'We need more NHS staff now fewer' says governor, as she quits Torbay Hospital in protest
Susie Colley, a former nurse, is chair of Torbay's heart campaign which is campaigning for the long-term future of the hospital
An elected governor at Torbay Hospital's told us she's resigning from the role in protest at the decision to open a voluntary redundancy scheme.
Susie Colley, who founded the Torbay Heart campaign over fears some services could be relocated to other hospitals, says the Torquay-based site needs more staff, not a reduction in overall numbers.
She said: "The very fact that voluntary redundancies have been asked for, does that means those positions will be closed? Does that mean that the wider department might be closing down completely?"
The former nurse says she cannot remain in the governor role - to which she was only recently elected - in 'good conscience' when wider long-term concerns are not being addressed.
"I can't go there and expand on how lovely the hospital is if they are busy pruning staff when we need all the medical nursing staff that we can get," she added.
Last week hundreds of people attended a public meeting called by Mrs Colley to highlight long-term concerns for the hospital, where it was agreed that they would explore legal action against decisions by NHS bosses.
What have MPs said?
South Devon MPs Steve Darling, Martin Wrigley and Caroline Voaden have 'expressed serious concerns' over the redundancy scheme. In a letter to the Health Secretary Wes Streeting, they say 'in the last general election people voted for investment in the NHS and the Government promised this investment'.
In a joint statement they said: "The signs are concerning, with Torbay and South Devon Foundation Trust already moving some histopathology services away from Torbay, and dissolving the Integrated Care Partnership with Torbay Council."
In the letter all three MPs say the Government’s 10 year health plan for the NHS includes ‘supporting and retaining our hardworking and dedicated healthcare professionals,’ and 'that the hospital clearly requires financial assistance to make sure it aligns with this plan and does not put pressure on outstanding Torbay Hospital staff to leave their jobs and therefore massively impact the quality of care that those in Torbay and South Devon receive'.
What has Torbay and South Devon NHS Foundation Trust said?
A spokesperson said: “Our people work incredibly hard to provide compassionate care, and we have been open with colleagues, governors and the public about the very real financial pressures facing Devon’s NHS. During the past three years we have taken significant steps to deliver savings and efficiencies, including working collaboratively with partners to share financial, procurement, agency and people services, introduced new ways of working, improving urgent and emergency care and investing in technology such as our new electronic patient record.
“However, with the majority of our funding spent on staffing and the need to return to financial balance with the resources available to us, we must reduce costs further. The decision to introduce a time limited voluntary redundancy scheme has not been taken lightly and follows similar action by providers in Devon and across the country.
“The scheme is entirely voluntary, has been approved by NHS England and all applications will be carefully assessed to ensure patient safety and service delivery are not compromised. There is no obligation for anyone to apply, and support is available to all staff.”
The scheme will remain open until May 10, and the spokesperson added: "We continue to invest in learning and development, including new routes into nursing through our award-winning partnership with the Open University, helping people train and progress without leaving the communities they serve."