As someone who has dedicated 26 years of my life to serving  the United Lincolnshire Teaching Hospitals (ULTH), I find myself compelled to speak out against the proposed introduction of a Patient Service Hub. This initiative threatens not only my job but the jobs of countless dedicated employees who have committed themselves to providing the best care for our patients.

The plan to replace staff with artificial intelligence in the Patient Service Hub is alarming. While technology can undoubtedly enhance healthcare, its replacement of human roles on such a large scale is unjustifiable. We are looking at a potential large number of job losses within our Trust, which will undoubtedly amplify stress and workloads for the remaining employees. This, in turn, could significantly reduce service quality and compromise patient safety — outcomes that cannot be accepted in such a critical field.

The financial pressures faced by the ULTH are real. However, addressing these challenges by putting jobs and, ultimately, patient care at risk is not the solution. Staff displacement should be a last resort, not the first step. We can explore alternative solutions such as optimizing current workflows, investing in staff training to improve efficiency, and scrutinizing non-essential spending, all without compromising the workforce or the services we owe to the community.

Furthermore, studies have shown that personal interaction significantly improves patient outcomes. Replacing human staff with AI could undermine the compassionate care for which our Trust is known. Patients need empathetic interactions and experienced professionals to attend to their needs — roles that AI cannot fulfill.

The quality of care must not be compromised in the pursuit of savings. Let's protect the jobs of those who have tirelessly contributed to our community's well-being and continue to make ULTH a beacon of exemplary healthcare service. I implore you to join me in calling on ULTH's leadership to reconsider and halt the plans for the Patient Service Hub.

Please sign this petition to urge the ULTH to seek more balanced, human-centered solutions to financial management and continue valuing the champions of patient care — the dedicated staff who ensure quality and safety through their work every day.