1 00:00:43,287 --> 00:00:45,278 (CAR DOOR OPENS) 2 00:00:48,487 --> 00:00:51,081 - What is it today, sir? - The Ministry. 3 00:00:51,247 --> 00:00:54,683 All morning on Health Service administration. 4 00:00:54,847 --> 00:00:57,202 A chap just now on the radio 5 00:00:57,367 --> 00:01:01,485 said the trouble with health, education and transport 6 00:01:01,647 --> 00:01:04,844 is that people in Government go to private hospitals 7 00:01:05,007 --> 00:01:08,124 and send their kids to private schools! 8 00:01:08,287 --> 00:01:10,847 Comedy programme, was it? 9 00:01:11,007 --> 00:01:13,999 And go to work in chauffeur-driven cars! 10 00:01:15,687 --> 00:01:18,360 Think there's something in it, sir? 11 00:01:18,527 --> 00:01:21,758 If you and Sir Humphrey went to work on a number 27... 12 00:01:21,927 --> 00:01:23,246 Quite impracticable! 13 00:01:23,407 --> 00:01:27,923 We work long enough hours as it is, without having to wait at bus stops. 14 00:01:28,087 --> 00:01:31,762 - You'd need more efficient buses. - Certainly would. 15 00:01:31,927 --> 00:01:34,964 Yes, that's what he was saying. 16 00:01:35,927 --> 00:01:39,966 Same with the Health Service. You a member of BUPA, sir? 17 00:01:40,127 --> 00:01:43,563 - Anything on the radio, Roy? - "Yesterday in Parliament". 18 00:01:43,727 --> 00:01:45,285 Don't bother... 19 00:01:45,447 --> 00:01:48,837 (RADl0) Mr Lanford, opposition member for Birmingham, 20 00:01:49,007 --> 00:01:52,124 asked the Administrative Affairs Minister, James Hacker, 21 00:01:52,287 --> 00:01:55,802 about reducing administrators in the Health Service. 22 00:01:56,447 --> 00:02:00,963 (HACKER) We have already achieved a reduction of 11.3% 23 00:02:01,127 --> 00:02:03,357 in administrative staff 24 00:02:03,527 --> 00:02:06,803 and are actively pursuing further economies. 25 00:02:06,967 --> 00:02:10,846 (LANF0RD) Would you explain how his assurance to the House 26 00:02:11,007 --> 00:02:15,922 squares with this minute from his own department? 27 00:02:16,087 --> 00:02:19,716 (REP0RTER) Then Mr Lanford dramatically produced a paper. 28 00:02:19,887 --> 00:02:23,766 (LANF0RD) I quote, "If admin staff were reclassified 29 00:02:23,927 --> 00:02:25,918 "from administrative to technical..." 30 00:02:26,087 --> 00:02:27,440 (MPs CHEERING) 31 00:02:27,607 --> 00:02:32,237 "...and the comparison changed from the financial to calendar year, 32 00:02:32,407 --> 00:02:37,686 "then the figures will show a fall of 11.3%. " 33 00:02:37,847 --> 00:02:41,442 Would the Minister care to comment on this shabby deception? 34 00:02:42,647 --> 00:02:45,286 Bit of a googly, sir. 35 00:02:46,247 --> 00:02:49,603 (HACKER) I... er... I... erm... 36 00:02:49,767 --> 00:02:54,079 I have no knowledge of the document you're brandishing. 37 00:02:55,367 --> 00:02:58,803 (LANF0RD) I shall give the file reference to the Minister 38 00:02:58,967 --> 00:03:04,325 in exchange for an assurance of a full independent enquiry. 39 00:03:04,487 --> 00:03:05,920 (JEERING) 40 00:03:06,847 --> 00:03:08,963 (HACKER) I will give that assurance. 41 00:03:09,127 --> 00:03:13,086 (REP0RTER) The House read the Scottish Fisheries' Bill... 42 00:03:13,247 --> 00:03:16,683 That's a bit rough, innit? "A full independent enquiry"! 43 00:03:17,967 --> 00:03:22,085 - You were dropped in it there. - I think I got away with it. 44 00:03:22,247 --> 00:03:26,479 Lucky they didn't ask you about that new hospital, sir. 45 00:03:26,647 --> 00:03:31,562 They finished it 15 months ago, and it's still got no patients. 46 00:03:31,727 --> 00:03:34,366 The DHSS can't afford to staff it. 47 00:03:34,527 --> 00:03:38,440 It's got staff, 500 administrators. 48 00:03:38,607 --> 00:03:40,802 - Just no patients. - Who told you? 49 00:03:40,967 --> 00:03:44,357 My mate Charlie, a driver for the Health Secretary. 50 00:03:48,207 --> 00:03:50,118 - I'm appalled! - So am I. 51 00:03:50,287 --> 00:03:52,164 The incompetence of it! 52 00:03:52,327 --> 00:03:54,841 I can't think what came over you. 53 00:03:55,007 --> 00:03:56,520 I beg your pardon! 54 00:03:56,687 --> 00:04:01,363 - A full independent enquiry. - Humphrey, that's not what I meant. 