3 weeks Ago
Hundreds of jobs could be lost at Norfolk's biggest hospital as bosses say there is an "expectation" to reduce staffing costs. The Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital (NNUH) could be set to cut around 500 support roles in finance, communication and administration. This move comes in response to the Department of Health and Social Care directing hospital trusts to scale back spending on support services to match 2022 levels.
Professor Lesley Dwyer, NNUH CEO, said: "There is an expectation that we reduce staffing costs and increase efficiencies this financial year to bring our trust to an appropriate size. Lesley Dwyer, chief executive of the Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital (Image: NNUH) "We are aiming to deliver a balanced budget whilst ensuring we keep quality of care front of mind. "For the size of our hospitals, which employs in excess of 10,000 people, the reduction in headcount is about 500 posts for us.
" Professor Dwyer acknowledged that the hospital was dealing with challenges similar to those affecting the wider NHS, and recognised that this was a "worrying and uncertain time" for many staff members. She explained that potential job reductions could occur across various departments and levels within the organisation. Although the restructuring process is still in its early phases, she noted that the hospital has already begun cutting back on temporary staffing costs and will review current vacancies before considering redundancies.
The cuts could be made at Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital (Image: Newsquest) The decision to cut back the temporary workforce at the hospital was made in December in a bid to plug an £11m gap in its finances. Hospital bosses said the move was necessary to improve its financial situation and will allow it to invest in the things that "really matter". Temporary staff are used by hospitals to allow them to respond quickly to changes in demand, such as unexpected increases in patient volume or staff shortages due to illness or holidays.
While representatives for the hospital say it has not scrapped its entire temporary workface and will continue to run 'bank' shifts, these will be under "heightened scrutiny" and the need to fill vacancies will be considered on a case-by-case basis..
