Page 21 - link magazine

The Link Magazine September 1992 21

Last month's Link magazine carried Health Service changes off the ground. The final
a report of the Swindon Health bill will not be known for sometime. THE ODD
Authority (HA) meeting which Trusts Trusts are not a success story.
discussed the opting out of local Anne Lubin explains Every day brings news of bed
Health Services. closures, reductions in services and JOB MAN
So, what is a Trust? How does it equipment to the Trust which loss of specialists. I have a long list Small building work,
differ from present arrangements? becomes the legal owner. It can of them which I'll can send to any- carpentry, joinery,
The first hospital to be granted Trust dispose of assets as it chooses. body who would like to know more. painting & decorating, fitted
status was Guys' in London. How The Trust sets its own pay and Years of team building and
has it and later Trusts fared? conditions of work, its own contracts, expertise are being lost to the NHS wardrobes & kitchens,
When Trust status is granted by which can contain restrictive clauses and the country, as well as training plugs and washers fitted
the Secretary of State for Health the that go against the Nursing cede. and research facilities. "No Job too small"
unit or hospital becomes 'self- Whistle-blowers' have been dealt This is not the whole story, there
governing' and is directly with harshly in the last two years. isn't enough space, but I would be Very reasonable prices
responsible to the Department. It Whilst at present, a Directly willing to speak to groups on the Free estimates
'opts-out' of local Health Authority Managed Unit like Princess subject and to answer questions on Call Tony, the Odd Job
control and planning. Margaret Hospital, may not sell what I believe is the privatisation of Man on 0793 - 886022
Its income will come from con- more than 10% of its beds to private the NHS.
tracts with the District HA, GPFu nd- care, a Trust has no restriction and
holders and private patients. One could, in theory, contract all its
trust has a contract with its local Vet! capacity to the private sector. HOOVER • HOTPOINT
The board of directors is There is no legal requirement to
appointed by Government and the provide for NHS patients if other J. PHILLIPS
Regional HA which itself was contracts-are more profitable.
appointed by Government. Trust A two tier service will result where SERVICING
directors should include a nursing money comes before need.
officer and a doctor. Local Administration costs increase, Repairs to most makes of
authorities and Trades Unions will reducing money left for pa tient care. Washing Machines, Dryers,
no longer sit on the board. There will be pressure to do work Dishwashers, Microwaves Bouncy
The Community Health Council, cheaply rather than well and the and Vacuum Cleaners
the patient's voice in the NHS, will sensible planning of and assessment Hoover Trained Local Engineer

no longer have the right to inspect of local needs will be upset. We all Castle Hire
and monitor services on behalf of know of peopled ischarged too soon All work guaranteed 12'x12' & 14'x14'
users. This will be a privilege and, after hospital care and without the No VAT to pay
except for the statutory yearly back up of district nurses, to speed For Parties & Events
meeting held in public, this could be turnover. 7Day Tel: 526656 Can be used indoors in
withdrawnat the whim of directors. No extra money is available from all community halts
The District HA will have to Government for patient care but it Service or 827804 © 762955
transfer the hospital, land and has found £300 million to get these
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