to many chefs and not enough indians

Some people are blaming the Conservative/Libdem coalition government for the state of the NHS in our region whilst failing to point out the privatisation started under the Labour partys stewardship. Who left the hospitals with years of Mortgage payments they cannot afford through PFI? I'll give you a clue... most are now retired and millionaires and the red rose they proudly wore in parliament is nowhere to be seen.

There seems to be too many chiefs(managers) and not enough indians(nurses).

I feel sorry for the staff as it does seem like they are over worked and under paid. Were talking about roles where peoples lives can be put at risk when staffing levels fall short. What ever these managers are getting paid to do is anyones guess, but the mess the trusts in they certainly don't seem to worth the pay they get!! It's the front line staff that appear to be run ragged and stressed to the hilt, no doubt working for far less. The maternity ward doesn't even offer epidurals, which I think is terrible. The vast majority of trusts up and down the country offer this service. I remember a few years ago when I gave birth, the birthing pool was broken. It was broken for months!! This is sub standard service and are basic services that practically every hospital offers. Terrible.

This is simply not a fair or accurate report on our West Cumbria Hospital and what is more I believe it to be a way of undermining our NHS so privatisation will be easy brought in, I blame a right wing plan to bring forward the Conservative aim to privatise it all,

How patronising can the Trust's spokesperson be?

"Lions led by donkeys" is a phrase often attributed to the German general Erich Ludendorff when describing the British infantry in WW1, it's not too much of a stretch to use it about the hardworking staff at the Cumberland Infirmary and West Cumberland hospital.

Hospitalised, yes we know that Interserve dont employ the doctors etc BUT it is still affecting ALL staff at the hospital!!!!

I know how you feel staff nurse, and ask a manager for help or to do something and they run a mile, either that or promise to get back to you then never respond to emails or answer their phone. It's just so demoralising to see them all in the canteen laughing and joking while you have to rush back and have your lunch on the run because you are so short staffed.

I am a staff nurse at the CIC. After every shift i go home exhausted and stressed. We are lucky if we manage a few minutes for a break each shift let alone get time to go to the toilet !! We are understaffed and overworked. I have been a staff nurse for over 20yrs all those years ago you were supported by your matron unfortunately not any more now if we are in difficulty it is pointless asking for help