Taxi Driver Online

The Star (Sheffield)

November 28, 2006

HEADLINE: HOSPITAL BY CAB ANGER

By Gail Robinson

TAXIS could be used to transport patients to Rotherham Hospital as part of a controversial health service shake-up.

Cabs and courier firms are among those believed to have bid for lucrative contracts to take over patient transport services at Rotherham Hospital.

Hospital managers met last week to discuss the contracts - but they are refusing to say whether a decision has been taken.

But the possible use of taxis and couriers for routine appointments has already been criticised by the ambulance service, which fears it could put seriously ill patients at risk.

There are also fears that already underfunded 999 ambulances would suffer due to an increase in overheads. They are also concerned that if the taxi firms take up the service, and ambulance staff are laid off, there won't be enough staff to switch to A&E in case of an emergency.

Health unions are also planning their own campaign against the move after claiming that hospitals are adopting a "narrow and blinkered" approach which could have wider ramifications for the NHS.

Today a spokesperson for The Rotherham NHS Foundation Trust said: "Putting patient transport services out to tender is all about making sure we are getting the very best value for money and the highest quality of service.

"We can assure our patients and the public that this has been a rigorous exercise which started last year and has involved many stakeholders to ensure the service meets quality and performance criteria which is not only patient focussed and efficient but can also provide the high standards that we expect."

A decision on who the contracts would be awarded to are now expected to be announced in December. But Unison spokesman John Cafferty said: "Hospitals are only looking at bottom-line costs. It is a false economy which could cost the NHS dear in years to come.

"Effectively patients would be transported by taxi drivers not trained to the level staff are now. If you are on your way to hospital you want somebody there who can deal with any issues that arise.''
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Courier firms.

What are they going to post the patients?

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IDFIMH

This is happening up here in scotland just now i no phc drivers are taking people back and forward for hospital appointments , they dont get a taxi metered fare it is just a set price per mile when they have people on board and it is classed as voluntary. The ambulance service dont want to transport people thats able to get into vehicles outside there area.

Blairs reptiles outprivatising the Torys WONDERFUL?????????????

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The views expressed by this contributor do not neccesarily reflect the policys of The GMB Nationally or of the GMB London Region.