More than 500 NHS jobs across two counties are expected to be cut as part of a significant organisational overhaul.
The government confirmed in March that integrated care boards, known as ICBs, would be required to reduce running costs by half in an effort to improve efficiency and increase productivity across the health service.
Ed Garratt, chief executive designate for both the Norfolk and Waveney ICB and the Suffolk and North East Essex ICB, explained that the current workforce of around 1,200 employees would be reduced to roughly 673. He acknowledged the challenging circumstances facing staff and praised their continued professionalism during the transition.
ICBs oversee budgets for hospitals, GP surgeries and dental services, while also managing wider population health strategies. Under the NHS proposal for the East of England, the number of ICBs would fall from six to three as part of the streamlined structure.
A formal staff consultation began on Wednesday to review the proposed reorganisation and planned reductions in operational spending. The consultation period is scheduled to close on 12 January.
Although no set timeline has been provided for when job losses may begin, Unison has suggested that redundancies could start within the coming months. Rad Kerrigan, Unison’s Eastern regional organiser, noted that employees with crucial expertise had been left uncertain about their futures. He warned that remaining staff would face unsustainable pressure as workloads increase, which could ultimately impact patient care.
The Department of Health and Social Care has stated that the aim of the restructure is to reduce administrative layers and direct more resources to front-line services, supporting NHS staff and improving outcomes for patients while ensuring responsible use of public funds.