55 00:04:01,527 --> 00:04:04,644 - But you mentioned incompetence. - Yours, Humphrey, yours! 56 00:04:05,167 --> 00:04:08,045 - Mine?! - You dropped me into it? 57 00:04:08,207 --> 00:04:13,042 We can't foresee a small omission from the brief, but a full enquiry?! 58 00:04:13,207 --> 00:04:17,166 I don't want an enquiry, but if you're drowning and thrown a rope... 59 00:04:17,327 --> 00:04:20,080 That wasn't a rope, it was a noose! 60 00:04:20,247 --> 00:04:22,442 You should've stood up for the department! 61 00:04:22,607 --> 00:04:25,599 I prepared thoroughly for yesterday's Question Time, 62 00:04:25,767 --> 00:04:31,717 but nowhere was the suggestion you'd juggled the figures so I'd mislead the House! 63 00:04:31,887 --> 00:04:36,802 You wanted the figures reduced? So we reduced the figures! 64 00:04:36,967 --> 00:04:41,438 - Yes, but not the administrators. - Of course not. 65 00:04:41,607 --> 00:04:46,476 - That's not what I meant. - Minister, one isn't a mind-reader! 66 00:04:46,647 --> 00:04:50,003 - You said reduce them, so we did. - And another thing: 67 00:04:50,167 --> 00:04:52,635 How did this get out? Another leak? 68 00:04:53,767 --> 00:04:56,804 This isn't a department, it's a colander! 69 00:04:56,967 --> 00:05:01,324 How can we govern responsibly, if backbenchers get all the facts? 70 00:05:01,487 --> 00:05:06,322 - The enquiry gives us some time. - So does a time-bomb! 71 00:05:06,487 --> 00:05:09,126 - Is there a disposal squad? - Disposal squad? 72 00:05:09,287 --> 00:05:13,121 Couldn't we get the independent enquiry to exonerate us? 73 00:05:14,487 --> 00:05:18,480 - Do you mean rig it? - No, no, no, no! 74 00:05:18,647 --> 00:05:20,239 Well... yes. 75 00:05:20,927 --> 00:05:22,246 Minister! 76 00:05:23,127 --> 00:05:25,561 It depends on who the chairman is. 77 00:05:25,727 --> 00:05:29,037 - He absolutely has to be sound. - Sound? 78 00:05:29,207 --> 00:05:34,600 He will know what is required. He will perceive the implications. 79 00:05:34,767 --> 00:05:38,476 He will have a sympathetic insight into the problems. 80 00:05:38,647 --> 00:05:41,525 In short, he will be "sound". 81 00:05:41,687 --> 00:05:43,439 You mean... bent? 82 00:05:43,607 --> 00:05:45,598 No, of course not! 83 00:05:45,767 --> 00:05:48,918 He will be a man of broad understanding... 84 00:05:49,087 --> 00:05:51,760 How about... a retired politician? 85 00:05:51,927 --> 00:05:54,600 ...and unimpeachable integrity. 86 00:05:54,767 --> 00:05:56,962 Yes, I see what you mean. 87 00:05:57,127 --> 00:05:59,243 - A businessman? - Oh, really! 88 00:05:59,407 --> 00:06:02,365 - An academic? - No, no, no. 89 00:06:02,527 --> 00:06:07,601 - Who've you got in mind? - Perhaps a retired civil servant. 90 00:06:07,767 --> 00:06:11,646 - Good thinking, Humphrey. - Sir Maurice Williams. 91 00:06:11,807 --> 00:06:13,957 Might not he be too independent? 92 00:06:14,127 --> 00:06:18,040 - Well, he's hoping for a peerage. - Not through this? 93 00:06:18,207 --> 00:06:22,041 No, but the right finding will earn him Brownie points! 94 00:06:22,207 --> 00:06:25,961 - Brownie points?! - They all add up towards the badge! 95 00:06:27,447 --> 00:06:30,484 - Well, Sir Maurice it is. - Thank you, Minister. 96 00:06:30,647 --> 00:06:33,161 Thank you... Brown Owl. 97 00:06:33,327 --> 00:06:34,646 Oh! 98 00:06:37,007 --> 00:06:39,157 Good morning, Bernard. 99 00:06:39,927 --> 00:06:43,397 - Two points... the Cuban refugees. - Not that again? 100 00:06:43,567 --> 00:06:46,923 It's about our refusal to do any more for them. 101 00:06:47,087 --> 00:06:50,875 It's not my fault, it's the Treasury. You can't beat the Treasury! 102 00:06:51,047 --> 00:06:52,844 I shall say nothing. 103 00:06:53,007 --> 00:06:58,525 One more public humiliation and I'll become a political refugee myself! 104 00:06:58,687 --> 00:07:03,078 - And the other point? - The alleged empty hospital. 105 00:07:03,247 --> 00:07:07,206 As I warned you, the driver's network is not wholly reliable. 106 00:07:07,367 --> 00:07:10,279 - Roy's wrong. - Thank heavens for that! 107 00:07:10,447 --> 00:07:14,235 - How did you find out? - The private secretaries' network. 