Health report receives cautious welcome by Infirmary staff

Date published: 01/11/2005

Officials of UNISON, the UK’s largest NHS union said that the Alberti report, which has slammed local health service chiefs for their management style and lack of leadership will be welcomed by staff even though they say the recommendations do not go far enough.

"I think that staff expected heads to roll, but were amazed that most of those at the top will remain in post." Said Branch Secretary Pete Hinchliffe. "Morale at the Infirmary has never been lower. Added to this is the fact that our members are extremely concerned over the future of the hospital in the forthcoming reconfiguration. This is likely to see widespread movement of services within Pennine Acute, the NHS Trust that runs hospitals in Oldham, Bury and North Manchester as well as Rochdale."

His words were echoed by Lynn Fletcher, Staff Side Secretary at the Infirmary. "The report does promise more autonomy for services such as medicine and surgery and also promises better site-based management. That has to be good news for staff who feel that all the decisions are being made in Oldham. However, there is a general feeling that things have gone too far and that those responsible have got off very  lightly."

The report praises UNISON and the other trade unions for their 'sensible suggestions' to improve industrial relations in the Trust and promises them a key role in monitoring future progress.