subject: Community nurses in Cumbria may be affected by plans [print this page] Community nurses in Cumbria may be affected by plans
Plans drawn up by NHS managers in Cumbria may impact on those with community nurse jobs in the area.
Under the terms of a government overhaul, all primary care trusts are to be abolished within the next three years, the BBC reports.
The services such organisations provide, which includes community nursing, will be managed by new organisations.
After considering a number of options, a health committee has recommended an amalgamation with Cumbria Partnership NHS Foundation Trust, which is involved in the provision of services including mental health, learning disability and drug and alcohol use across the region.
Currently, the organisation employs around 1,500 members of staff and it serves a population of over 487,000.
In order for the move to go ahead, the business case will need to be approved by the north-west's strategic health authority and the Department of Health.
If it does get the green light, around 2,500 staff, including those with community nurse jobs, would transfer with their existing pay, conditions and pension rights protected.
Commenting on the ideas, NHS Cumbria's chief operating officer Nigel Maguire said: "We have listened to staff and representations from a wide range of people and organisations and believe we have found the best solution.
"Joining forces with Cumbria Partnership NHS Foundation Trust will create an organisation of equal partners who together will be greater than the sum of their parts."
Other plans that would have impacted on community nursing and other services included one to merge with one of Cumbria's existing hospital trusts and the creation of a new community trust. Both were deemed to be unsuitable.
Community nurses and other medical professionals around the country are preparing for a number of changes to come into force as the government looks to cut costs and provide the NHS with a new direction.
