Trust moves to allay job fears

A recent email from the Pennine Acute Trust's clinical director of radiology sparked job fears among staff after revealing that the Trust's radiology services could involve a private company.

A spokesman for the Trust, which runs Rochdale Infirmary, has moved to allay fears.

Dr Mahesh Kumar circulated an email that said that the Trust had invited Euromedic UK, part of a European healthcare company, to work with it on a full examination of the provision and delivery of radiology services.

The company specialises in imaging, dialysis, pathology and oncology, and is set to identify areas where working in partnership with the trust may be of “mutual benefit”.

Mr Mahesh said in his email: “At this stage the contacts are purely exploratory, but they could lead to closer partnership working in the future.”

The trust spokesman said: “The briefing e-mail was sent round to ensure that staff were generally aware of this work precisely so that we could avoid rumours.”

He said any members of staff with questions should contact the team leading the work, who are identified in the email.

He added: “Basically, Euromedic UK offered to give us a free review, which will examine issues such as capacity for treating patients and future technology needs.

“The end report will be discussed by the trust board and allow us to make a judgement in relation to investment in the service, and other potential improvements.

“Naturally, we’ll keep staff fully up to date as this project progresses."