'No impact' on patients as Shropdoc reviews staff contracts

Shropdoc, which revealed earlier this year that it is facing its most serious financial situation in more than 20 years, has confirmed that staff are currently being consulted their over terms and conditions.

It comes as it has been suggested that out-of-hours service wants to terminate the contracts of all non-medical staff, before offering them re-employment on new contracts.

In August it was revealed that Shropdoc had written to the county's clinical commissioning groups asking for financial help, as it faced up to what was described as its most serious financial challenges in 21 years.

Shropdoc chairman, Dr Russell Muirhead, confirmed that discussions are ongoing with employees but said that the service was not being affected.

He said: "We are currently undertaking a consultation with staff on terms and conditions.

"To date there has been no impact on patient service delivery, it continues at the high levels, which we have consistently provided for many years."

Dr Muirhead said that he believed staff are "generally supportive" of the changes and that the service would be able to cope as winter approaches.

He said: "Shropdoc staff have been pragmatic and generally supportive of the changes required at present and continue to work hard on the solutions. We are also in discussion with our commissioners who are fully informed.

"There is no indication that service levels will be affected as we approach winter."

In August it was confirmed that Dr Muirhead had written to GPs saying the service was costing far more than Shropdoc was receiving.

It said a number of posts have been lost and that the chief executive had also left by mutual consent.

Shropdoc's contract with Shropshire Community Health Trust is to provide out-of-hours GP care in community hospitals.

While the hospitals will have a doctor on-site during working hours, from about 6.30pm to 8am, Shropdoc will provide a GP who can also be called out to provide care in the local area.

Last year it emerged that West Midlands Ambulance Service was concerned about losing employees who were "targeting paramedics".

Speaking at the time Barry McKinnon, Shropshire area manager for the West Midlands Ambulance Service, said: "We are currently faced with the impact of Shropdoc starting to recruit urgent care practitioners.

"They are targeting paramedics and we have lost five to Shropdoc and they are looking for more."

He added: "If they continue to recruit our staff at a higher pay band then it is going to have a significant impact."