Former MP Sir Bob Russell has strongly criticized the proposals to privatize hundreds of NHS jobs at Colchester Hospital, calling the decision makers “nauseating” for not being locals. Through Freedom of Information requests, Sir Bob found that only ten out of 23 decision makers have a Colchester post code, raising concerns about the outsourcing of support staff jobs to a private company.
Sir Bob, who is currently receiving treatment for cancer at the hospital, questioned the motives behind the privatization and how it would benefit patients and taxpayers. He has taken action by writing to the Prime Minister and the Secretary of State of Health, urging them to keep support workers within the NHS.
The local community, including Colchester Council’s portfolio holder for communities, Natalie Sommers, has also expressed concerns about the potential impact on patient care, staff job security, and public healthcare quality if the outsourcing goes through. Strikes organized by the union Unison have been joined by Sir Bob in opposition to the proposals.
The East Suffolk and North Essex Foundation Trust, responsible for the decision, announced plans to outsource the jobs earlier this year. Chief executive Nick Hulme emphasized the importance of considering all options and ensuring that the final decision is in the best interest of patients, staff, and the community.
The final decision on the outsourcing of hospital support jobs is set to be made at a meeting on November 21, affecting not only Colchester but also other constituencies in north Essex and east Suffolk. The discussions have sparked concerns and opposition from various stakeholders, highlighting the importance of transparency and accountability in such decisions that impact the healthcare system.