Gwent | Archive | 2002 | September | 4
From the South Wales Argus, first published Wednesday 4th Sep 2002.
THE CONTROVERSIAL revamping of the NHS in Wales is going according to plan, National Assembly chiefs have insisted. That's despite reports that nine of 22 top jobs at new Local Health Boards (LHBs) remain unfilled. Media reports have suggested only 13 LHB chief executive posts have been filled, West Wales proving a particular vacancies hot-spot. Shadow LHBs start operating from November 1, taking the reins completely from health authorities next April 1. Attempts to recruit leaders for three proposed Assembly regional health offices have also proved unsuccessful. But the Assembly has issued a bullish statement claiming the recruitment process is on schedule: "The process was planned in two phases since initially, posts were restricted to staff currently employed by the five health authorities in Wales, or Powys NHS Trust. "Although offers have been made to candidates, we are unable to provide details until formal acceptance of appointments has been made. We are very pleased with this first round of appointments, both in terms of the number and quality of candidates. "The next stage has already begun and adverts will be placed in the press later this week. The closing date will be September 24. Assessments and interviews are scheduled for mid-October, and offers of appointment are to be made in late October." It is little wonder the Assembly has put a positive spin on the recruitment issue, as the whole restructuring has been roundly criticised. Replacement of health authorities with LHBs has been condemned by figures inside and outside the NHS. The proposed system, aimed at making the service more locally accountable, has been denounced as too bureaucratic, confusing and unworkable. In July a row erupted over restructuring costs, after it was revealed that start-up costs would be £15.5 million. Health Minister Jane Hutt and NHS Wales director Ann Lloyd repeatedly stated last autumn in the debate over restructuring, that the new system would be cost-neutral, costing no more than the current system. When start-up costs were revealed Ms Hutt insisted, to widespread scorn from opposition politicians, that these were not part of the cost-neutral claim. Gwent will have five Local Health Boards - Newport, Torfaen, Blaenau Gwent, Caer- philly and Monmouthshire. Chairmen have been appointed, but it is not known what level of interest the chief executive posts have generated.
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