A COUNCIL is paying private health care for employees on long-term sickness.
Crewe and Nantwich Borough Council says it has footed the bill in a 'handful of cases' in an effort to get staff back to work.
The council claims it is more cost effective to pay for private diagnosis and care to get staff off the sick and back to work.
But Brian Silvester, leader of the council's Conservative group, has criticised use of Council Taxpayers' money in this way.
He said: 'It is a real sign of the times that a council should have to pay for private care and highlights the sad state of NHS services locally.
'It is also ironic a Labour-run council should have to fork out for health care outside the NHS when the Government has been critical of such moves.'
In the latest case, it has been revealed, the council paid £160 for a test to be carried out quickly for an employee facing a nine-month NHS wait for a diagnostic investigation.
Assistant chief executive Alan Warburton defended the policy, saying: 'We are an equal opportunities employer, and a good one.
'We look at each case on its merits, and if a private diagnosis helps the employee get back to work, there is a system in place to cover this.
'It doesn't happen very often. I can only recall a handful of cases in quite a number of years.
'We weigh up how it will support the employee and benefit the council as a business. Clearly covering for an absent employee over several months is not cost effective or a good way of operating.'
The authority has more than 600 employees, from high-ranking officers to maintenance staff.
From April 2004 to January 2005, 3,409 days were lost through sickness including 1,255 days through long-term absence.
But sickness levels have increased, with 4,735 days lost in the same period between 2005 and 2006 - of which 2,607 were through long-term illness.
What's your verdict? We welcome your views. You can write to us at the Chronicle, 32-34 Victoria Street, Crewe CW1 2JE, fax 01270 502439, or e-mail crewe.news@ cheshirenews.co.uk