108 00:07:14,407 --> 00:07:15,726 And? 109 00:07:15,887 --> 00:07:20,597 In fact, there are only 342 administrative staff at the hospital. 110 00:07:20,767 --> 00:07:25,158 The other 170 are porters, cleaners, laundry workers, cooks, etc. 111 00:07:25,327 --> 00:07:26,885 And medical staff? 112 00:07:27,047 --> 00:07:29,117 Oh, none of them. 113 00:07:29,887 --> 00:07:32,321 - None? - No! 114 00:07:32,487 --> 00:07:35,285 We are talking about St Edward's Hospital? 115 00:07:35,447 --> 00:07:38,200 Yes. It's brand-new and fully-staffed. 116 00:07:38,367 --> 00:07:41,086 Unfortunately, there were cutbacks, 117 00:07:41,247 --> 00:07:44,205 so there was no money for medical services. 118 00:07:44,367 --> 00:07:48,076 A hospital with over 500 non-medical staff and no patients? 119 00:07:48,247 --> 00:07:50,283 - There's one patient. - One? 120 00:07:50,447 --> 00:07:54,645 The deputy administrator fell over scaffolding and broke his leg. 121 00:07:54,807 --> 00:07:56,365 Good God! 122 00:07:56,527 --> 00:08:00,645 Thank heavens I wasn't asked about this! Why hasn't it got out? 123 00:08:00,807 --> 00:08:04,004 It's been contrived to look like a building site, 124 00:08:04,167 --> 00:08:07,318 and so far no one's realised it's operational! 125 00:08:07,487 --> 00:08:10,763 You know, scaffolding, skips, the normal thing? 126 00:08:11,287 --> 00:08:14,916 Normal?! I'd better look at it before the opposition does. 127 00:08:15,087 --> 00:08:18,363 Yes, it's surprising the press haven't found out. 128 00:08:18,527 --> 00:08:21,360 Fortunately, most journalists are so incompetent, 129 00:08:21,527 --> 00:08:24,121 they wouldn't know today is Wednesday. 130 00:08:24,287 --> 00:08:27,245 It's actually Thursday, Minister. 131 00:08:31,647 --> 00:08:33,922 Let's sit down there. 132 00:08:34,087 --> 00:08:36,920 Why is your Minister interested in this hospital? 133 00:08:37,087 --> 00:08:40,716 He's greatly concerned that it has no patients. 134 00:08:40,887 --> 00:08:43,640 - It takes all sorts. - Yes. 135 00:08:43,807 --> 00:08:45,923 - Evening. - Good evening. 136 00:08:47,007 --> 00:08:51,876 How can there be patients when it has no nursing staff? 137 00:08:54,127 --> 00:08:56,516 - Thank you. - Splendid. 138 00:08:56,687 --> 00:08:58,962 - Sir Humphrey? - Thank you. 139 00:09:00,087 --> 00:09:05,445 We've found at the DHSS that it takes time to get things going. 140 00:09:06,647 --> 00:09:11,323 First of all, you have to sort out the smooth running of the hospital. 141 00:09:11,487 --> 00:09:15,275 Having patients around would be no help at all. 142 00:09:15,847 --> 00:09:18,281 They'd just be in the way. 143 00:09:18,447 --> 00:09:23,885 - Tell him this is the run-in period. - Yes, yes, the run-in period. 144 00:09:24,607 --> 00:09:27,804 How long is the run-in period going to last? 145 00:09:27,967 --> 00:09:30,845 My Minister's agreed to an independent enquiry. 146 00:09:31,007 --> 00:09:35,205 - You know what I think about that. - Yes, I know, but... 147 00:09:35,887 --> 00:09:40,961 ...we are going to get some patients into St Edward's... 148 00:09:41,847 --> 00:09:43,439 ...eventually? 149 00:09:44,287 --> 00:09:46,039 Aren't we? 150 00:09:46,207 --> 00:09:48,198 It's possible. 151 00:09:49,967 --> 00:09:52,765 Certainly our present intention. 152 00:09:53,847 --> 00:09:55,838 In a year or two. 153 00:09:56,767 --> 00:10:00,919 Probably... when the financial situation has eased up a bit. 154 00:10:01,087 --> 00:10:02,520 Not till then? 155 00:10:02,687 --> 00:10:06,965 How can I open 40 new wards when I'm closing everywhere else? 156 00:10:07,127 --> 00:10:12,121 - Treasury wouldn't wear it. - My Minister may want to shut the place. 157 00:10:12,287 --> 00:10:14,482 Impossible! What about the unions? 158 00:10:15,247 --> 00:10:19,445 - Are the unions active there yet? - Good point. 159 00:10:21,767 --> 00:10:25,999 Remember that firebrand agitator at Southwark Hospital? 160 00:10:27,607 --> 00:10:30,565 Billy Fraser, odious man. Could be useful. 161 00:10:30,727 --> 00:10:33,366 Time he was moved on. 162 00:10:37,007 --> 00:10:41,398 The Health Service is an advanced case of galloping bureaucracy! 