YP Comment: NHS and external consultants

Individual trusts, together with Leeds-based NHS England, the Department of Health and other agencies, would not be so dependent on such advice if existing executives – already extremely well-remunerated – provided the level of leadership, and expertise, expected of them.

It does not matter whether these consultants are used for guidance on budget management or the proposed closure of A&E units; this is money that the National Health Service can ill-afford to waste.

What is most galling, however, is the profligate manner in which consultants from the major accountancy firms are recruited. Health bosses do not appear to be ascertaining whether they could obtain the necessary support from within the public sector gratis.

Secondly, these firms are looking at issues, like A&E, provision in isolation and solely from the perspective of their client. It does not appear they’re providing a sufficient overview on the ramifications for the wider region. Furthermore, there’s nothing to stop these consultants having multiple contracts with neighbouring trusts.

Though there will be occasions when outside assistance is required, this should be as a last resort. After all, what the public want – and expect – is more doctors, nurses and paramedics. They don’t want management ‘whizz kids’ conducting PowerPoint presentations and the like when they have not one iota of an idea about the NHS’s daily needs.