NHS cash squeeze: have your say

Rotherham NHS Foundation Trust is asking staff to suggest ways in which the trust can use its money more efficiently . . . but we want to know what you think. How can the NHS cut waste and provide a better service. Post a comment to let us know.

HOSPITAL bosses are appealing for suggestions to help find better ways of working and make the best use of the money they earn.

Graham Briggs, director of human resources at the Rotherham NHS Foundation Trust, said: “It’s no secret that the NHS will be facing financial challenges in the future.

“We want to do all we can to minimise the impact of this on our staff, patients and services so we’re asking our staff to work with us to plan the way ahead.

How do you think NHS Rotherham can save money and give a better service? Use the "write a comment" button to post your views.

“Our staff are in a great position to identify how we can work differently, become even more efficient and make savings whilst still delivering excellent care.”

The NHS as a whole is looking to achieve cost savings of between £15 billion and £20 billion a year by 2015—equivalent to 15 per cent to 20 per cent of the NHS budget.

Every year, the trust reviews its investments and costs and this year it is hoping to save £7 million.

Mr Briggs added: “We need to make cost savings wherever possible and

we’re committed to doing all we can to protect jobs and services.

“We want staff to get involved with planning for the future and tell us want they think and share their ideas.

“We’ve set up a special email address for people to submit their ideas and we’ll also be setting up a hotline to the chiefs so staff can call our chief executive and our chief of hospital to discuss their ideas and concerns directly.

“We’re facing some real challenges but I know that by working together we will find ways to build a healthy future.”

The trust is currently looking at the benefits of different cost-saving options and is inviting suggestions and ideas at [email protected].