163 00:10:41,567 --> 00:10:44,479 Oh, certainly not galloping! 164 00:10:46,727 --> 00:10:48,957 A gentle canter at the most. 165 00:10:49,127 --> 00:10:53,245 - Instances flood into this office. - From whom, Minister? 166 00:10:53,407 --> 00:10:56,683 MPs, constituents, doctors, nurses, the public. 167 00:10:56,847 --> 00:10:58,678 Trouble makers! 168 00:10:58,847 --> 00:11:01,645 - The public?! - They're the worst. 169 00:11:02,287 --> 00:11:03,640 Listen to this. 170 00:11:03,807 --> 00:11:06,879 "Stethoscope requisition: Due to current situation, 171 00:11:07,047 --> 00:11:11,120 "it is not possible to issue the extra stethoscopes applied for. 172 00:11:11,287 --> 00:11:17,476 "We can, however, supply longer tubes for your existing stethoscopes." 173 00:11:18,407 --> 00:11:21,956 - Well? - Doesn't that strike you as odd? 174 00:11:22,127 --> 00:11:25,085 - If they have long tubes... - No, no. 175 00:11:25,247 --> 00:11:28,717 No, not longer stethoscopes, MORE stethoscopes. 176 00:11:28,887 --> 00:11:31,560 If they had really long tubes, 177 00:11:31,727 --> 00:11:36,642 the doctor could stand in one place and listen to all the chests. 178 00:11:40,407 --> 00:11:42,523 What about nurses' uniforms? 179 00:11:42,687 --> 00:11:45,838 "Apparently the latest consignment of nurses' coats 180 00:11:46,207 --> 00:11:50,359 "is made of a see-through material; nurses issued with these 181 00:11:50,527 --> 00:11:55,078 "are requested to report to the Director of Uniform Surveillance 182 00:11:55,247 --> 00:11:59,798 "who will assess the extent of the problem." 183 00:11:59,967 --> 00:12:04,358 - Nice work if you can get it. - Humphrey, I'm serious! 184 00:12:05,407 --> 00:12:10,640 "Please note that the soft toilet rolls are for patients not staff. 185 00:12:10,807 --> 00:12:15,597 "It would appear that staff have been using the soft toilet rolls 186 00:12:15,767 --> 00:12:18,440 "for one reason or another." 187 00:12:20,007 --> 00:12:24,239 "St Stephen's Mortuary will be closed over Christmas. 188 00:12:24,407 --> 00:12:27,604 "During the holiday, medical staff are to cooperate 189 00:12:27,767 --> 00:12:30,759 "in keeping pressure off this department." 190 00:12:32,287 --> 00:12:34,596 A very civil and reasonable request. 191 00:12:34,767 --> 00:12:40,399 You think the rest of the year doctors work hard to keep it busy? 192 00:12:40,967 --> 00:12:43,765 These are a few isolated examples. 193 00:12:43,927 --> 00:12:49,206 The Health Service is as efficient as the Government allows it. 194 00:12:49,367 --> 00:12:52,279 Nonsense! The figures speak for themselves. 195 00:12:52,447 --> 00:12:57,475 In ten years, the number of administrators has risen by 40,000. 196 00:12:57,647 --> 00:13:01,083 The number of hospital beds has fallen by 60,000. 197 00:13:01,247 --> 00:13:07,243 The annual cost of the Health Service has gone up by £1.5 billion! 198 00:13:07,407 --> 00:13:11,400 If only British industry could match this growth record. 199 00:13:11,567 --> 00:13:15,446 You think spending more money on fewer patients 200 00:13:15,607 --> 00:13:18,041 so we can employ more administrators 201 00:13:18,207 --> 00:13:22,041 is a good way of spending the taxpayer's money? 202 00:13:22,207 --> 00:13:23,526 Certainly. 203 00:13:23,687 --> 00:13:27,362 This money is solely to make sick people better. 204 00:13:27,527 --> 00:13:30,405 No, no, no, Minister. 205 00:13:30,567 --> 00:13:33,127 It is to make everybody better. 206 00:13:33,287 --> 00:13:37,644 Better for showing the extent of their care and compassion. 207 00:13:37,807 --> 00:13:43,086 You see, when money is allocated to the Health or Social Services, 208 00:13:43,247 --> 00:13:46,637 Parliament and the country feel... cleansed. 209 00:13:47,647 --> 00:13:51,242 Purified. Absolved. It is a sacrifice. 210 00:13:51,407 --> 00:13:53,284 Dreadful claptrap! 211 00:13:54,007 --> 00:13:59,525 After the sacrifice, nobody questions what happened to the offering. 212 00:13:59,687 --> 00:14:05,637 - The public does care if it's misspent. - They care it's not seen to be misspent. 