Legal threat dropped over NHS 'split' plan

A PATIENT has withdrawn her threat of legal action over proposals to "hive off" NHS services to a social enterprise company.

The woman, who lives in Hull, had been seeking a judicial review claiming there had been no formal public consultation over the radical overhaul of frontline services.

Some services, including district nurses and health visitors, will separate from the primary care trust to form a new not-for-profit organisation, City Health Care Partnership, this summer.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

The trade union Unite had campaigned against the move describing it as a "leap in the dark in terms of provision for services".

They fear conditions and terms of staff could be eroded in the future and say VAT could be charged on services, affecting the financial viability of the new organisation.

However NHS Hull insists that the terms and conditions of the 1,200 employees who will be transferring will be protected and that patients and the public will see no difference in the services they receive.

City Health Care Partnership employees will receive formal notice of transfer by the end of the month,.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Christopher Long, Chief Executive of NHS Hull, said: "Change of any sort inevitably brings uncertainty and the past few months have been understandably difficult for us, but even more so for our staff, who for some time have been left unsure about what will happen to them.

"We know that many of our front-line workers are keen to see the transfer take place, and we appreciate their patience so far."

Hull is one of 26 areas selected nationally as "pathfinders" by the Department of Health and the changes would be used as a guide by other health providers.