NHS job advert sparks hostile reaction

HEALTH chiefs have apologised for a website job advert branded disgraceful.

In it NHS East and North Hertfordshire - the new name for the local PCT - refers to patients and others, as "hostile and antagonistic".

The job description states the WGC-based communications manager might have to explain "complex and sensitive issues to a hostile or antagonistic audience including journalists, MPs, stakeholders and patients".

Mike Hobday, Labour parliamentary candidate for Welwyn Hatfield, said "This is so absolutely disgraceful that I am almost lost for words.

"How can an NHS body describe patients as hostile?

"They have totally lost the plot and there is no excusing them.

"To refer to patients in this way demonstrates the management of the PCT has lost all compassion for patients.

"I am staggered that NHS officials can use such wholly offensive language.

"Whoever is responsible has no place in the NHS."

MP Grant Shapps said: "If the PCT spent less time hiring spin doctors and concentrating on delivering more great healthcare then they wouldn't get themselves into this mess.

"I think the public will find it more offensive [the comments].

"It's sad to see that this is how they think of their patients.

"They should start listening to them more."

A spokeswoman for NHS East and North Hertfordshire apologised for the wording used in the job description.

She said: "We agree it was clumsy and are genuinely sorry to have caused offence.

"We have taken immediate steps to change the relevant sentence in the document."

The spokeswoman added: "Our intention had been to convey the challenges of debate the post holder would face and the terminology we used was indeed inappropriate.

"We have the utmost respect for all with whom we engage with in our discussions around developing services.