WIREDGOV

The privatisation of maternity care in the Wirral is the ‘thin end of the wedge’ that could threaten the quality of care and the employment conditions of midwifery jobs, Unite, the union, has claimed.

NHS Wirral has become the first trust in the country to sign a contract with a private company, One to One to provide maternity services to women. 

Unite’s general secretary, Len McCluskey said:  .....  ‘Unite is very concerned that as private companies take over more and more services in the NHS, the profit motive will take priority over patient care – and that the pay and employment  conditions of NHS staff, such as midwives and maternity staff, will be seriously eroded over time.’ 

‘The fact that this is the first time the NHS has signed a contract of this nature, with the backing of the Department of Health, is nothing to be proud of – it is the thin edge of the wedge.’ 

‘In five years time, who is to say there won’t be a scale of charges for some maternity services at this very pivotal, and often traumatic, moment in a women’s life – giving birth.’ .........

‘Already this company is in talks with other NHS trusts in England Wales about providing some of their maternity services - the privatisation of NHS is quickly accelerating.’ 

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Note to news editors: 

For further information, please contact Unite communications officer, Shaun Noble on 07768 693940