Cash-strapped trust to axe up to 180 jobs

Bosses at Mid Yorkshire Hospitals Trust are planning a round of job cuts to slash £24m from the budget to balance the books this year.

A memo circulated to staff says up to 178 posts could go in total, including nurses, managers and administrative staff.

Peta Clark, from nurses’ union the Royal College of Nursing, said: “This is extremely worrying news.

“Reducing nursing posts will affect the management and provision of patient care.”

The memo said between 40 and 80 administration and clerical jobs could go and the same number in Facilities Management to save up to £2m in each department.

Between two and six specialist nurses and the same number of nursing management jobs, which includes matrons and senior nurses, could go.

Between two and six management posts are also at risk.

The job cuts are among a range of measures including reduced working hours, unpaid leave and possible outsourcing of services to save cash at Mid Yorkshire.

Public sector union Unison said it would oppose any compulsory redundancies or privatisation.

Graham Briggs, Mid Yorkshire’s director of HR, said: “We value our staff and know that engaged and motivated staff are best able to give high quality patient care and experience.

“We are therefore committed to working with our staff through this difficult process and providing a range of support mechanisms.

“Patient safety, care and experience remain the driving force behind everything we do.”

The trust has begun a 90-day consultation with its staff over the plans.