As the result of pressure from UNISON, the government has agreed that the NHS is the ‘preferred provider’ of healthcare services.
So, what exactly does this mean?
• Existing services should not be tendered unless they are failing
• Even then, the NHS should be given two chances to improve before other providers are considered.
• Primary Care Trusts (PCT’s) can no longer put a service straight out to tender
• They have to engage with existing NHS providers first.
• If the service is eventually tendered the NHS must always be given the chance to bid to provide the service and keep it in the NHS
This government decision is an important policy shift that will help us put the brakes on privatisation—but that doesn’t mean the threat has disappeared.
The government says it still wants a bigger role for private companies and s o c i a l enterprises in the provision of community health services.
This could threaten your future job security.
What’s UNISON doing about this continuing threat?
UNISON is working hard to make sure that this important message gets through to NHS staff and PCT commissioners. They need to understand clearly that the NHS is in pole position and remains central to the process of improving services. Chief executives of all PCTs have been instructed by the government to comply with the ‘NHS preferred provider’ policy, but we know that some will try to ignore it and push ahead with measures to outsource local services. UNISON will challenge any threat by PCT’s to privatise services. As NHS staff you not only have the backing of UNISON, you have the backing of the general public as most people want to be treated by NHS staff, working to deliver services as part of the NHS. Handing services over to other organisations will damage care and fragment services.
Staff Passport
In the event that a service is transferred, UNISON has ensured that your key terms and conditions are protected. UNISON led negotiations with the government to guarantee
protections in the ‘Staff Passport’ (see below for further details)
Keep local services in the NHS
We want to protect you and health services you provide by stopping them from being transferred out of the NHS. Join our campaign:
A million voices for public services -
add yours! www.unison.org.uk/million
If you want to join UNISON online, log on
to www.unison.org.uk/join
Last Updated: January 18, 2010
