As NHS restructuring ripples through Dorset, dedicated staff faced with confusion and exhaustion are choosing to walk away, writes Jon Sloper
Since the March 2025 announcement of the dissolution of NHS England and the restructuring of Integrated Care Boards – including our own NHS Dorset – many staff have been left in a painful and uncertain position about their roles and their futures. Unclear and shifting deadlines have compounded the trauma of consultation and redundancy processes. So-called “voluntary” redundancies have been offered, yet further job losses are still required.
Unknown and shifting deadlines for decisions have compounded the trauma of consultation and redundancy processes. “Voluntary” redundancies have been offered, but further losses are still required. New roles have been presented that existing staff must apply for if they wish to remain in the NHS. However, these roles do not clearly match existing ones, and the new working structures are still under development. Confusion and distress are widespread.
At the heart of it all is the sense that years of hard work and commitment can be tossed aside without any apparent consideration. Personal dedication and team commitments have no place in the plan for a – as yet unclear – new model of work. Instead there is a cliff edge as current arrangements end, and at best a poorly fitting parachute into the next phase.
Taking their knowledge
HR colleagues and senior managers are also caught in this process, trying to fix the unfixable, explain the inexplicable and implement this mandated redundancy process with as much kindness and empathy as possible – while also being insecure in their own employment.
On Radio 4’s Today programme on 25th March, Health Minister Wes Streeting described some senior leadership redundancies as ‘weeding out people who perform poorly in their jobs’. In my experience, not only is that inhuman and insulting, but it is quite the opposite of what is happening.
Dozens of dedicated people who have given years of passionate service and supported communities in countless ways are choosing to leave from a place of exhaustion and heartbreak. They are stepping away where they can – and taking their expertise, knowledge and compassion with them.Meanwhile, those who remain are expected to continue delivering a health service that meets rising demand and perpetually shifting political priorities. At times, this is simply too much. Over recent months I have listened to colleagues in tears, frustrated and overwhelmed by uncertainty and hurt by what feels like disregard for their work. Their identity, rooted in a culture of public service, is shaken. For many, redundancy comes at a time of rising living costs and growing financial pressure. The personal toll is heavy.
Help and Kindness was, in part, born out of Dorset’s local government reorganisation in 2019, when two unitary authorities replaced the county and district councils. We hoped that if change came again, we could offer support and connection – helping provide continuity as roles shift, people move on and systems are rebuilt. We work closely with hundreds of people in our public sector organisations and are doing all we can to offer our compassion and solidarity as they navigate their way through these times of unprecedented change.
We work closely with hundreds of people across our public sector organisations and are doing all we can to offer compassion and solidarity as they navigate this period of upheaval.
As these changes continue, kindness and understanding will not alter the outcomes, but they will matter deeply to those living through them. Many are facing the loss of both their jobs and their sense of identity. We send them our love, our gratitude and our kindness.
helpandkindness.co.uk
