PARLIAMENTARY EARLY DAY MOTION
ROLE OF SUPPORT STAFF AND MANAGERS IN THE NHS (18 October 2004)

That this House notes that the modern NHS team is made up of many different people working in different jobs in different settings, all playing a crucial role in ensuring that patients receive the best care available; recognises that, of the 1.3 million staff in the NHS, 84 per cent. are involved directly in patient care, with just 16 per cent. providing the infrastructure support necessary to keep hospitals, surgeries and NHS organisations running effectively; further notes that an organisation the size of the NHS, treating one million people every 36 hours, must have effective management as well as administrative and clerical staff; has concerns that accusations of a proliferation of pen-pushers and bureaucrats in the NHS are hugely damaging to the morale of hardworking NHS staff and to the quality of the health debate; and welcomes the joint campaign by UNISON and the NHS Confederation to show the real people behind the non-clinical roles in the NHS and how managers and support staff are necessary if clinicians are to be able to deliver first-class services to patients.

Sponsored by:
Helen Jones (Labour)