Staff anger at redundancy of "popular and caring manager"
 Furious diagnostic radiographers have slammed a decision to save money by getting rid of an "effective and efficient manager who runs one of the best radiology departments in the north west." They warn of the impact the decision will have on morale and patient care.
Staff sent a letter to the chair of the board at Blackpool Victoria Hospital that says the radiology department is "completely outraged" at the decision to make Stewart Whitley, the hospital's manager of radiology, redundant.
The letter demands that the board explain how they failed to recognise Mr Whitley's suitability for the post as well as claiming that "his consultative style of management has been inspirational and his support and dedication to his post unequalled."
The radiographers have passed a vote of no confidence in the board of directors of the hospital trust and have warned that "this ill fated decision will have far reaching consequences for future negotiations."
As well as being a highly respected and experienced radiographer, Stewart Whitley is acknowleged throughout the profession as having developed and managed one of the region's best diagnostic imaging departments. He has contributed to leading textbooks and has been responsible for implementing a number of major projects at the Victoria.
“At a time when the NHS is undergoing such profound and rapid change it is even more important that the NHS does everything it can to keep its leaders," says Warren Town, the director of industrial relations for the Society of Radiographers.
The Society has been generating local publicity to support members including an interview on the local BBC radio station and a story in the Blackpool Gazette.
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