Bath Street Health Centre job losses with service transfer

The GP out of hours service will be operated by Primary Care 24 from April 1 following a transfer from Bridgewater Community Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust.

The Warrington Guardian understands that more than 20 people will be out of work as a result, including out of hours nurses and doctors.

A member of staff, who wished to remain anonymous, said that those who look set to lose their jobs are upset, having only been given one month notice.

Most are bank staff who have worked regular shifts at the centre for years, and for whom this has been their main job.

Drivers who take doctors on visits out of hours are also expected to see their jobs lost.

The staff member added: “The new service will end at 11pm, which will also have an impact on the A&E department at Warrington Hospital.

“Unlike other areas, Warrington does not have Walk-in centre, so this will put more pressure on A&E.”

After being approached by the Warrington Guardian, a Primary Care 24 spokesman said: “This is a new and exciting opportunity for us to work with the NHS Warrington CCG team, and we are really looking forward to meeting with and developing our relationship with all members of staff.

“We are working closely with the current provider of the out of hours service, Bridgewater NHS Community Healthcare, and unions to ensure that the transition to us, as the new provider and employer of staff, is as smooth and transparent as possible.

Bath Street Health and Wellbeing Centre (Image: Google Maps)

“The service will operate throughout the out of hours period, and specifically the Warrington Bath Street site will be available to see patients between the hours of 6.30pm and 11pm from Monday to Friday, and on weekends and public holidays between 8am and 11pm.

“Face-to-face home visits will also be available when necessary.

“Our priority is, and always will be, to work with the CCG to provide a healthcare service that has the health and wellbeing of patients at the heart of everything we do.”

After being approached again for a specific comment regarding job losses, the spokesman added: “Any organisational changes of this nature are subject to a full consultation with staff.

“As we are still at an early stage in this process, we are unable to comment further at present.”

Paula Woods, director of people and organisational development at outgoing service provider Bridgewater Community Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust, explained that any transfer of NHS service to a new provider is a complex process to undertake.

She said: “We will do all we can to make sure the transition is as smooth as possible for the service and the staff affected.

“As part of the formal consultation process, we are currently talking to our staff, trade union colleagues and the new provider.

“It would be unfair to comment on the specific concerns raised as these questions relate to the receiving organisation.

“Any questions asked by the parties involved in the transfer however will be addressed and responded to through the formal consultation processes.”