Health service workers should not bear responsibility for failures in the banking system

Jul 29 2010

Commenting on the publication of the Independent Budget Review today (Thursday 29 July 2010), the BMA in Scotland welcomed calls for strong political leadership during times of financial pressure, but warned that any future changes to the NHS or pay and conditions must be planned and developed in partnership with the profession.

Dr Brian Keighley, Chairman of the BMA in Scotland, said:

“I absolutely agree with the review that developing a longer term strategic view of public services is required, however public sector workers should not bear the responsibility for the failings of the banking system and the NHS must not pay the price of poor financial management by governments.

“NHS services are not optional, they are essential. Health inflation means that the costs of providing the health service rise over and above that of standard inflation rates. Therefore even protecting NHS budgets from cuts will not prevent the need for making significant efficiency savings in the NHS. A good health service is essential for a good economy. NHS budgets must be protected.

“I am pleased at this government’s commitment to work with us to scrutinise NHS Boards’ workforce plans but I also urge NHS managers to work with us and focus on identifying areas where they can truly eliminate waste and achieve genuine efficiency savings rather than be tempted to make arbitrary and indiscriminate cuts, such as a recruitment freeze, and introduce poorly thought out policies. Change must be planned.

Dr Keighley sent a clear warning that doctors should not be left to suffer for financial mismanagement in the economy. He said:

“This report makes some serious recommendations that we must warn against. We recognise that the UK is entering a period where a degree of pay restraint will be required but the BMA will continue to argue for fair reward for our members. Public sector workers are already facing a two year pay freeze and cannot be expected to continue to pay the price for the mistakes of others. This all comes on top of four years of no funding increase for general practice. Eventually something has to give and essential frontline services will suffer.

“The NHS pension scheme has recently been reviewed and offers a fair deal for NHS staff and for the tax payer. It does not need further reform. Distinction Awards are again categorised as bonuses, but these represent an established part of consultant pay arrangements, and are a means by which to promote excellence in the NHS in Scotland. They recognise the contribution made by doctors in the field of research, education and the provision of exceptional NHS patient care. Awards not only attract the best doctors to Scotland, but by promoting innovation and research they also bring economic benefits.”

Commenting on the recommendation that there should be a review of free or subsidised universal services, Dr Keighley said:

“There is growing support for a review of universal policies, many of which were developed during times of significant financial growth in the NHS. If we are to maintain the principles of a national health service, free at the point of delivery, a serious debate needs to take place with the public and politicians about what the NHS can afford to deliver and whether policies such as free prescriptions, dental checks and personal care are still achievable.”