213 00:14:05,807 --> 00:14:11,006 That's not true. Look at the uproar over mental hospital scandals. 214 00:14:11,167 --> 00:14:13,044 My point exactly. 215 00:14:13,207 --> 00:14:16,722 Those abuses had been going on happily for years. 216 00:14:16,887 --> 00:14:20,880 Nobody was concerned what was being done with their money. 217 00:14:21,047 --> 00:14:25,438 - What outraged them was being told! - A cynical smokescreen! 218 00:14:25,607 --> 00:14:30,920 Do we not agree there's no point in a hospital run solely for the staff? 219 00:14:31,087 --> 00:14:36,081 - That's not how I would express it. - It's how I would. 220 00:14:36,247 --> 00:14:38,238 Indeed. 221 00:14:39,247 --> 00:14:42,717 - How would you express it? - At the end of the day, 222 00:14:42,887 --> 00:14:46,004 one of a hospital's prime functions is patient care. 223 00:14:46,167 --> 00:14:47,486 One? 224 00:14:47,647 --> 00:14:51,560 Until we have the money for nursing and medical staff, 225 00:14:51,727 --> 00:14:55,766 it's a function we can't pursue. In 18 months or so... 226 00:14:55,927 --> 00:14:59,124 - 18 months? ...we can open some wards. 227 00:14:59,287 --> 00:15:01,642 No, it's got to be now. 228 00:15:02,807 --> 00:15:06,277 I suppose we could form an inter-departmental committee 229 00:15:06,447 --> 00:15:09,564 to examine the feasibility of monitoring a proposal 230 00:15:09,727 --> 00:15:12,400 for admitting patients earlier. 231 00:15:12,847 --> 00:15:15,884 - How long would that take to report? - Not long. 232 00:15:16,047 --> 00:15:19,483 How long? About 18 months...! 233 00:15:20,207 --> 00:15:23,802 I suggest we get rid of all the staff there 234 00:15:23,967 --> 00:15:28,483 and use the money to open closed wards in other hospitals. 235 00:15:28,647 --> 00:15:34,040 When we can afford it, we open St Edward's with medical staff. 236 00:15:34,207 --> 00:15:37,995 Do that and you'll delay the opening for patients for years. 237 00:15:38,167 --> 00:15:41,523 You talk as if the staff have nothing to do! 238 00:15:41,687 --> 00:15:44,042 - What do they do? - Really, Minister! 239 00:15:44,207 --> 00:15:47,279 There's a large number of extremely busy departments. 240 00:15:47,447 --> 00:15:51,122 Firstly, the Contingency Department for fires, strikes, air raids, 241 00:15:51,287 --> 00:15:54,597 nuclear war, epidemics, food or water poisoning. 242 00:15:54,767 --> 00:15:58,806 In such a crisis, the hospital is a key centre for survival. 243 00:15:58,967 --> 00:16:01,640 Then, the Data and Research Department, 244 00:16:01,807 --> 00:16:06,278 conducting a full-scale demographic survey of the catchment area. 245 00:16:06,447 --> 00:16:09,917 We have to anticipate the future requirements for maternity, 246 00:16:10,087 --> 00:16:14,126 geriatrics, paediatrics and the male/female balance. 247 00:16:14,287 --> 00:16:17,359 Thirdly, there's Finance - projected accounts, 248 00:16:17,527 --> 00:16:20,280 balance sheets and cash-flow budgets. 249 00:16:20,447 --> 00:16:25,567 Then, the Purchasing Department for purchasing medical equipment, 250 00:16:25,727 --> 00:16:29,959 examining estimates, looking at price lists and catalogues... 251 00:16:30,127 --> 00:16:32,004 Purchasing what? 252 00:16:32,167 --> 00:16:33,725 Everything, Minister. 253 00:16:33,887 --> 00:16:37,846 Everything from brain scanners to Brasso! May I continue? 254 00:16:38,007 --> 00:16:39,326 Be briefer. 255 00:16:40,207 --> 00:16:44,325 Would that I could, Minister, but you need to understand. 256 00:16:44,487 --> 00:16:47,365 Fifth, the Technical Department for evaluations. 257 00:16:47,527 --> 00:16:51,884 Sixth, the Building Department dealing with Phase 3 plans, 258 00:16:52,047 --> 00:16:57,041 costing and so forth for the final phase to be completed by 1994. 259 00:16:57,207 --> 00:17:00,040 Then, there's Maintenance, Cleaning and Catering, 260 00:17:00,207 --> 00:17:04,246 Personnel in charge of leave, National Health Insurance, salaries, 261 00:17:04,407 --> 00:17:09,561 as well as staff welfare officers to look after the 500 employees. 262 00:17:09,727 --> 00:17:12,605 - And finally, Administration. - Administrators! 