The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) plans to cut around 800 jobs and scrap routine Covid-19 testing in hospitals and care homes.
According to a report in The Guardian, the public health body created to supersede Public Health England “is in a state of disarray”.
Around 40% of the 2,000 staff who work in vital health protection teams are set to lose their jobs.
It is also reported that the UKHSA is also proposing the suspension of all regular asymptomatic testing in hospitals and care homes from May to save money for a potential winter spike in cases.
Health experts have criticised the move as figures reveal Covid-19 hospitalisation numbers remain high. There are currently around 15,000 patients in hospital with Covid-19 – just 5,000 less than the first wave in April 2020.
A breeding ground for Covid-19.
The Royal College of Nursing has dubbed the news “deeply concerning” and warned the end of testing could lead to hospitals and care homes becoming a breeding ground for Covid-19.
Patricia Marquis, the RCN England director, said: “We had been working closely with the UKHSA and other unions to try to minimise job losses and are dismayed that the announcement to end those fixed-term contracts was not discussed with the trade unions at a recent national meeting.
“Ending routine testing in hospitals and care homes must not lead to them becoming a breeding ground for COVID-19.
“If this change happens, for it to be effective its impact must be closely monitored and all relevant data published more frequently so changes can be made quickly to protect staff and patients.
“COVID-19 remains a safety risk and employers must continue to do all they can to protect staff at work and comply with health and safety law.”
No comments:
Post a Comment
Note: Only a member of this blog may post a comment.