contracting out - doctors' letters from india
WORKERS, SEPT 2004 ISSUE
Unison, which represents over 10,000 medical secretaries, has called for a full review of the use of an Indian-based typing service, Omnimedical, which is being used by eight hospitals to type letters for consultants and medical staff.
The union claims there has been no consultation on performance and standards and is demanding information on the pay and conditions of Indian staff. It also calls for the immediate withdrawal of the working arrangement.
As Jillian Green, UNISON rep and medical secretary at Mayday Hospital in Croydon says, "There is a very close professional bond between medical secretaries and medical staff. We would be very concerned at any outsourcing that undermined that special relationship. It is also vital that the relationship between the patient and the medical secretary acting for the hospital consultant is maintained to ensure continuity."