23 November 2001
The union, which represents senior civil servants, has revealed that NHS staff comprise the fastest growing section of its membership, with a 25% increase in 12 months.
Simon Moore, chief communications officer, told Public Finance that a large number of executives had joined because they feel exposed by the government's growing tendency to criticise NHS managers for failures, regardless of whether they are individually responsible.
Moore added: 'There has been a steady influx of NHS members because they feel that there are excessive demands to see someone held to account for problems, regardless of the details of a particular case.
'Although it was an exceptional and sensitive case, with very specific details of who should be accountable for the actions of other NHS staff, the sentiment of NHS managers has been evident in reactions to the treatment of Hilary Rowland at Alder Hey.'
Rowland was sacked this week as chief executive after being found guilty of misconduct and bringing the Liverpool-based children's hospital into disrepute over her handling of the organ retention scandal.
A spokesman for the Institute of Healthcare Management confirmed that its members are also concerned about their 'accountability exposure', particularly where the government's star-rating system conflicts with the findings of Commission for Health Improvement reports.
He added: 'No-one is questioning that there should be accountability, but there are concerns that it is open season for criticism of managers.'
PFnov2001
