A TaxPayers' Alliance investigation has revealed that NHS Trusts have budgeted £1,834,005.60 from 2022 to 2024. In 2024 NHS staff networks put on 1,095 events. Staff were able to attend events like 'Afternoon and Evening Quizzes', 'South Asian Heritage Month Music Concert' and Summer picnics that allowed stuff to take a half day.
Speaking to the Daily Mail, which published these findings, our investigations campaign manager, Joanna Marchong said:
“Taxpayers will be dismayed to see NHS trusts pouring more money into staff networks year after year, while waiting lists spiral and junior doctors strike over pay.
“With patients on waiting lists, it's astonishing to see staff spending their working hours at Eurovision parties, open mic nights and summer picnics.
“There is a time and a place for staff engagement and with resident doctors walking out and the NHS hemorrhaging money, now isn’t the time. Ministers must get a grip and put patients before perks.”
Read the full story here.