Job loss fears leave Hydro staff in the dark

Nursing jobs in Southport could be lost as part of a restructuring plan that would see 500 staff across England cut.

A spokesperson for the NHS has said that ‘where possible’ staff will be redeployed. The organisation employs about 2,700 people in IT-related roles at centres across the country, with more than 100 in its Southport office at Smedley Hydro in Birkdale.

The organisation provides information and technology help nationally to the health and social care system. NHS Digital bosses say they remain committed to continuing its presence at the Birkdale office for at least three years. Sean Walsh, NHS Digital’s director of regions and professions, said: “This restructure is about skilling up our workforce and rethinking our structure.

“This will ensure that we have the deep skills and technical expertise to deliver the best service for both patients and the wider NHS and research customers, and that our structure allows us to flex according to the changing needs of the health and care sector.”