposals for NHS hospitals to be run by private companies.
"We welcome the additional help being offered to failing hospitals who are suffering from complex long-term financial and systemic problems," said UNISON senior national officer Mike Jackson, commenting on controversial new government plans unveiled today.
"However, it is unlikely that private sector managers would have the necessary experience of delivering acute and emergency services to bring long-term benefits," he warned.
"It is wrong to suggest that the NHS would be managed more efficiently by the private sector. There is a strong public service ethos in the NHS which would be severely damaged by bringing in private management."
Mr Jackson added that with many trusts' accounts now in surplus, "the NHS has shown that it has the experience and business acumen to do it better".