[andrewb]

I've spoken to several NHS staff about the merger of Burnley and Blackburn. The first and main thing mentioned in all cases was the organisational problems. Staff don't like travelling further to work, and some doctors are responsible for patients in both Burnley and Blackburn. They get letters from consultants they don't know because they're spread over the two hospitals.

I queried about blue light situations involving ambulances travelling further. There are new ambulances with better trained paramedics on board, capable of dealing with critical patients much more effectively than your standard ambulance. They were quick to remind me that the first few minutes are incredibly important, so having that vital knowledge and equipment on board will save lives.

From what I have gathered the overwhelming problem is silly organisation. People who worked in Burnley moved to Blackburn, and people working in Blackburn moved to Burnley. Doctors should be at one site not spread over two.

It is quite clear that we need less top down control over our health service. More consultation with staff is required to sort out these organisational issues. That however, involves staff actually going to the management, with or without a Union representative, and airing their views.