Key criteria need to be met before Health Service changes should go ahead - UNISON

UNISON, Scotland's largest healthcare union, today (1 December) joined the debate on hospital closures and health service changes. In presenting evidence to the expert group investigating health service changes chaired by Professor David Kerr, Jim Devine UNISON's Scottish Organiser for Health will tell the public meeting in Glasgow at 19.00 hours tonight:

"UNISON recognises that major changes are taking place in the Scottish Health Service and that the status quo is not an option. Not only will this change impact on communities, but will also have a major impact on the staff who are providing quality care throughout Scotland.

"We think that a set of criteria should be established for all Health Boards to use when contemplating such changes. Criteria that proposals can be measured against, and that should underpin any changes.

The ten points should be

* Proposed change to services must be patient/client centred within the National Health Service.

* Proposed change to services must be evidence based.

* Patient/client safety must be a key consideration in reconfiguration of services.

* An agreed format for public involvement in decision making must be implemented.

* An agreed format for staff involvement in decision making must be implemented.

* Proposed service change must be affordable.

* Proposed service change must be sustainable.

* Prior to proposed change evidence must be produced of alternative provision and resources in place before the change is implemented.

* Proposed change must be accessible to local communities. And last, but not least,

* Proposed change must be compatible with agreed Scottish strategies in relation to the specialisation of services, workforce planning, training and development."

ENDS

For Further Information Please Contact: Jim Devine, Scottish Organiser 0845 355 0845(w) 07876 441239(m) Chris Bartter, Communications Officer, 0845 355 0845(w) 0771 558 3729(m)

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