Opting out, SGT (Self governing Trust) these were terms used in the late 80s when the hspitals that went in the first wave (things don't change) were given financial inducements to come on board. Hospitals that worked co-operately for centuries then started to compete against each other at great cost and the whole thing started with the proliferation of administrators (not managers), accountants etc. Money then started to flow with the patient. Our hospital in Stafford had a UGM, Matron, Accountant and Head of Estates and worked efficiently with superb communication. You can deduce your own conclusions.
With the ECS the whole thing is starting again and just wait until the foundation Hospitals start. I'm sorry but the whole jamboree thing disgusts me and as opposed to going down to the latest jaunt I spent a very pleasant time in the dept.
BTW I get the Northern Ireland newspapers and I have just been reading them this morning. Emergency services over there have been devastated with the closure of the Tyrone County Hospital. I do appreciate that some people may equate it with progress. It was only 5 years ago that they had to deal with the outrage in Omagh. Picture of the A & E staff being told they are being downsized but can move into other depts. I find it very sad and no consultation. For the price of the soirees that the ECS have been runing that dept. could have been kept open and the staff salaries paid not wasting it on project managers. I'm sorry but I have different priorities. Money not going to were it is needed, ie direct patient care.
Danny McGeehan
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