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Glasgow’s Victoria Infirmary has dumped multinational firm Sodexho and will be bringing the health support staff back into the National Health System. According to media reports, approximately 250 cooks, cleaners, porters and switchboard operators will be hired directly by the NHS by November 1.

“This news has particular relevance for BC where health authorities are exploring privatization and contracting out as ways of dealing with the Liberal government’s health cuts,” says Hospital Employees’ Union spokesperson Zorica Bosancic. “Premier Campbell should pay attention because the lesson from Scotland is clear – in-house is better.”

The Glasgow Evening Times reported the decision July 27, noting “Cleaning services at the south side hospital have been under the microscope since a series of health scares earlier this year.”

The Times article added that “workers at the Victoria had criticized massive cuts in cleaning staff levels that dropped by more than half after services were given to Sodexho.”

“The Victoria Infirmary’s move to bring health support services back into the NHS is a good one,” says Bosancic. “BC’s health authorities can learn a valuable lesson from the Victoria’s experience.”