Responding to the Health Secretary's plans to redirect billions of pounds from NHS reform back into patient care, BMA chair of council Dr Tom Dolphin said:   “The Secretary of State plans to save large sums of money from reducing bureaucracy, but we are concerned about the effect of losing many roles at once from NHS England on the ‘shift to prevention’, especially in public health and planning, and the impact on all staff losing their livelihoods.   “To suggest these projected savings could fund an extra 116,000 hip and knee operations may well be the case, but we do not have enough surgeons, anaesthetists and other theatre staff, or operating space fit for purpose, to meet existing demand. We need to see the money spent filling gaps on rotas, creating much-needed training jobs for resident doctors, and restoring the value of staff salaries to show that our worth is recognised. And let’s not forget the NHS maintenance backlog standing at nearly £16 billion, with many hospitals struggling with unsafe, outdated buildings. We hope the Health Secretary will recognise that investment in staff, training and buildings and equipment is needed if the savings he is talking of are to truly translate into improved patient care   "The BMA will always stand up for a health service that is safe for patients and safe for staff. That means improving pay, training and working conditions so we can retain and recruit the doctors needed to deliver timely, high-quality care. We share the Health Secretary’s desire to see the money spent wisely, and look forward to discussing what wisely looks like."   ENDS

Notes to editors

The BMA is a professional association and trade union representing and negotiating on behalf of all doctors in the UK. A leading voice advocating for outstanding health care and a healthy population. An association providing members with excellent individual services and support throughout their lives.

For media enquiries please email [email protected] or call 020 7383 6448