263 00:17:12,767 --> 00:17:15,156 More administrators administrating other administrators! 264 00:17:15,327 --> 00:17:17,887 This is important work, Minister. 265 00:17:18,047 --> 00:17:21,722 The typing pool, stationery, office furniture and equipment. 266 00:17:21,887 --> 00:17:26,802 - Liaison between departments. - Are you being serious or not? 267 00:17:26,967 --> 00:17:31,245 - What do you mean? - There are NO patients! 268 00:17:31,407 --> 00:17:34,479 That is what a hospital's for. Patients! 269 00:17:34,647 --> 00:17:37,559 Ill people! Healing the sick! 270 00:17:37,727 --> 00:17:43,404 But all these vital tasks must be done with or without patients. 271 00:17:44,087 --> 00:17:45,998 Why? 272 00:17:46,927 --> 00:17:49,805 - Why? - Why? 273 00:17:51,007 --> 00:17:53,202 I don't understand. 274 00:17:53,367 --> 00:17:56,086 How else can I express it? Why? 275 00:17:56,247 --> 00:17:58,920 Would you sack the army because there's no war? 276 00:17:59,087 --> 00:18:02,921 Completely different! A hospital must produce results. 277 00:18:03,087 --> 00:18:08,719 We don't measure our success by results but by activity. 278 00:18:08,887 --> 00:18:13,244 Those 500 people are seriously overworked! 279 00:18:15,847 --> 00:18:19,283 The full establishment should be 650. 280 00:18:19,447 --> 00:18:21,881 May I show you the paperwork? 281 00:18:22,047 --> 00:18:25,278 No, Humphrey. Enough is enough. Sack them! 282 00:18:25,887 --> 00:18:28,799 Out of the question, Minister. 283 00:18:28,967 --> 00:18:32,482 We need administrators or the hospital will never open. 284 00:18:32,647 --> 00:18:36,117 - Sack the ancillary staff. - The unions won't wear it. 285 00:18:36,287 --> 00:18:41,156 Sack half and use the money to get doctors and nurses, 286 00:18:41,327 --> 00:18:43,682 and open some wards! 287 00:18:43,847 --> 00:18:47,681 No, Humphrey, that's my last word. My last word! 288 00:18:47,847 --> 00:18:49,917 You may go! 289 00:18:51,407 --> 00:18:55,559 Very well, Minister. I shall have a word with the unions. 290 00:18:56,567 --> 00:19:00,082 - But I don't hold out much hope. - Go! 291 00:19:02,407 --> 00:19:05,763 That seems to be everything. Thank you for coming. 292 00:19:12,247 --> 00:19:14,966 Thank you very much. 293 00:19:16,047 --> 00:19:18,083 Very good meeting. 294 00:19:18,247 --> 00:19:21,478 - Got time for a drink? - A quick one. 295 00:19:21,647 --> 00:19:24,207 The usual? Make yourself at home. 296 00:19:24,367 --> 00:19:25,766 Thank you. 297 00:19:31,527 --> 00:19:35,236 What are we going to do about St Edward's? 298 00:19:35,407 --> 00:19:37,477 St Edward's Hospital? 299 00:19:37,647 --> 00:19:41,322 Not much of a case. Can't fight you on it. 300 00:19:42,127 --> 00:19:44,197 What do you mean? 301 00:19:44,367 --> 00:19:49,600 We realise you can't keep ancillary staff on in an empty hospital. 302 00:19:50,167 --> 00:19:52,965 Isn't that a bit defeatist? 303 00:19:53,887 --> 00:19:55,923 What? 304 00:19:56,087 --> 00:19:59,682 - Surely, you can stick up for them? - You want us to...? 305 00:19:59,847 --> 00:20:02,964 It's not just your workers, you know? 306 00:20:03,127 --> 00:20:08,565 The 342 civil servants must have some workers to administer. 307 00:20:08,727 --> 00:20:13,562 - Civil servants are never laid off. - We live in disturbing times. 308 00:20:14,367 --> 00:20:19,202 You mean, if we take industrial action, you'll support us? 309 00:20:19,367 --> 00:20:22,677 My dear Brian, I am the Permanent Secretary. 310 00:20:22,847 --> 00:20:25,805 My task is to turn the wheels of government. 311 00:20:25,967 --> 00:20:29,357 I couldn't possibly countenance any such action. 312 00:20:30,487 --> 00:20:36,357 But... if there were effective opposition from the ancillary workers, 313 00:20:36,527 --> 00:20:39,246 the civil servants would have to stay. 314 00:20:39,407 --> 00:20:40,965 And the Minister? 315 00:20:41,127 --> 00:20:45,518 The Minister doesn't know his ACAS from his NALGO. 316 00:20:50,607 --> 00:20:53,280 I haven't got much of a case. 317 00:20:53,447 --> 00:20:57,599 Hospital empty for 15 months, wards not open for another year. 318 00:20:57,767 --> 00:21:01,965 Pull yourself together. Think of your members' wives and children. 