100 voices on the reforms

From my time being at Patient Opinion as an intern I have come to know that, as the strap line demonstrates, PO recognises every voice as equally important and therefore represents both groups onto the site, giving each a platform to express their views and stories. And as we witness the biggest reorganisation of the NHS since it was created, staff opinions have become ever more crucial.

In recent months there has been endless discussion about the NHS reforms, with the cuts to budgets, staff and services a major worry for all involved. In a recent interactive piece by the Guardian, hundreds of NHS staff expressed their fears for the imminent reforms and gave their opinions on what the health and social care bill will mean for them.

From looking into the article I discovered that, whether in favour or opposed to the reforms, staff are incredibly passionate about the health service; they gave both reflective and selfless thought to the debate. I believe that all 100 voices taken from this article both demonstrate and emphasize staff's loyalty and dedication towards the NHS, regardless of their job description.

Anna Rahman, a senior trainee psychiatrist in learning difficulties believes that the reforms will have damaging effects, stating in the article that; "NHS staff are already stretched and we are seeing an impact on patients' mental health because of this. The government is being extremely foolish in eroding the morale of staff."

A story submitted by an anonymous staff member onto the PO website concurs with the belief that the reforms will be damaging, declaring that "Many services are in limbo awaiting their fate, and I feel there isn't any communication - we are left wondering. Wondering whether our service users will still have the services the provide? As for staff where will we be? No one can seem to tell us, in a trust that prides itself on community but in my opinion fails to tell their patients and staff what is happening."

However, not all NHS staff view the reforms with such disapproval. GP Johnny Marshall, from Buckinghamshire believes that reform in necessary in times of recession, pronouncing that "All the things I believe in; an NHS free at the point of use, treating people according to need; will be endangered if we do nothing, because we'll run out of money."

In times of big change such as this, it becomes ever more important to hear people's voices and ideas, especially from the people that know the NHS best; its staff and patients. From researching the reforms and reading into the opinions from staff members I have observed the complete devotion to the NHS by its staff and the desire to put patients' needs first. With pressure from the three main health unions and a range of professional bodies expressing their discontent at the reforms, and with more than 1,000 amendments having already been made to the original proposals, the debate and reorganisation is set to continue for some time. It has become ever more clear to me that peoples feedback and ideas are essential to improving UK health services.