21.12.1995

In brief

NHS crisis deepens

With the lure of low wages and appalling working conditions, especially the inhuman length of the working day, junior doctor vacancies in England increased from 530 in 1990 to 640 in 1994, while hospital consultant vacancies rose from 470 in 1991 to 570 in 1994. In some parts of the country, hospitals have to rely on locums - temporary doctors - for 10% of their staff.

The real madness is that the locums’ pay is often significantly higher than the ‘real’ doctors. The ‘marketisation’ of the NHS is threatening its destruction, with the private sector moving in to pick up the pieces. This process must be resisted.

Dundee health ration

The last few days has seen a public outcry in Tayside at the state of the renal unit at Dundee’s Ninewells hospital. In one instance a kidney machine was set up in an old store cupboard and an emergency ‘buzzer’ consisted of some parcel string and a bell to attract nurses’ attention.

The lack of funds has also meant that dialysis treatment has been rationed. The hospital trust says that it warned Tayside Health Board over a year ago that this unit needed investment, additional beds and extra space. So while the bureaucrats bicker, patients suffer.

What is needed is immediate action. Over the coming weeks Dundee Campaign Against Hospital Cuts and Closures will be working in conjunction with healthworkers and users to develop a plan for the healthcare that Dundee needs.