319 00:21:02,127 --> 00:21:05,164 Their... cats... budgies! 320 00:21:05,327 --> 00:21:07,761 They're resigned to it by now. 321 00:21:08,527 --> 00:21:12,042 Is Billy Fraser resigned to it? 322 00:21:12,727 --> 00:21:15,195 Yes... but he's over at Southwark. 323 00:21:16,087 --> 00:21:18,965 Do you want to bet? 324 00:21:19,407 --> 00:21:20,806 You mean...? 325 00:21:22,127 --> 00:21:27,326 Well, that's a different matter, with some real shop-floor militancy. 326 00:21:27,487 --> 00:21:30,763 You see? Unity. Solidarity. 327 00:21:31,527 --> 00:21:34,485 - Thanks for the drink. - Thank you, Brother. 328 00:21:34,647 --> 00:21:39,038 Please give my kind regards to our fraternal comrades. 329 00:21:41,807 --> 00:21:46,403 # We shall not We shall not be moved # 330 00:22:09,687 --> 00:22:13,396 Minister, this is Mrs Rogers, the chief administrator. 331 00:22:13,567 --> 00:22:17,719 - Nice to meet you. - Billy Fraser, committee chairman. 332 00:22:17,887 --> 00:22:22,563 - How nice to meet you. - I wouldn't be too sure. 333 00:22:29,047 --> 00:22:31,845 This is 'F' ward. 334 00:22:37,127 --> 00:22:40,642 (RACKET OF TYPEWRITERS AND PHONES) 335 00:22:44,487 --> 00:22:47,285 (PHONES RING INCESSANTLY) 336 00:22:50,887 --> 00:22:53,685 And this is 'J' theatre. 337 00:22:56,327 --> 00:23:02,880 - How much did all this cost? - With radiotherapy... two and a quarter million. 338 00:23:03,047 --> 00:23:08,758 - It's appalling it's not used! - No, a very good thing in some ways. 339 00:23:08,927 --> 00:23:12,522 Prolongs its life, cuts down running costs. 340 00:23:12,687 --> 00:23:14,803 But there are no patients! 341 00:23:14,967 --> 00:23:17,640 But essential work has to go on. 342 00:23:17,807 --> 00:23:20,367 Aren't patients essential work? 343 00:23:20,527 --> 00:23:24,202 Running an organisation of 500 people is a big job. 344 00:23:24,367 --> 00:23:27,882 But if they weren't here, they wouldn't be here! 345 00:23:28,047 --> 00:23:30,117 This is wrong. It won't do. 346 00:23:30,287 --> 00:23:33,359 Either get some patients or I'll close it. 347 00:23:33,527 --> 00:23:38,476 - Well, in the course of time... - Not in the course of time. Now! 348 00:23:38,647 --> 00:23:44,040 Get rid of 300 staff, get some doctors and get some patients! 349 00:23:44,207 --> 00:23:48,439 Without those 300 people this hospital wouldn't function! 350 00:23:48,607 --> 00:23:50,643 And it's functioning now? 351 00:23:50,807 --> 00:23:55,005 Minister, it's one of the best-run hospitals in the country. 352 00:23:55,167 --> 00:23:57,965 It's up for a Florence Nightingale Award. 353 00:23:58,127 --> 00:24:02,757 - What, pray, is that? - "The Most Hygienic Hospital". 354 00:24:03,327 --> 00:24:06,763 I've said my last word. 300 staff must go. 355 00:24:06,927 --> 00:24:12,684 - 300 jobs lost?! - Surgery with a skeleton staff?! 356 00:24:12,847 --> 00:24:17,796 Don't do any surgery. Do varicose veins, piles... Do something! 357 00:24:17,967 --> 00:24:21,721 - You mean 300 jobs lost?! - Yes, I do. 358 00:24:21,887 --> 00:24:25,596 A hospital is a place for healing of the sick! 359 00:24:25,767 --> 00:24:30,045 It's employment for my members, and you want to sack them. 360 00:24:30,207 --> 00:24:32,801 Is that your compassionate society? 361 00:24:32,967 --> 00:24:35,959 Compassionate to patients rather than your members! 362 00:24:36,127 --> 00:24:38,721 We'll come out on strike. 363 00:24:39,487 --> 00:24:41,762 Very well, do that. 364 00:24:41,927 --> 00:24:46,478 Who can it harm? Do, please! Strike, the sooner the better! 365 00:24:46,647 --> 00:24:51,960 Take the administrators with you. Then we shan't have to pay you. 366 00:25:01,647 --> 00:25:05,879 - How about a drink before home? - Yes. Thank you, Minister. 367 00:25:06,047 --> 00:25:10,325 - That went well at the hospital. - Yes, Minister. 368 00:25:10,487 --> 00:25:13,843 - I wasn't standing any argument. - No, Minister. 369 00:25:14,007 --> 00:25:18,364 Threatening to strike! Played right into my hands. Cheers! 