-
Matt Farrah
Co-Founder, Niche Jobs
Despite repeated assurances from the new coalition Government that frontline healthcare staff would be safe from cuts and that budgets were ‘ring-fenced’, the nurses and midwives we asked are reporting a different situation.
290 Registered
Nurses and
Midwives took part in the survey, and 63% said they had noticed cuts in either staffing levels or resources since the 2010 budget was announced. A similar majority also felt it was likely or possible that they would lose their jobs as redundancies were made.
While some public sector departments will have to suffer cuts of up to 40%, the NHS is expected to save £20bn by 2014. Some would argue this is a tiny proportion of its whopping £110bn budget for 2010/11, and that the NHS should bear more of the load placed on the public sector by budget cuts. However, frontline healthcare staff were never meant to be affected by redundancies and yet 65% of those we asked said they felt just that way.
Nurses stressed and anxious
We also asked the nurses and midwives that participated what the general feeling was of their colleagues around them, and nearly half of all responses was ‘stressed’. The other top responses were anxious, tired and unsure.
There were comparatively few responses that indicated a positive feeling among colleagues, with only 10 people describing them as optimistic and only 1 as bubbly.
In our previous survey about the budget, the nurses and midwives that took part indicated the most pressing issue to be addressed immediately was the chronic understaffing of frontline services. However, it would seem that these concerns have not been addressed, since cuts are still being introduced. It was recently reported in the national press that over 25 NHS trusts have plans for compulsory redundancies with several others choosing options such as closing wards in order to save money.
Frontline staff don’t want redundancy offers
Anyone who becomes a nurse or a midwife has to be committed to the lifestyle and to the work. Most of the healthcare professionals we talk to say it’s a way of life, not a job, so it would be expected that the majority do not want to consider a redundancy package. In fact, just under 47% would say no to redundancy or would try and move departments to stay employed.
In a recent survey conducted by the RCN, it found that 9,973 posts have already been lost by trusts across the country through recruitment freezes, redundancies and not replacing staff when they retire. These policies has been termed ‘short-sighted’ by some who feel it will not only damage the quality and availability of patient care in the short term, but the long term future as well.
Potential increase in retirement age
A review of all public sector pensions was announced in the budget, the findings of which will be implemented by the 2011 budget. Nearly 60% of the nurses and midwives we asked felt that an increase in the retirement age was likely, as is an increase in contributions and the removal of all final salary pension scheme entitlements.
Follow this link for
current nursing vacancies
Co-Founder, Niche Jobs
About the author
Co-Founder, Niche Jobs
I'm fascinated by the career choice we all make. It speaks so much about who we are. People choose to become a nurse or work in medicine or care for one of two reasons. One: simply, they always wanted to be a nurse or social worker or doctor. Two: even more simply, they want a job which helps people. In our blogs we explore the career choice that puts others first.
Related Blogs
What to know if you're a UK nurse looking to work in Australia
Ever wondered what it’s like nursing abroad? Laura Young compares the key similarities and differences between the NHS and Australian healthcare.
How to change your career and become a nurse
Thinking of becoming a nurse? Ruth Underdown explains exactly what you need to know if you're looking to qualify as a Registered Nurse.
How to become a healthcare assistant with no formal care experience
If you've never worked as a healthcare assistant before, here's how to get a HCA job and develop your career in healthcare.
Related Jobs
Staff Nurse RGN Adult Services
Bury, Greater Manchester, England
Priory Healthcare & Partnerships In Care
Staff Nurse
Harrow, Greater London, England
Health Recruit Network
Registered Nurse
Southwark, London, Greater London, England
Nothing But Recruitment Ltd
Senior Dialysis Nurse
Sidcup, Greater London, England
Diaverum
Genernal Manager - Neuro Rehab
Gloucester, Gloucestershire, England
Sophie Bell and Associates
Registered Nurse
Buckhurst Hill, Essex, England
The Holly Private Hospital
See all of our RGN jobs
6690 jobs currently available