Some NHS Trusts in Wales have suspended staff on full pay for over 3 years.
Figures obtained by Shadow Local Government Minister, Darren Millar AM, detail a varied and concerning picture of staff suspensions across Wales over the last 5 years including:
- 1 member of staff at Betsi Cadwalader LHB suspended for 3 and a half years
- 27 members of staff at Cwm Taf LHB suspended for between 6 and 12 months
- 22 members of staff at Cardiff and Vale LHB suspended for between 3 and 6 months
Commenting on the figures, Mr Millar said:
“This information shows a worrying snapshot of significant numbers of NHS staff being suspended for lengthy periods of time on full pay.
“While I do not dispute that it is necessary for any allegations of misconduct to be fully investigated, these investigations should be completed in a timely manner.
“It is concerning that some Trusts, like Betsi Cadwalader LHB that serves my own constituency, have seen some suspensions run for 2 or 3 years on full pay, while other Trusts, such as Powys LHB, have resolved the vast majority of suspensions within months.
“Prolonged absences through suspension undoubtedly impact on patient care and I would urge the Minister to look at the mechanisms used by NHS Trusts in Wales to investigate and resolve disciplinary issues.”
Shadow Minister for Health, Andrew Davies AM, added:
“These figures make for worrying reading.
“It is paramount that patient care is not compromised by excessive bureaucracy.
“With NHS budgets under growing pressure local health boards cannot afford to spend money on paying staff who are not working for long periods of time. This is money which would otherwise be spent on people working on the frontline treating patients.”