370 00:25:18,527 --> 00:25:21,325 Aren't we missing the news? 371 00:25:22,607 --> 00:25:28,523 0ur diplomatic correspondent says the US is pressuring the UK 372 00:25:28,687 --> 00:25:31,076 to take Cuban refugees. 373 00:25:31,247 --> 00:25:33,522 The Government has made no comment. 374 00:25:33,687 --> 00:25:35,564 Got no money. 375 00:25:35,727 --> 00:25:42,360 All workers in London hospitals are to go on strike at Friday midnight. 376 00:25:43,087 --> 00:25:45,647 Right... What?! 377 00:25:45,807 --> 00:25:48,401 A row has blown up at St Edwards 378 00:25:48,567 --> 00:25:52,924 over the proposed laying-off of 170 ancillary workers. 379 00:25:53,087 --> 00:25:55,555 We spoke to activist Billy Fraser. 380 00:25:55,727 --> 00:25:58,719 We're striking against unemployment. 381 00:25:58,887 --> 00:26:02,243 We can bring London's hospitals to a complete standstill. 382 00:26:02,887 --> 00:26:07,563 There'll be no blood transfusions, no cancer treatment, nothingl 383 00:26:07,727 --> 00:26:10,639 Till we have the compassionate society. 384 00:26:10,807 --> 00:26:15,881 - How can you do this to patients? - It's Mr Hacker that's doing it. 385 00:26:16,047 --> 00:26:20,359 But you're inflicting terrible sanctions on the innocent public. 386 00:26:20,527 --> 00:26:25,726 I'd like to take this opportunity to assure the general public, 387 00:26:25,887 --> 00:26:30,278 every stone will be left unturned in a search for a settlement. 388 00:26:32,567 --> 00:26:36,765 Have you seen the news? You said you'd talk to the unions! 389 00:26:36,927 --> 00:26:41,205 - What are we going to do? - We have a more serious problem. 390 00:26:41,367 --> 00:26:44,598 Sir Maurice's independent enquiry about the department. 391 00:26:44,767 --> 00:26:46,883 It's unfavourable to us. 392 00:26:47,047 --> 00:26:49,117 You said he was sound! 393 00:26:49,287 --> 00:26:53,326 I know, but he's also working as chairman 394 00:26:53,487 --> 00:26:56,126 of the Refugee Resettlement Committee. 395 00:26:56,287 --> 00:27:00,599 There are more Brownie points for refugees than enquiries! 396 00:27:00,767 --> 00:27:02,485 Precisely, Minister. 397 00:27:02,647 --> 00:27:05,605 We've no money to re-house the refugees. 398 00:27:06,127 --> 00:27:08,687 - Minister? - I don't want to talk! 399 00:27:08,847 --> 00:27:10,997 It's Number 10... 400 00:27:14,967 --> 00:27:16,400 Hello, Ji... 401 00:27:16,567 --> 00:27:18,159 Yes. Quite. 402 00:27:18,327 --> 00:27:19,646 I see. 403 00:27:19,807 --> 00:27:22,037 Not at all. Thank you. 404 00:27:22,607 --> 00:27:24,996 They've seen Fraser on the news. 405 00:27:25,167 --> 00:27:28,000 They want a peace formula soon! 406 00:27:28,167 --> 00:27:34,800 Sir Maurice says he'll be satisfied only if the UK will house 1,000 refugees. 407 00:27:34,967 --> 00:27:39,483 But we haven't the money. Or for 1,000 hospital beds... 408 00:27:40,567 --> 00:27:44,242 - How many refugees? - 1,000. 409 00:27:44,407 --> 00:27:47,479 1,000 refugees? 1,000 beds! 410 00:27:47,647 --> 00:27:53,085 Minister, that hospital is for sick British not healthy foreigners! 411 00:27:53,247 --> 00:27:56,637 - There's a huge waiting list. - Didn't you just say 412 00:27:56,807 --> 00:28:00,686 Sir Maurice's enquiry was likely to come down against us? 413 00:28:00,847 --> 00:28:03,919 - That's a... - That what you want? 414 00:28:05,287 --> 00:28:07,801 I see your point, Minister. 415 00:28:07,967 --> 00:28:12,483 Bernard, reinstate all the workers at St Edward's. 416 00:28:12,647 --> 00:28:15,957 Tell Sir Maurice we can offer a new hospital, 417 00:28:16,127 --> 00:28:18,721 with accommodation for 1,000 refugees. 418 00:28:18,887 --> 00:28:22,926 Tell the press it was my decision and that everybody's happy. 419 00:28:23,087 --> 00:28:27,126 - Do want to give a quote, Minister? - Why not? Say... 420 00:28:27,287 --> 00:28:31,838 "It was a tough decision, but a necessary one. 421 00:28:33,927 --> 00:28:37,966 "If Britain is to retain the name of..." 422 00:28:38,127 --> 00:28:41,802 - "The compassionate society"? - Thank you. 423 00:28:41,967 --> 00:28:44,720 "...the compassionate society." Got that? 424 00:28:44,887 --> 00:28:47,321 Yes, Minister. 425 00:28:49,887 --> 00:28:59,321 http://episode-heaven.rt.hu