Menu
20/05/2004
NHS quango staff face axe in cost-cutting exercise
The number of quangos in the NHS are set to be reduced in a red tape cutting exercise designed to save around half a billion pounds, the Health Secretary has announced today.
Referring to the quangos as "arms length bodies", John Reid has outlined plans for a Department of Health review which proposes a 25% reduction in staffing levels. The department has already announced a 38% reduction in the number of civil servants.
The review covers 42 separate quangos, employing more than 22,000 staff and weilding a combined annual budget in excess of £2.5 billion.
Mr Reid said in a written Commons statement that he wanted to see improved efficiency and better value for money.
"I want to see more staff and resources at the frontline delivering better patient care across the country," he said.
The review found duplication and some unnecessary regulatory and policy activities by quangos. Back-office functions such as human resources, finance, IT and estates could be rationalised, said the report. It proposed reducing overheads and integrating some functions.
Mr Reid said: "The arms length body sector does much good work. However it has grown over several decades and does not meet current health and social care needs or those of future generations.
"If left unchanged the arms length bodies would employ about 10 times the number of staff of the Department of Health at the end of its' restructuring programme."
(gmcg)
Referring to the quangos as "arms length bodies", John Reid has outlined plans for a Department of Health review which proposes a 25% reduction in staffing levels. The department has already announced a 38% reduction in the number of civil servants.
The review covers 42 separate quangos, employing more than 22,000 staff and weilding a combined annual budget in excess of £2.5 billion.
Mr Reid said in a written Commons statement that he wanted to see improved efficiency and better value for money.
"I want to see more staff and resources at the frontline delivering better patient care across the country," he said.
The review found duplication and some unnecessary regulatory and policy activities by quangos. Back-office functions such as human resources, finance, IT and estates could be rationalised, said the report. It proposed reducing overheads and integrating some functions.
Mr Reid said: "The arms length body sector does much good work. However it has grown over several decades and does not meet current health and social care needs or those of future generations.
"If left unchanged the arms length bodies would employ about 10 times the number of staff of the Department of Health at the end of its' restructuring programme."
(gmcg)
Related UK National News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
10 October 2006
New drive to tackle mental health in work
The government has launched a new initiative which aims to encourage employers to improve the way they deal with mental health in the workplace.
New drive to tackle mental health in work
The government has launched a new initiative which aims to encourage employers to improve the way they deal with mental health in the workplace.
13 June 2013
Consultations Can Legally 'Opt Out' Of NHS Ratings System
Consultant surgeon will be able to opt out of the NHS rating system, throwing the value of the system into doubt. The Guardian have reported that NHS England has conceded that under the Data Protection Act, consultant will be legally allowed to not submit performance data.
Consultations Can Legally 'Opt Out' Of NHS Ratings System
Consultant surgeon will be able to opt out of the NHS rating system, throwing the value of the system into doubt. The Guardian have reported that NHS England has conceded that under the Data Protection Act, consultant will be legally allowed to not submit performance data.
22 August 2014
New Autism Hospital Proposed For Steelworks Site
Some 400 jobs could be created with the development of a new £30m hospital for autistic people with mental health issues. Proposed for a former steelworks site in Mostyn, Flintshire, the hospital would aim to help up to 100 adults from Wales and the north west of England.
New Autism Hospital Proposed For Steelworks Site
Some 400 jobs could be created with the development of a new £30m hospital for autistic people with mental health issues. Proposed for a former steelworks site in Mostyn, Flintshire, the hospital would aim to help up to 100 adults from Wales and the north west of England.
07 October 2013
People With Mental Health Issues More Likely To Become Victims Of Crime
People with mental health problems are up to ten times more likely to become victims of crime than the general population, according to new research by charities and academics.
People With Mental Health Issues More Likely To Become Victims Of Crime
People with mental health problems are up to ten times more likely to become victims of crime than the general population, according to new research by charities and academics.
02 March 2007
Union anger at health sector pay rises
Unions have reacted angrily to the government's announcement that pay for nurses and other healthcare professions has been pegged below inflation. Nurses and other health care professionals will get 2.5%, 1.5% in April and 1% in November. General dental practitioners will get 2% but there is nothing on offer for general medical practitioners.
Union anger at health sector pay rises
Unions have reacted angrily to the government's announcement that pay for nurses and other healthcare professions has been pegged below inflation. Nurses and other health care professionals will get 2.5%, 1.5% in April and 1% in November. General dental practitioners will get 2% but there is nothing on offer for general medical practitioners.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherThis Evening and Tonight:Showers, scattered in the evening, will clear by midnight leaving the night dry with clear spells. Perhaps a touch of ground frost. Cloud will spread east towards morning. Minimum temperature 2 °C.
